Glass is one of the more robust materials in the home, but it is still not protected from stains and deposits. Both glasses and large glass surfaces like windows and shower walls can look dirty even if they are cleaned regularly. And one of the most common reasons for this is the hard water, which results in limescale deposits. But how can limescale stains be removed from glass if they have already appeared? You can find the best home remedies that you can use as an alternative to chemical cleaners in the article.
Hard water can cause many household inconveniences, the biggest and most annoying of which is the formation of limescale. Because we all know the feeling when you take a clean glass out of the dishwasher only to find that itlooks cloudy. Luckily, there are a few ways to prevent this.
What is lime?
Limescale, also known as calcium carbonate, is a hard, white or sometimes green deposit that typically appears on glass, tiles,shower heads and other fittingsthat come into regular contact with hard water. Hard water is rich in calcium and magnesium - minerals that aggregate over time to form the hard and calcareous sediment known as lime.
If you've noticed limescale buildup on your shower door, window, or glassware, you'll be happy to know that the problem can be solved quickly and doesn't necessarily require harsh chemicals. There are three common home remedies that can remove limescale stains from glass without much effort.
Solution of white vinegar and water
White vinegar is an excellent way to restore a calcified surface to its shine. Mix a solution of half water and half white vinegar and spray it onto the surface.
Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping it off and polishing the surface with a dry cloth. For particularly stubborn limescale deposits, you may need to use the rough side of a scratch-resistant scouring pad and a little degreaser. This method works perfectlyfor glass shower walls.
To clean cloudy glasses, mix the vinegar with warm soapy water and soak the glasses in the mixture. After 15-30 minutes, scrub the glasses with a soft cloth or sponge and then rinse them well.
White vinegar and baking soda against limescale on the glass shower
Another way to use white vinegar to combat limescale deposits on the shower is to heat the vinegar. If you choose this method, be sure to protect your hands and skin to avoid burns.
- Start by bringing a cup of white vinegar to a boil either on the stove or in the microwave. Place the vinegar on a stable surface within reach of the limescale deposits and allow it to cool slightly.
- Wearing rubber gloves, dip clean paper towels in the vinegar and place them on the jar over the lime. The acid in the vinegar will penetrate the mineral deposits and dissolve them.
- Let the vinegar sit for 30 to 60 minutes, spraying the cloths with vinegar from time to time to keep them moist.
- After 30 to 60 minutes, remove the paper towels and sprinkle a generous amount of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) onto a damp cloth or sponge. The sodium bicarbonate reacts with the vinegar and provides additional cleaning power.
- Gently wipe the shower door and rinse the area with water to remove all traces of vinegar and baking soda. If limescale residue remains, scrub the area again with baking soda until all mineral deposits are removed.
Use a paste made from baking soda or baking soda for limescale stains on glass
Many households already have baking soda in the cupboard, and this is one of the cleaning tasks where it is a great natural cleaning agent. If you don't have one, you can buy it at any supermarket.
Baking soda is a natural abrasive and is therefore ideal for removing limescale deposits on glass walls or drinking glasses. Mix the home remedy with water or vinegar until a thick cleaning paste is created.
Rub a small amount of the paste onto the limescale with a damp cloth, leave it to act for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth before polishing the glass with a dry cloth.
Use toothpaste to remove limescale deposits on glass
Another method of removing limescale deposits, which is also called successful, is the use of toothpaste.
Rub the toothpaste onto the surface using either a sponge or an old, soft toothbrush and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse off the paste and buff the area with a clean, dry cloth.
We recommend using a cheap, white toothpaste for cleaning - you don't want to use up your expensive whitening toothpaste or your sensitive toothpaste on the shower wall.
Remove limescale stains from glass with newspaper
Crumpled newspaper is very effective at cleaning and polishing glass surfaces. Try crumpling up old newspapers, moistening them with water or a vinegar solution, and scrubbing away the stains.