Living in a hard water area can cause a lot of problems for your household objects, including leaving limescale on taps and in kettles, water spots on glasses, and red residue in toilets. 

The high mineral content in the water means calcium, iron and magnesium build up on surfaces that come into contact with it, including sinks, bathtubs, dishes, and hands. 

Here are some tips on how to remove these unsightly stains while waiting for your block salt softener to arrive.

Removing limescale

You can remove limescale by using lemon juice and vinegar, as the acid in these causes the calcium carbonate to break down. 

A solution of half white vinegar and half water can be sprayed on bathroom tiles and appliances to prevent a build-up of limescale, while wrapping a cloth soaked in vinegar or lemon juice around the taps or shower head will remove stubborn stains. 

To clean a kettle, fill it less than half full with water and turn it off before it boils. Then add white vinegar to the water until it is three-quarters full and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse out the appliance and boil some water to clean out the vinegar. 

Removing water spots

To get rid of water spots, it is a good idea to clean your dishwasher monthly. Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack. 

After this, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the appliance and put it on for another cycle. 

Removing rust stains

Rust can appear on toilet seats and bathtubs due to the accumulation of iron, leaving red, orange or even black marks. 

A vinegar solution, lemon juice, baking soda with water, or hydrogen peroxide will work on the stains. However, you might need to scrub the area with an old toothbrush or pumice stone to really remove the rust.