byAlma Abell
Usually, the dirtiest place in your entire home is the bathroom. With constant traffic from yourself, family members, and guests, it is also the room you need to clean the deepest. Many types of stains find their way into your bathroom, and you may often need to spend a little more elbow grease to eliminate them, even with the best products. Whether you’re battling hard water stains, mildew, or toilet bowl stains, there’s a simple solution for each task.
Hard Water Stains
With the right product and technique, it’s easy to remove unwanted water stains in your shower, sink, or toilet. Create a solution that is half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Spray down your affected area and allow the combination to settle for a few minutes. The hard water stains should wipe clean. If this method doesn’t break through your stains, combine baking soda and vinegar to create a paste; smear the paste on the stained surface and leave it alone for about 15 minutes before washing clean. Either of these methods will leave you with no hard water stains. Make sure to use this vinegar based solution on tile, and not on marble, travertine, limestone or other calcite based stones.
Mildew
Mildew needs to be removed as soon as you notice it accumulating in your bathroom. It has the ability to affect your health as well as your bathtub. Many mildew stain removers are available to obliterate this unhealthy growth in your bathroom. If you don’t have access to a mildew remover, mix one-part bleach and 15-parts water, spraying the mixture over the affected area. After allowing the commercial or homemade mildew stain remover settle, scrub the areas with a brush and rinse with clean water.
Toilet Bowl Stains
When you want to handle toilet bowl stains, turn off the water so any chemicals you use can break down stains easily. Once the water stops running, apply your toilet bowl cleaner; in the absence of toilet bowl cleaner, you can use baking soda, white vinegar, and a disinfecting essential oil blend to settle into the stains. With a pumice stone or sandpaper, you can scrub away most tough buildup. After you scrub away the mess, flush the toilet to finish the job.
Regular Maintenance
Hard water stains are generally caused by the condition of your plumbing in your home, so you may need to repeat these deep cleaning procedures every two months or so. With the right attention, you can have a spotless bathroom around the clock, leaving you with less to clean when you have guests on the way.