Hard-water deposits are alkaline, so an
acid-based cleaner is the best way to clean them. Phosphoric acid works
well and is safe for most surfaces.
Grocery store cleansers with phosphoric acid contain 4 percent to 6
percent acid. You can purchase lime scale removers at janitorial supply
stores that contain 8 percent to 12 percent acid to get the job done
faster. A higher concentration of acid is safe on most household
surfaces as long as you rinse the surface to remove all traces of the
acid after the cleaning is
complete. Let the acid sit for a few minutes after you apply it to let it work.
Tough hard-water deposits may take more than one application. Scrub the
applied areas with a white, nylon-backed scrub sponge. Make sure you
read any manufacturer’s warnings before applying phosphoric acid
solutions to surfaces in your home.