SHOP NOW How to remove hard water stains on glass Read for the best ways to get rid of hard water stains on toilets, showers, sinks, glass and more. There are also cleaning products you can buy that can easily remove hard water stains and buildup. This cupboard staple can remove spots from glasses, polish up faucets and chrome fixtures, and de-gunk shower heads. The best way to remove hard water stains is with an ingredient you probably already have in your pantry: vinegar. The best ways to remove hard water stains While it may be tempting to let a mild stain sit until cleaning day, the longer it sits the harder it is to remove. It’s best to remove hard water stains as soon as they appear.
Note that hard water stains can become permanent, damaging surfaces like glass, if left too long. Usually, these stains are chalky white but can also be brown or rust-colored depending on which minerals are in the water. When water contains high levels of minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and iron, it’s considered "hard." Those unsightly hard water stains are caused when hard water droplets dry and leave behind calcium mineral deposits. First, you might be wondering what exactly hard water is and why it causes stains.