Hard water deposits can build up on ceramic tile in a shower, leaving behind an unsightly residue. Here are suggestions for removing and preventing hard water deposits.
NOTE: Do not use vinegar to clean calcium-based natural stone, such as marble. This can cause acid etch damage to your shower.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and allow the solution to dwell long enough to soften the deposits. Use a soft-bristle brush or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to scrub the residue. Rinse and repeat, if needed.”
For very stubborn stains, use a professional tile cleaner specifically designed for hard water deposits. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label.
To inhibit the formation of hard water deposits, recommend to your customer to use a squeegee to remove excess water from the tile after each use of the shower.
Hard water deposits are caused when minerals in water, such as calcium and magnesium, are left behind after water evaporates. Removing the water with a squeegee, keeps these minerals from settling on the tile building up over time.
An added benefit of using squeegee to remove water is that it helps prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Tip: Advise your client: Although cleaning will help remove hard water spotting, and a squeegee can help inhibit buildup, there’s really only one sure way to rid yourself of the problem. The permanent fix would be to install a water softener. A water softener will remove most of the minerals that cause hard-water deposits. You’ll probably use less soap and shampoo, too, which means you’ll avoid soap build-up, as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. He is also Chief Technical Director for Surface Care PROS (www.backstage.surfacecarepros.com), and Stone Forensics (www.stoneforensics.com) [Learn more about Fred.]
Article ID: 395
Created: February 22, 2023
Last Updated: May 28, 2025
Author: Fred Hueston
Online URL: https://sr-manual.com/kb/article/what-is-the-solution-for-hard-water-deposits-in-a-ceramic-tile-shower-395.html