Keep this cleaning guide handy for the next time pesky hard water stains appear.

Hard water can also be high in iron, leaving behind unsightly rust stains.

Learn how to get rid of unsightly hard water stains for sparkling surfaces and properly functioning appliances.

close up of water running in sink

Credit:Christina Schmidhofer

Products to Use for Hard Water Stains

Mary Gagliardi (aka Dr. Low-pH products don’t contain sodium hypochlorite bleach; bleach-containing products are formulated at a high pH.

Jennifer Cosco, founder of MomRemedy, advises usinghydrogen peroxideto battle hard water stains.

Once the deposits are broken down, the stains become easier to clean and wipe away.

bathroom with walk-in shower and stool with towels

Credit:Stacey Brandford

Start by applying the solution directly to the hard water stain on glass, tile, or faucets.

Then, using a scrub brush, sponge, or cloth, gently scrub the stained areas.

The combination of hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing helps to lift and remove hard water stains.

herringbone tile kitchen

Credit:Ryan Bent

For toilets, Gagliardi recommends the Clorox Toilet Bowl CleanerLime & Rust Destroyer.

It has a bleach-free formula that cleans hard water stains and sanitizes toilets.

Hard water buildup might also be responsible foryour kitchen faucetnot spraying water properly.

laundry room with sink

Credit:CARSON DOWNING

Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour to loosen any gunk.

Run another cycle with a dishwasher cleaning product like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets.

Run a normal cycle with just water afterward to ensure all vinegar is rinsed out.