Our homes are marvels of engineering systems like your plumbing and drains. Toilets, sinks, and showers need regular, time consuming cleaning. Understanding the needs of your ‘system’ – like water quality, surface materials – as well as the right products and techniques can cut cleaning time by 30 percent. At Aaron & Son Plumbing & Drain Services, our plumbers perform a wide range of services that are tailored to your plumbing needs for your home or business and we offer these tips to assist in your efforts in maintaining your ‘system’.
Water stains are formed from the natural abundant minerals found in hard water, particularly calcium, magnesium, and iron that attach to and form a hard scale in the toilet bowl, hardened mineral deposits on faucets, and layered soap scum on shower wall tiles. The key to removing tough stains is selecting the right cleaner to do the work for you.
To begin, save time by keeping all cleaning tools and products in one bucket and put them out of children’s reach. Before cleaning, turn on vent fan and/or open window and put on chemical-resistant rubber gloves and eye protection.
There are five basic types of cleaning chemicals: surfactants, alkalis, acids, solvents and disinfectants. Develop a basic understanding of these and you can pick the right cleaner for any job. Always read and follow the label to make sure the cleaner is nonabrasive and safe to use on the faucet surface and the tub, tile, or sink surfaces.
There are also several natural cleaners for removing hard water stains:
- Using a mixture of half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle, spray your tub and shower, and wait a few minutes before wiping clean.
- Using a paste made from baking soda and vinegar, smear the paste over the surface of the stain and let sit for 15 minutes. After the mixture has settled in scrub clean and rinse with water. Then wipe dry immediately to prevent new surface stains forming.
- Finally, try using lemon juice. Spray fresh lemon juice on hard water scale build-up near faucets. Rinse after 10 minutes. Again, make sure to wipe the area clean.
To minimize hard water stains in future, watch for water spots and wipe them up as soon as possible before the water evaporates leaving the mineral stain behind. You may also consider installing a water softener.
Contact Aaron & Son Plumbing & Drain Services for Your Plumbing Solutions in Aurora and Newmarket
At Aaron & Son Plumbing & Drain Services, we have built our reputation on our depth of experience, excellent workmanship, and great customer service with 24 hours, 7 days a week emergency plumbing service. If you have concerns about your system, call us today in Aurora, Newmarket or in the surrounding areas of York Region.