How to Remove Hard-Water Stains in Your Bathroom

Hard water leaves cloudy spots and chalky limescale on glass and metal. Here's how to clear it safely — without damaging your finishes.

What you'll need

White vinegar, a soft cloth or sponge, a spray bottle, and a little patience. Skip abrasive pads and harsh acids, which can scratch glass and pit finishes.

On shower glass

Spray a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water onto the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe and rinse. For stubborn spots, hold a vinegar-dampened cloth against the glass for 10–15 minutes first. Our shower glass has an anti-limescale coating, so a quick squeegee after each shower keeps buildup from forming in the first place.

On faucets and metal finishes

Wipe with a cloth dampened in diluted vinegar, then rinse and buff dry. Don't let vinegar sit on plated or matte finishes for long, and never use bleach or ammonia — they can permanently dull a finish.

Prevent it coming back

• Dry glass and fixtures after use — the single best habit.
• Clean lightly and often instead of waiting for heavy buildup.
• Consider a water softener if your home has very hard water.

For more, see our Care & Maintenance Guide.