Take Better Care of Your Home in 2015

To kick off the New Year, new home in 2015 initiative, you really want to make a bang! Cleaning hard water deposits or calcium from glass, tile, stone, and surfaces in your home is something a lot of us put off all year. Read the following tips in order to make this home-changing update, just by cleaning, as easy and quick as possible!

Cleaning Hard Water Deposits and Calcium Buildup

Cleaning hard water deposits or calcium deposits can sound intimidating. By using the right cleaning solutions and methods for cleaning things like glass shower doors, tile, stone, and other areas these deposits occur, you can do it in a breeze!

Myths of “Do-It-Yourself” and Some Over-the-Counter Claims

It is important to stray away from sources that aren’t accredited, as far as cleaning methods, which might suggest a “Do-It-Yourself” solvent that can have adverse effects on expensive marble, travertine, or stone. When in doubt, consult a professional industrial supplier or professional cleaning company.

Cleaning Hard Water Buildup from Glass

Hard water buildup is hard to avoid on glass shower doors, glass windows, and outdoor glass surfaces. Using either pH or alkaline cleaners are recommended to best remove the hard water deposits. pH-balanced cleaners are recommended for smaller surfaces that have light deposits. Alkaline cleaners are stronger and remain on the surface for a longer period of time, and are recommended for heavier deposits on larger areas.

It is important to remember to tape off silicone joints with a heavy-duty tape, prior to applying an alkaline-based cleaner, as it may compromise the bond of the joint. Once this precaution is performed, we recommend applying the cleaning solution over the entire piece of glass and allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. For outside glass, the moisture and solution may evaporate or start to dry prior to 10 minutes, so it is recommended to reapply as often as needed to keep the cleaning solution moist while on the glass.

After the solution has set for about 10 minutes, or enough to sink in to the calcium buildup, use a razor blade to scrape the surface down, and then rinse it clean with water. If areas of heavy hard water deposits are built up and formed a scale deposit, you can use a single-sided razor blade to shave that off until it is removed. Rinse with water again.

After the glass is clean of deposits, apply another coat of cleaning solution for 5-10 minutes, scrub the surface with a scrubbing pad, then use the wall scraper as needed (usually lightly). Lastly, rinse the glass surface again and dry using a squeegee or a clean paper towel.

Removing Water & Calcium Deposits from Tile

Hard water deposits and buildup can occur on ceramic and stone tiles, and can be difficult to remove without a good cleaning solution. Better Bio Solutions “7 N One” spray is a recommended product for safely cleaning tile, and will not affect sanded, un-sanded, or epoxy grout.

After taping off silicone or caulk joints with heavy-duty tape, spray the cleaning solution on, allowing it to stand for 10 minutes. Once the cleaner has soaked into the buildup on the tile, you can either scrub or scrape it. Flat tile is not ideal for scraping, and a scrubber pad is recommended, to keep the surface level. A small razor blade can be used lightly in small areas with heavy buildup or scale.

Once the tile is clean of all deposits, rinse the area with water. Then reapply the cleaning solutions, allowing it to stand for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub the tile with a scrubbing pad and wipe it dry.

Removing Hard Water & Calcium Deposits from Stone

Certain materials, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and CLR-type solvents, are recommended to clean calcium buildup on stone surfaces. These acidic properties in these materials can damage or discolor expensive stone. Calcites have an acidic nature, and when applied to stone can cause the stone to etch, due to its calcium content of the stone. Over time, any gloss on the stone will begin to wear away, causing the surface to become rough to the touch. After a period of time, cleaners containing calcites can discolor stone – which causes a color disparity. This will require a professional restoration service.

Using the right stone cleaner is important. DeFunco recommends removing hard water buildup on slab stone in the same way tile is cleaned – using Better Bio Solutions “7 N One” spray and applying, scraping, rinsing, repeating, and drying. It is recommended to regularly use a countertop cleaner, like Tenax Countertop Cleaner for Stone, to keep buildup from reoccurring.

DeFusco has a handy all-in-one kit for everything you need to keep water deposits and calcium buildup from ruining your New Year, New Home resolution! The kit comes complete with a wall scraper (with razor blades), extra razor blades, an impregnating sealer, Better Bio Solutions “7 N One”, and Tenax Countertop Cleaner for Stone. (If you don’t have a scrubbing pad, you should purchase one.)

When it comes to industrial supply, DeFusco is your go-to for the best tools, cleaning equipment, treatments, and solutions to assist in your industrial needs. Visit our website or give us a call today!