Banish water marks from ‘every surface’ with 70p solution

Hard water is a common problem in UK homes, as it can result in unsightly marks all over your surfaces which can be tricky to remove. 

An estimated 65% of Britain’s homes are now supplied by hard water, with the marks often appearing around the shower, on kitchen tiles and all over your cutlery too. 

The reason this happens is because when hard water evaporates, the minerals it contains are left behind as residue on surfaces, leaving it looking dirty. But one simple combination of products can help you deal with the issue – and you probably already have them both at home.

Cheryl Risdon from Assisted Living says that white vinegar can be an excellent tool for removing hard water marks, especially when it comes to your shower. All you need to do is mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the glass.

Once you’ve done that, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. For stubborn stains, baking soda can also be added to the vinegar solution to create a paste, which can then be applied and scrubbed gently.

This combination also works great for cleaning ceramic tiles, which are very popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Again, all you need to do is spray the solution onto the tiles, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

For tougher stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied and left to sit before scrubbing and rinsing.

And if you find your knives, forks and spoons are constantly plagued with hard water marks, these products could come to your rescue too. Soaking your cutlery in a solution of warm water and white vinegar for about 10 minutes is the best way to remove watermarks and get your knives and forks looking as good as new.

After soaking, just remember to wipe each piece with a soft cloth. For more persistent marks, though, you may need to make a paste of baking soda and water before applying it to the affected areas and rub gently before rinsing and drying.

If you don’t already have the ingredients at home, you can pick up baking soda for 35p from Tesco, with white vinegar also coming in at 35p – making this hack just 70p in total.

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