How to Remove Calcium Deposits in The Kitchen

by Christine Lehman

Overview

Calcium deposits build up on kitchen fixtures that come into contact with hard water, which is high in minerals. When hard water air dries on surfaces, the minerals (which include calcium) remain behind. This can leave unsightly stains, but you can remove calcium stains if you do so before the surface is permanently damaged.

Step 1

Spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the stain and let it sit a few minutes. For mild to moderate calcium deposits, the stain should wipe clean. If it does not, apply a stronger vinegar solution (e.g., three parts vinegar to one part water) and repeat the process. Lemon juice is another weak acid that will remove calcium deposits. While it smells better than vinegar, it is more costly to use.
Step 2

Soak fixtures with severe calcium buildup in a vinegar solution. For faucets and other fixtures that you can't easily remove, place a one-to-one vinegar and water solution in a water-tight plastic bag. Place it around the fixture and secure the bag with a twist tie or rubber band. Let this sit overnight. In the morning, remove the plastic bag and wipe down the fixture. Most, if not all, calcium deposits should have dissolved. If a few calcium deposits remain, use a toothbrush to dislodge them and rinse the fixture clean.
Step 3

Clean stubborn calcium deposits with commercially-produced cleanser for removing calcium. A drawback to using these cleansers is that they are quite harsh. Keep pets and small children away from the area where you are using a commercial cleanser, and use it only in a well-ventilated kitchen. Magic Erasers also remove calcium deposits. To use these, simply wet them, ring out the excess water and firmly wipe down the surface, rinsing it clean afterward.

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White distilled vinegar or lemon juice Water Cloth Toothbrush Commercial cleanser for removing calcium
White distilled vinegar or lemon juice
Water
Cloth
Toothbrush
Commercial cleanser for removing calcium
Prevent calcium deposits in your kitchen by wiping surfaces dry.
Prevent calcium deposits in your kitchen by wiping surfaces dry.