Hard water spots on shower glass: why they happen in Reno and how to remove them
Those white spots are minerals left behind as water dries. Here is how to remove them safely and keep them away.
What causes the spots
Tap water carries dissolved minerals, mostly calcium and magnesium. When a drop of water dries on a shower door or faucet, the water evaporates and the minerals stay behind as a white, chalky spot. Day after day, those spots layer up into a cloudy film that ordinary soap and water won't shift.
Is Reno's water hard?
According to the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, the local water is moderately hard, and hardness varies with the time of year and with how close you live to a production well. In fall and winter, most of the supply is treated surface water, which tends to be softer. Either way, moderately hard water is plenty to leave spots on glass in Reno's dry air, where water evaporates quickly.
How to remove hard water spots from shower glass
- Start with a mild acid. Mix white vinegar and warm water in roughly equal parts in a spray bottle.
- Let it sit. Spray the glass and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes so the acid can soften the minerals. On heavy buildup, lay a vinegar-soaked cloth or paper towel over the worst areas.
- Scrub gently. Use a non-scratch sponge or a soft brush. Avoid steel wool and abrasive scouring pads, which leave fine scratches that hold more spots later.
- Rinse and dry. Rinse with clean water and dry the glass completely with a microfiber cloth or squeegee. Leaving it wet starts the cycle again.
For faucets and showerheads, the same approach works: wrap the fixture in a vinegar-soaked cloth for a while, or soak a removable showerhead, then scrub and rinse.
What not to do
- Never use vinegar or other acids on natural stone. Marble, travertine and limestone can be etched by acid, and it can wear down the sealer on granite. Use a cleaner made for stone instead.
- Never mix cleaners. Mixing bleach with vinegar or with ammonia releases toxic gases. Rinse surfaces between products.
- Check the manufacturer's guidance before using anything acidic on coated glass, specialty finishes or older fixtures.
Keeping the spots from coming back
- Squeegee or towel-dry the glass after each shower. It takes 30 seconds and stops most spotting.
- Run the bathroom fan during and after showers.
- Keep up with regular cleaning, so spots are wiped before they layer up.
When it has already built up
Thick, cloudy buildup takes patience to remove safely. Detailed bathroom scrubbing is part of every deep clean from Tracy's Tidy Homes, and regular cleaning helps keep it from returning. Tracy sees each home before giving a price, so request an estimate and she will take a look.