1. Gather Your Supplies
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White vinegar (distilled)
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Baking soda (optional, for extra scrubbing power)
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Lemon (optional, natural acid)
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Soft cloths or microfiber towels
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Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
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Spray bottle
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Rubber gloves (optional)
2. Quick Method: Vinegar Soak
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Mix a solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
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Apply: Spray generously onto the hard water stains on your sink or faucet.
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Let it sit: Allow the vinegar to sit for 5–15 minutes. For stubborn buildup, you can wrap a vinegar-soaked paper towel around the faucet and let it sit 30–60 minutes.
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Scrub gently: Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to scrub away the mineral deposits.
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Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a towel.
3. Baking Soda Boost (For Tough Stains)
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Make a paste: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste.
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Apply to stains and let it sit 10–15 minutes.
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Scrub gently with a toothbrush.
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Rinse and dry.
Tip: Baking soda is mildly abrasive but safe for stainless steel and chrome. Avoid using it on delicate finishes like gold-plated faucets.
4. Lemon Option (Natural Acid)
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Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the stains.
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Let the juice sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
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Lemon also leaves a fresh scent!
5. Preventing Future Stains
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Wipe faucets and sinks dry after each use.
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Use a water softener if your water is very hard.
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Apply a thin layer of car wax or mineral oil to faucets occasionally to repel water spots.
✅ Pro tip: Never use harsh steel wool or abrasive cleaners on shiny faucets—they scratch the finish.
If you want, I can also give a “5-minute hack” using vinegar and a plastic bag for super stubborn faucet rings—it’s surprisingly effective. Do you want me to show that trick?
