In today’s world, there are a lot of trade secrets that exist in every industry. In the foodservice industry: what are those 11 secret herbs and spices that KFC uses? In the entertainment industry:

How has Michelle Pfeiffer not aged in the last thirty years? In the social media industry: What is that awful algorithm Instagram uses, and how can we destroy it? There are plenty of secret tricks in the plumbing industry, as well.

Most businesses in this industry would never share their secrets, for fear of losing their edge. Paul the Plumber is here to blow the lid off of one secret, though- how to rid yourself of hard water stains, and hard water!

Do You Have Hard Water?

The first step on our journey to discovering the secret for how to clean hard water spots is figuring out if you actually have hard water in the first place.

Hard water (or water that has a high content of calcium, magnesium, and a variety of other hard minerals) is most often characterized by:

• White spots or streaks left behind when the water dries
• Clothes that have become scratchy and rough, and discolored or dull
• Skin that feels dry and irritated
• Hair that is dull and brittle
• Needing more detergent or soap to clean the same amount

All About Cleaning Stains

Here’s the secret recipe for easily cleaning hard water stains on virtually any surface in your home: Baking soda. Vinegar. And water. That’s all you need! You may also need a bit of lemon juice if you have some scale buildup on your faucets.

For most stains:

1. Spray some water and vinegar (an even mix of the two, preferably) on the stains
2. Wait a couple of minutes
3. Rinse clean, and wipe dry

For particularly stubborn stains:

1. Smear a paste of baking soda and vinegar over tough stains
2. Wait several minutes
3. Scrub until the stain disappears
4. Rinse clean, and wipe dry

For mineral scale on faucets:

1. Spray fresh lemon juice directly onto the scale
2. Wait about 2 minutes
3. Wipe clean

Should You Invest in a Water Softener?

Yes; you really, really should. We don’t say that you need a water softener just because we want your business.

We say it because a whole home water softener can remove calcium and magnesium from your water.

Following are the benefits you could experience from this:

• Glasses and silverware that are brighter and shinier
• More efficient use of soaps and detergents, so you can save money on buying them
• Skin and hair that feels softer, smoother, and cleaner after washing
• No more soap scum
• Clothes that feel softer after washing; brighter colored fabrics, and white fabrics that are whiter
• Less wear and tear (and therefore longer lifespan) on water using appliances like water heater and coffee maker

Please don’t feel like you have to keep this secret for us, now that you know. We encourage you to share this article, and all its information, with friends and loved ones who may also be dealing with hard water in your home. And always remember that the right water filtration system is out there looking for you, just as you are looking for it.