How to Clean Calcium Deposits

If you have hard water, you may be used to ugly calcium deposit stains disfiguring your toilet, shower, sinks and other appliances. There are several ways to remove calcium deposits, some of which can be performed using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. You may also want to prevent future deposits by softening your water.

Bathtubs can develop calcium deposits. (Image: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Step 1

Avoid soap. Hard water actually makes soap less effective at cleaning.

Step 2

Use vinegar to remove calcium deposits. Mix vinegar with a small amount of water and scrub at the deposits with a rag or paper towel. For better results, soak a rag with vinegar and leave it on the deposit overnight.

Step 3

Buy a commercial calcium deposit remover. There are several sprays, foams, and liquids on the market that will remove calcium deposits. Some also remove dirt and rust stains.

Step 4

Buy a water softener. A water softener removes minerals like calcium from your water, eliminating calcium deposits at the source.

Things You'll Need

• --- cleaner

• White vinegar

• Rags or paper towels

• Water softener