Hard water buildup is not usually something you look forward to. It’s kinda gross and it can be a pain when trying to maintain a clean home. Why does hard water build up, and how can you prevent it?
Have you ever gone into you bathroom to brush your teeth or take a shower, and you see this nasty film in your shower or on your faucet? What about in the kitchen on the sink or on your nice, clean dishes? Have your clothes been stiff after they are washed? These are all results of hard water in your home, which causes that nasty film on your faucets and dishes, and why your clothes may be stiff after they come out of the washer.
What is considered “hard water”?
Based on the Water Research Center website, water is considered “hard” because it is high in dissolved minerals. Mostly calcium and magnesium. I don’t know about anyone else, but whenever I hear that there is something in my water, I start to question if it’s good for my health. No worries though, hard water does not pose any threat to your health.
Speaking about health, there are actually some benefits for having hard water in your home. Yes, it is a nuisance, but drinking hard water can benefit your body because of the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water.
Why does hard water buildup?
Remember those minerals? When hard water is left to dry, the water is evaporated and the minerals are left behind. Which is the nasty film you can see on your faucets, dishes, and maybe even on your skin or hair.
Now we understand what hard water is, and why hard water buildup exists. How can you clean it and prevent it?
The best way to remove hard water stains is vinegar. For example, when cleaning a dishwasher, pour one cup of vinegar in an empty dishwasher and run it through. Vinegar acts as a solvent which can help dissolve the mineral residue.
A couple tips we have to help you to prevent hard water buildup. The first tip is to not let water sit. Like I explained before, when hard water is left to dry, the water will evaporate and the mineral residue will be left behind. Another way is to regularly use a spray cleaner. This will remove any buildup and make sure everything is disinfected.
Enjoy!