From Dull to Shiny: Solving Hard Water Problems

What if I told you that despite that over 85% of the US has hard water, hard water problems can be easily and effectively managed in your facility? In this blog, I dive into what hard water problems are, why they’re significant, and actionable steps to address them. As an added bonus, read to the end for details on a free online training opportunity on the topic for you and your staff!

Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium. When it dries on a surface, the minerals can get left behind on the surface and appear white and chalky. When not removed frequently, the minerals can build up over time, and become difficult to remove. Hard water build-up is also called limescale and when mixed with soap, can form soap scum. Hard water can also cause metals to rust and if it contains iron it can lead to hard-to-clean rust stains.

Hard water can create challenges for facilities & cleaning teams

Beyond the obvious downsides, hard water residue, soap scum, and rust looks bad and affects how people perceive the cleanliness of a restroom and facility, there are other reasons why addressing hard water issues matter:

• Can impact the performance and efficiency of fixtures like faucets, drains, and shower heads. 
• Hard water related clogs reduce water flow and pressure.
• Damage to appliances and equipment can lead to costly repairs or early replacement. A single fixture can cost as much as $250 and appliances can cost over $1000 to replace.
• Soap Scum can be a food source for bacteria and mold

How to spot hard water problems

Have you or your staff noticed unsightly stains or white residue on fixtures, sinks, or counters? Have you noticed a build-up on faucets and fixtures? Is your staff wasting time or product trying to polish dull fixtures that never seem to shine?

Hard water issues can show up almost anywhere, but they are most common in restrooms and in eating areas where there are water sources. High traffic in these areas can increase the challenge, as every drop of water adds to the build-up.  

What can be done about hard water problems

Effectively addressing hard water issues isn’t hard, but it does require a multi-step approach:

1. Staff Training: Train your staff on how to identify hard water issues and notify you when present. Use the information and pictures in this blog to help.Have your staff observe and communicate if the issues are on the outside or inside of the fixture, because how you address it depends on it.
2. Daily cleaning: If the hard water issue is on the outside of a surface or fixture, have staff start to clean and disinfect that surface daily. Choose a product that:
   1. Is formulated for hard water, calcium, lime, or soap scum. Read the product label to find out.
   1. Disinfects while it cleans to address any bacteria or mold that has started to grow.
   1. Doesn’t require additional PPE so that your staff has what they need to stay safe while on the job.

Preventing future hard water problems

1. Periodic deep cleaning: Plan for routine deep treatments/soakings to prevent build-up before it causes more trouble. You may need a different product for this and specialized training for your staff on how to use it safely and effectively. You may also need to supply additional PPE. Submerging shower and faucet handles can be helpful if the product contains directions for use in this way.
2. Reduce the minerals in the water: If possible, prevent hard water issues in the first place by using a water softener. Point of use water filters are also an option, but both these options require an investment in the building or facility.

Pro tips:

• Let the product work: Apply the cleaning product and let it sit on the surface. The longer it sits, the less effort you’ll need to remove stains. Aim for around 10 minutes as a general guideline. Have staff do other tasks while they wait.
• Bring additional tools: Equip staff with a light scrubby pad and/or scraper. These tools can enhance cleaning efficiency. Test on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure no damage to the surface.
• Liquid soap is better than bar soap: If you find bar soap in your facility, it’s a good idea to speak with the owner and ask them to switch to liquid soap.

In this blog, you learned what hard water issues are, why they are worth addressing, and what can be done to prevent them in your facility.   

But, as Napolean Hill once said, “Knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action, and directed to a definite end.”

It’s up to you now to go use your power. 

We know that making sure your staff is trained is critical for success, but who has the time? CloroxPro offers FREE 5 minute, on demand eLearning modules that address hard water, as well as other tough cleaning challenges like grease and mold & mildew. Visit www.cloroxpro.com/healthyclean to learn more and sign up!