How to Remove Mineral Deposits From Drinking Glasses

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Things You'll Need

  • Water

  • White distilled vinegar

  • Lemon juice (optional)

  • Sponge

  • Baking soda

  • Lint-free towel

Hard water can coat your dishes in lime scale, which is a buildup of mineral deposits. The calcium and magnesium spots on drinking glasses are difficult to remove with regular dish detergent, and use of a dishwasher may worsen the problem. The heat from a dishwasher triggers a rapid release of minerals from the water, which increases the amount of spots and filmy residue on drinking glasses, according to HardWater.org. Remove mineral spots from glasses with ingredients commonly found in the kitchen.

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Step 1

Fill your kitchen sink with 1 part warm water and 1 part white distilled vinegar. Add 1 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice for additional acidity, as suggested by TheBigGreenIdea.org.

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Step 2

Submerge your drinking glasses into the solution, and allow them to soak for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 3

Dip the end of a damp sponge in baking soda, and gently scrub each glass with it.

Step 4

Rinse the glassware with clean water.

Step 5

Dry each glass with a lint-free towel.

Tip

Apply undiluted white vinegar to the glasses if the deposits are difficult to remove. Use a rinse additive in your dishwasher to prevent buildup of residue.

Warning

Residue may be permanent if the glasses are etched by chemical reaction.

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