How to Remove Hard Water Stains for Taps and Glass?

If you’ve ever noticed your taps looking streaky after use, or have shower glass that never seems fully clean, you’ve probably got hard water. It’s common in some parts of Australia, and it can quickly become a nuisance.

The good news is that with the right techniques, you can get rid of these stains to keep your space looking brand new. In this blog, we will explore what hard water stains are, what causes them and how you can remove them from tapware and glass surfaces.

What are hard water stains?

Hard water stains are mineral deposits left behind when water evaporates. These stains are caused by high concentrations of calcium and magnesium in the water supply — which happens if your home has hard water. Over time, they can build up on surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom, making them look chalky.

Not sure if your home has a hard or soft water supply? Check out this blog.

What do hard water stains look like?

Hard water stains look like a white, chalky buildup on surfaces, hardware and bathroom accessories. They’re most noticeable on materials like chrome or glass and can dull your fixtures and make them harder to clean. Regular cleaning and investing in high-quality tapware can prevent this buildup.

How to remove hard water stains from taps

Keeping taps free of hard water stains will keep your fixtures in good condition. Here’s how to clean them to remove hard water stains:

Use vinegar: Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the stained tap. If it’s the first time you’re doing this, test on a smaller, less-visible area first. Leave it for 15–30 minutes to better dissolve the mineral deposits.
Scrub: After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or soft brush to scrub the stains gently.
Baking soda: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply it to the stains, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Lemon juice: For extra shine, cut a lemon in half and rub it over the tap to break down any remaining stains and add extra shine.
Buff out: Once clean, dry the tap with a microfibre cloth to prevent new stains from forming.

How to remove hard water stains from glass

Glass surfaces, especially shower doors, are prone to hard water stains due to constant water exposure. Here’s how to clean glass shower doors with hard water stains:

White vinegar spray: Fill a spray bottle with an equal amount of white vinegar and water. Spray on the glass and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before wiping it clean with a microfibre cloth.
Scrub with baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge and scrub the affected areas.
Commercial cleaners: Use a specialist hard water stain remover designed for glass if stains persist.
Prevent future buildup: After cleaning, dry the glass with a squeegee or cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

Hard water stains? No more

Hard water stains can be stubborn, but you can keep your taps and glass surfaces looking spotless with the right cleaning techniques. Keeping on top of regular maintenance and keeping your surfaces dry will help prevent stains from becoming a permanent problem.

Do you have questions about which bathroom fixtures are best for you? Check out Yabby’s range of high-quality tapware and contact our friendly team today!