Calcium comes in number five in the list of most abundant minerals. Calcium has one unique quality. It mixes so readily with oxygen and water, that it is rarely found by itself. A fact that can cause problems for homeowners and commercial establishments, any place with a water faucet.
On its way to your home, restaurant or other place of business water passes through soil and rock, it picks up traces of calcium and other minerals, making hard water. When the water gets to you, it leaves the minerals on faucets and other places where water collects. Hard water is not harmful to drink, but the deposits are unsightly and the water will run slower as well. Dish soap and detergents do not work as well in hard water either.
There are water softeners to deal with hard water, but when they have not been used, you have to get rid of what the water has left behind.
First, take a look at the sinks, showers and tubs. White and brown spots mean you have mineral deposits. If they are not taken care of as soon as possible, they will get into the materials and become very hard to remove. Spots are not the only things you will get. You can include soap scum, film and lime deposits on anything glass, porcelain, enamel, fiberglass, stainless steel, china, enamel, chrome, and tile that uses water. Cleaning once will not cure the problem. It will come back unless you eliminate the problem. Unfortunately, the surfaces can be permanently damaged and will have to be replaced if the deposits are not removed regularly.
Red or reddish brown rust stains can be handled by making a paste of borax and lemon juice. Apply it to the stains and rinse it off when completely try. You can also try a mix of a mild scouring powder, cream of tartar and peroxide. Leave it alone for ½ hour and then rinse away.
Green or blue-green stains are an indication of copper or an acidic water. Try using a mix of soap suds and ammonia or a 50-50 mix of ammonia and water. Rinse well after both.
Brown or black spots are caused by manganese. Make a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the stains, let dry and rinse off.
Hard water marks and soap scum can be removed with a paste of white vinegar and baking soda. Let it dry and then rinse off. Another remedy is 1 teas. Calgon dissolved in a gallon of water. Apply and rinse off.
Calcium can be removed by a solution of 25 percent vinegar and 75 percent water. Remove any fixtures you can and let them soak until the deposits are gone. If they cannot be removed, you will have to hold the container with the solution and let them sit it in. Try the water and it should run freely. This method also works with coffee pots. Run the solution through the appliance as if you were making coffee. Then do a couple of run with clean water.
Sources:
Natural Handiman
Mrs. Clean
Jefferson Lab
Hardwater Dot Org
