White spots on the shower glass, crusty faucets, cloudy drinking glasses: if that sounds familiar, you are dealing with hard water. Water across the Albuquerque metro carries a lot of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. When the water evaporates, those minerals stay behind as scale.
Where do hard water stains show up?
- Glass shower doors and mirrors
- Faucets, showerheads and drains
- Tubs, sinks and tile grout
- Toilet bowls, as a ring at the waterline
- Dishwasher interiors and glassware
- Windows near sprinklers
How do I remove hard water stains safely?
Mild acids dissolve mineral scale. For most glass and fixtures:
- Spray a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water, or use a descaler made for that surface.
- Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes so it can break down the minerals.
- Scrub with a non-scratch pad or soft brush. An old toothbrush works well around faucet bases.
- Rinse well and dry with a microfiber cloth. Drying is what prevents new spots.
- For a showerhead, soak it in a bag of vinegar for about an hour, then run hot water through it.
Which surfaces need extra care?
Acids can damage some surfaces. Skip vinegar and acidic cleaners on natural stone such as granite, marble and travertine, and be careful with sealed grout and specialty fixture finishes. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s care instructions or test a small hidden spot first. Never mix cleaning products, and never combine bleach with an acid.
How can I prevent buildup?
- Squeegee or towel-dry shower glass after each use.
- Wipe faucets dry after cleaning.
- Use a rinse aid in the dishwasher.
- Clean bathrooms weekly so scale never has time to harden.
- Ask a plumber whether a water softener makes sense for your home.
When is it time for a deep clean?
Scale that has built up for months takes time and the right product for each surface. During a deep clean, our team works through bathrooms and kitchens detail by detail using eco-friendly, non-toxic products with no bleach. Moving out? Bathroom fixtures and glass are among the first things a landlord notices, so plan for them in your move-in/move-out cleaning.
Want to know what your home needs? Request a free quote or call (505) 266-5318.