Much of East Tennessee has hard water, which means it carries a lot of minerals. When the water dries, those minerals leave white, chalky spots on faucets, glass, and tile.
What you need
- White vinegar
- A spray bottle
- Baking soda
- A soft scrub brush or old toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth
Step 1: Spray with vinegar
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the spots until they're wet and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2: Scrub tough spots
For thick buildup, make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Scrub gently with a soft brush. A toothbrush works great around faucet bases.
Step 3: Rinse and dry
Rinse with clean water and dry right away with a microfiber cloth. Drying is the secret to a streak-free shine.
Don't use vinegar on stone
Vinegar can damage marble, granite, and other natural stone. Use a cleaner made for stone on those surfaces instead.
Keep spots from coming back
Keep a squeegee in the shower and use it on the glass after each shower. It takes 20 seconds and stops most spots before they start.