Hard water stains may not cause permanent damage to your stainless-steel surfaces, but they are not visually appealing. The stains appear in the form of white spot residues that are left behind when water with high levels of minerals evaporates. Since many kitchen appliances are made of stainless steel, having these stains is a common issue. But luckily, they are easy to remove using a couple of household supplies.
Removing hard water stains on stainless steel appliances
While these stains won’t disrupt the efficiency of your appliances, they can be unsightly to look at. So, removing them is key to keeping your appliances clean always. There are so many household products you can use to remove these stains:
Vinegar and water
Using a spray bottle, mix equal parts of water and distilled white vinegar. You can use this solution to clean out your appliances. Spray the mixture directly onto the stains and let it sit for a couple of minutes before gently scrubbing with a non-abrasive cloth. Rinse off any remaining vinegar residue and immediately dry the area with a clean cloth. Simple and to the point.
Baking soda and water
In a small bowl, mix baking soda with enough water to form a thick but spreadable paste. Apply the paste directly onto the stainless-steel stains and let it sit for a few minutes, until the paste hardens slightly. Use a damp cloth to gently scrub the stained surface, then rinse with water to remove any residue. Wipe the area dry with a clean cloth to prevent new stains from forming.
Club soda
Depending on the type of stainless-steel appliance you’re cleaning, you can either pour club soda directly onto the hard water stains or soak a sponge or cloth in club soda and apply it to the stains. Gently scrub the stains until they lift, rinse with water to remove any residue, and promptly dry the area with a clean, non-abrasive cloth.
When choosing a cleaning solution, always opt for distilled white vinegar or baking soda. Using apple cider vinegar or red vinegar can leave behind a residue and may discolour the appliances. Distilled white vinegar is inexpensive and readily available.
Written by CHUMASANDE MATIWANE
First published on Garden & Home
Also see: Falling in Love with My Dishwasher: How Small Appliances Stole My Heart
