If you're a rustic cottage lover you may have noticed hard water stains in the toilet bowl, sinks and tub. Hard water isn't treated and contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium and lime that can leave behind residue and unsightly stains. There are specialty cleaning products available but you should be sure they're okay in a septic system. Or, MOLLY MAID housing cleaning services recommends green cleaning ideas; grab a 'natural' cleaning product, add some elbow grease and clean away!
TOILET BOWL
To remove hard water stains, flush the toilet to rinse out the bowl. Add one cup of white vinegar and one cup of regular table salt. Use a scrub brush or wet pumice stone to scrub away the stains. If they're resistant, you may have to drain the toilet bowl (turn off the water to the toilet and then flush several times until the bowl and tank are empty or nearly empty) and use an acidic cleaner such as vinegar or lemon juice full strength. Scrub until the stains are gone.
SHOWERHEAD
If water squirts in all directions when you turn on the shower, the showerhead may be clogged by mineral deposits. If possible, unscrew the showerhead and put it into a bowl with one part vinegar and one part water – it should be completely covered. Soak for at least three hours, then remove and rinse with water. Use a toothpick to poke out any remaining scale deposits in the holes. Re-attach and test – repeat the cleaning process if necessary. If you can't get the showerhead off, fill a thick plastic bag with the vinegar and water mixture and submerge the nozzle by securing the top of the bag around the showerhead with a rubber band. Soak and follow the steps above.
COFFEEMAKER
If your coffeemaker isn't operating as well as it usually does and/or the coffee itself doesn't taste up to par, there may be calcium deposits inside. To get rid of them, add equal parts of water and white vinegar to the tank – and brew! The vinegar will help break up and remove the calcium. When the cycle is done, empty the water and white vinegar solution from the coffeepot and rinse thoroughly.
