The Science Of Water Stains And The Easy Tips To Remove Them
The typical tap water contains a lot of dissolved natural minerals and also chemicals that get introduced through the water treatment process to make it drinkable. You have things like calcium and magnesium ions. Commonly referred to as "hardness minerals," dissolved calcium and magnesium can cause numerous problems when present in a water supply.
As water falls from the sky in its various forms, it absorbs carbon dioxide in the air and becomes slightly acidic. Water in this weak acid state reaches and enters the ground. Since it is acidic, it absorbs calcium and magnesium, among other things, from the layers of rock through which it passes.
The minerals neutralize the waters acidity but also makes it hard. Then the water finds its way into larger bodies of water both above and below ground, and eventually into our homes.
Water hardness is typically measured in "parts per million," an indication of the quantity of dissolved calcium and magnesium the water contains. In amounts as small as one part per million, water is classified as "hard" to a certain degree. Most homes use water that is considerably harder.
While many families choose to soften their water by removing the calcium and magnesium with home water treatment equipment, many don't even realise they have it in the first instance, however there are some easy ways to prevent it.
Facts: Studies indicate that upwards as many as 80% of homes are supplied with hard water. Hard water costs you money, causes soap scum and scale, and reduces the efficiency of water-using appliances.
Hard water stains occur when the water evaporates leaving behind the mineral deposits causing unsightly stains around taps, faucets, sinks, showerheads, tiles and on carpets.
These water stains can also arise if you try and remove an existing stain using tap water.
How To Remove Water Stains
Water stains are difficult to remove. And they are worse when you use ordinary cleaners. However removing hard water stains becomes easy when the right approach is used. There are simple ways you can use to remove even the most stubborn stains leaving them as good as new.
You can use the natural acids found at home. Since the stains are typically caused by calcium and magnesium, it is possible to use lemon juice and white vinegar. The white vinegar is a weak acid with 5% of acetic acid. By virtue of this acid percentage, stains such as rust stains in sinks, mineral deposits on glass and tarnish that occurs on brass or copper.
Similarly, lemon juice contains citric acid that works in the same manner as vinegar. Removing hard water stains using these readily available stain removers is cost effective, but does not always produce the results you'd hope for. At the same time, your fixtures do not get extra problems such as those that accompany the use of chemicals in hard water stain removal.
The method that is commonly used involves filling a spray bottle with pure vinegar or lemon juice. Then you proceed to spray the area that have the water stains you wish to remove. The vinegar or lemon should be sprayed in generous amounts to ensure that the stains are completely soaked.
After a while, it is recommended that you wipe away the surfaces and the stain should now be lifted.
Removing water stains can be very tricky especially when you are unsure of their root causes. It is possible that you could end up making the stain worse if you use the wrong stain removal method. It is important to identify the kind of stains that you want to remove to avoid using the wrong methods. Then there are just some stains that you will simply need professional help to remove properly.
If you have a water stain, your unsure of the source or you just want help to remove professionally and permanently then call FiberSeal to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team today!