The Aluminum Foil Hack That Brings Shine Back To Hard Water Stained-Faucets

Dealing with hard water stains, also known as limescale and soap scum, can be a challenging task. These stubborn stains not only mar the polished appearance of your faucets, but can also be challenging to remove without harsh chemicals. However, a chemical-free alternative works wonders: using aluminum foil to scrub and polish away the stains!

Begin by tearing off a sheet of aluminum foil, ensuring the shiny side is facing out. You can crumple it into a ball for easy handling or fold it into a small, multi-layered square (with three to four layers) to enhance its durability and prevent tearing. Once your aluminum tool is ready, dampen it with water. Then, gently scrub the hard water stains and mineral deposits on your faucet using the wet aluminum foil. While aluminum is softer than chrome and metal and isn't likely to scratch the faucet's surface, it's best to scrub lightly to avoid any damage. If the aluminum foil starts to dry out, simply wet it again. Should it lose its texture after extended use, replace it with a fresh piece and continue scrubbing until all the grime has been removed. The mild abrasiveness of the aluminum foil not only helps in removing the stains, but also aids in bringing back the natural gleam of your faucet.

Aluminum foil is not just a powerful tool for eliminating hard water stains from your fixtures; you can also use it to remove rust from metal and stainless steel items. So you're hitting two birds with one stone if you have a faucet with both hard water stains and rust! Aside from faucets, aluminum foil can remove grime and rust from sinks, kitchen utensils, and any hardware or appliances.

The cleaning process is the same: prepare a ball or a sheet of aluminum foil and gently scrub it onto the metal to remove the rust. Rust occurs when iron oxidizes, combining with oxygen in air or water. Rubbing aluminum foil on rusted metal creates a reaction where oxygen atoms in the iron oxide (rust) transfer from the iron to the aluminum. To hasten this process further, use vinegar instead of water. The acidity of vinegar dissolves the iron oxide, making it easier to remove. Scrubbing with aluminum foil then displaces the iron, forming aluminum oxide, as the vinegar aids in breaking down the rust for more efficient removal. And aside from rusty and water-stained faucets, there are plenty of other aluminum foil hacks that will give you a cleaner home.