How To Clean Mineral Deposits In Your Sink And Shower

There are several different types of minerals present in everyday drinking water. Some water contains an excess of these mineral deposits. When water contains a lot of naturally occurring minerals, it’s called hard water. Hard water is perfectly healthy, and some say it’s better for the body, as opposed to mineral lacking soft water.

However, the minerals in hard water can be problematic when it comes to your household appliances and plumbing. Minerals from hard water collect and cause unsightly stains to form in your shower, sink or bathtub. These stains are harmless to people, but they can be harmful to your plumbing system!

Why Are Mineral Deposits A Problem?

Mineral deposits don’t pose an immediate problem. They form over time, it is only when they build up to a certain point that they can pose a threat to your pipes, or cause stains. Some common problems that mineral deposits cause include:

• Plug your drains
• Affect the water pressure of your shower or sink
• They can gather in your pipes and block water flow
• They make your appliances look dirty

Mineral deposits in your sink or shower can affect your plumbing systems, but the good news is that they are very easy to clean.

How To Clean Mineral Deposits

The fastest and most environmentally friendly way to clean mineral deposits is by using a mildly acidic substance to combat the alkaline mineral substance. The handiest, easy to find ingredient is vinegar. Most people already have a bottle of vinegar on hand at home. It is an effective and affordable method of cleaning mineral deposits.

What You’ll Need:

There are only a few things you’ll need to start cleaning away those unsightly stains on your bathroom appliances. These include:

• An empty spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• A metal scrubby or old toothbrush
• A dry cloth
• Regular liquid soap

Steps:

1. Fill the spray bottle with vinegar
2. Spray a generous amount of vinegar on the surfaces with excess mineral deposits
3. Wait for 1 hour and let the vinegar to saturate the deposits
4. Use the toothbrush and soap to scrub away the mineral deposits, spraying vinegar as needed
5. Gently wipe away the vinegar, the mineral stains should be removed
6. Repeat the process for stubborn stains

Identify Any Plumbing Problems Or Blockages

Mineral deposits can be easily cleaned and they are not a problem if you stay on top of them. However, it can be harder to clear mineral deposits from the inside of your pipes. They can collect in your sink, drains and shower head, and affect your water pressure and drainage.

• Low water pressure
• Mineral deposits inhibit the flow of water
• could be gathering inside the pipes where it is harder to reach
• call a plumber for a yearly pipe cleaning

Hillcrest Plumbing has over 50 years of experience working in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Our team has the education and experience to effectively clear blocked pipes, and attend to any other plumbing problems that may arise. Contact Hillcrest Plumbing for plumbing emergencies or a simple yearly servicing. There is no problem is too big or small, so give us a call!