Soap scum, mildew and hard water spots can form on home surfaces. Hard water deposits are alkaline, so an acid-based cleaner is the best way to clean them. What may appear to be hard to clean can really be a simple fix, with these tips.

• Acetic Acid (Vinegar) or Peroxide based cleaner ( a product such as Ultra One is what we use)
• Lime scale remover
• Water
• White nylon-backed sponge

1. First, apply your cleaner, or lime scale remover to the hard water spot. Hard water deposits are alkaline, so an acid-based cleaner is the best way to clean them. Acetic acid works well and is safe for most surfaces. Grocery store cleansers with Acetic acid contain 4 to 6 percent acid. You can purchase cleaning vinegar at janitorial supply stores that contain 8 to 12 percent acid to get the job done faster.
2. Let the acid sit for a few minutes after you apply.
3. Scrub the applied areas with a white, nylon-backed scrub sponge.
4. Rinse the surface with water thoroughly.
5. Tough hard water deposits may take more than one application. 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.

Make sure you read any manufacturer’s warnings before applying phosphoric acid solutions to surfaces in your home. This procedure is not recommended for stone surfaces.