Two Ingredient Hard Water Deposit Remover

3 Materials
$1
15 Minutes
Easy

This two ingredient hard water deposit remover is the handiest thing to know about!


I think everyone has experienced those hard, thick calcium deposits on faucets or metal around your home.


For this post, we are going to utilize the amazing science of acid to dissolve hard water build up on your faucets!


Here is how to do it.

icon You can view a quick Instagram Reel here to see this great recipe work! Follow us on Instagram for more great tips too.


Ingredients Needed For DIY Hard Water Remover:

  • Distilled White Vinegar (Regular 5% Acidity)
  • Lemon Juice (Fresh or Bottled is Good)
  • Toothbrush or Small Scrub Brush (Optional)


Directions:

  1. Remove the head of faucet if possible (this is the best way to do it, if you can’t remove it, read other directions in blog post).
  2. Pour enough vinegar in the bowl to cover the top of the faucet head.
  3. Squeeze in lemon juice. A few tablespoons is enough.
  4. Soak the faucet head inside the bowl for 10-15 minutes.
  5. At this point, you can scrub the remaining deposits or soak for longer if needed. Sometimes you don’t even need to scrub the deposits, they will dissolve in the vinegar solution.
  6. Rinse the faucet head with water, then screw back on.


icon For details on ingredient options and all the cool science on how this work, please visit our blog post.

I didn't have fresh lemons, so I used bottle lemon juice and it works just fine! Whatever you have on hand is good.

This is 5 minutes into soaking, you can see how it is starting to dissolve all the build up.

15 minutes later with a little scrubbing inside the grooves.

If you have any questions, please visit our blog post link for details, science, and tips on this!

Suggested materials:
  • 5% distilled white vinegar   (online)
  • Lemon juice   (store)
  • Small scrub brush (optional)   (online)
Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 16 questions
  • Epc16652881 Epc16652881 on Jul 31, 2022

    Can this be used safely on ceramic tile on my shower floor and walls?

  • BOlsen BOlsen on Aug 10, 2022

    Alexis, do you have a recommendation for granite and marble countertops that have acquired the hard water deposits around the faucets? It is recommended that vinegar and other acidic solutions not be used on those surfaces


  • JEANETTE BOSTICK JEANETTE BOSTICK on Jul 24, 2023

    need to know how to make a banner?


Comments
Join the conversation
5 of 20 comments
  • Belynda Belynda on Aug 01, 2022

    Straight vinegar will do this as well. You don’t have to waste your lemon juice doing this.

    i use it all the time on my faucets.

  • Redcar Redcar on Aug 02, 2022

    Yes, I always keep Vinegar and Fresh Lemons on hand "a must have staple."

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