By Cynthia Lawrence

Copyright tomsguide

Skip to main content

Tom’s Guide

Newsletters

View Profile

Search Tom’s Guide

You May Like

I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it’s thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds

Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale

My busy bathroom is a nightmare to keep clean — but this expert hack takes seconds and leaves it spotless

Phone Insights

Phone Best Picks

Phone Deals

Phone Face-Offs

Phone How-Tos

Phone Reviews

Network Carriers

Android Phones

Google Phones

Motorola Phones

OnePlus Phones

Samsung Phones

Nothing Phone

TV Best Picks

TV Face-Offs

Audio Insights

Audio Best Picks

Audio Deals

Audio Face-Offs

Audio How-Tos

Audio Reviews

Over-Ear Headphones

Bluetooth Speakers

Entertainment

Streaming Devices

Prime Video

Paramount Plus

Playstation

Gaming Peripherals

Connections

Computing Insights

Computing Best Picks

Computing Deals

Computing Face-Offs

Computing How-Tos

Computing News

Computing Reviews

VPN Best Picks

VPN Face-Offs

VPN How-Tos

VPN Reviews

Operating Systems

Malware & Adware

Smart Glasses

Chromebooks

Gaming Laptops

Apple Desktops

Gaming Desktops

Android Tablets

Computing Brands

AI Insights

AI Best Picks

AI Face-Offs

Google Gemini

Apple Intelligence

Mattress Best Picks

Mattress Deals

Mattress Face-Offs

Mattress How-Tos

Mattress News

Mattress Reviews

Mattress Care

Mattress Toppers

Pillows & Bedding

Smartwatches

Fitness Trackers

Smart Rings

Apple Watch

Home Insights

Home Best Picks

Home Face-Offs

Home How-Tos

Home Reviews

Home Topics

Home Appliances

Home Office

Home Security

Home Brands

Popular Brands

View Phones

Phone Insights

Phone Best Picks

Phone Deals

Phone Face-Offs

Phone How-Tos

Phone Reviews

Network Carriers

View Network Carriers

Android Phones

View Android Phones

Google Phones

Motorola Phones

OnePlus Phones

Samsung Phones

Nothing Phone

TV Best Picks

TV Face-Offs

Audio Insights

View Audio Insights

Audio Best Picks

Audio Deals

Audio Face-Offs

Audio How-Tos

Audio Reviews

Headphones

View Headphones

Over-Ear Headphones

View Speakers

Bluetooth Speakers

Entertainment

View Entertainment

View Streaming

Streaming Devices

Prime Video

Paramount Plus

View Gaming

Playstation

Gaming Peripherals

Word Games

Connections

View Computing

Computing Insights

Computing Best Picks

Computing Deals

Computing Face-Offs

Computing How-Tos

Computing News

Computing Reviews

VPN Best Picks

VPN Face-Offs

VPN How-Tos

VPN Reviews

View Hardware

View Software

Operating Systems

View Security

Malware & Adware

View VR & AR

Smart Glasses

View Laptops

Chromebooks

Gaming Laptops

View Desktops

Apple Desktops

Gaming Desktops

View Tablets

Android Tablets

Computing Brands

AI Insights

AI Best Picks

AI Face-Offs

AI Engines

Google Gemini

Apple Intelligence

View Wellness

Mattresses

View Mattresses

Mattress Best Picks

Mattress Deals

Mattress Face-Offs

Mattress How-Tos

Mattress News

Mattress Reviews

Mattress Care

Mattress Toppers

Pillows & Bedding

View Fitness

Smartwatches

Fitness Trackers

Smart Rings

Apple Watch

Home Insights

Home Best Picks

Home Face-Offs

Home How-Tos

Home Reviews

Home Topics

Home Appliances

Home Office

Home Security

View Outdoors

Home Brands

Popular Brands

Exclusive Apple Interview

iPhone 17 Pro
Wordle Today
Best laptops

Best Mattress

Don’t miss these

I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it’s thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds

Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale

My busy bathroom is a nightmare to keep clean — but this expert hack takes seconds and leaves it spotless

I tried everything to banish limescale from my toilet, but the solution was this cheap household item I already had in my cupboards

Tired of stubborn mold? This easy shower cleaning trick will prevent it for good

I used to literally pull my hair out when cleaning my shower drain — but this 3-step routine has saved me from the worst bathroom cleaning job

Shower not draining? Fix it fast with this cheap household hack

How I remove grease stains from clothing using just two household ingredients — it works for me every time

How to remove yellow stains off a toilet seat — it’s easy when you know how

Experts recommend this dryer sheet hack to keep your walls looking pristine — here’s how it works

Your kitchen has a secret cleaning weapon you never knew about — and it costs less than $1

People are putting watermelons on their vacuums — here’s what happened when I tried it

Home Appliances
Washing machine experts warn against making this cleaning mistake with vinegar, and what to do instead

Filthy water bottle? Here’s how to clean it the right way

I tried this weird vacuum cleaning hack to keep my home smelling fresh — but does it work?

Not vinegar — I just discovered an unusual hack to get rid of hard water stains on glass, and I can’t wait to try it

Cynthia Lawrence

17 September 2025

Blast away hard water stains with this common kitchen recipe

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

When it comes to keeping my bathroom clean, there is one task that I constantly struggle with — my shower glass. Keeping your shower glass clean and spotless from unsightly, hard water marks can be a chore in itself. Not only do these chalky white or brown streaks make your otherwise clean glass look dirty, but can also cause scratches on the glass if left on there for too long.

I’m always on the lookout for easy, DIY cleaning hacks, and while we all know about the cleaning powers of white vinegar, I’ve just discovered an unusual tip to get rid of hard water stains on glass.
In fact, this is a popular cooking staple found in most pantries, and one of my favorite dishes to rustle up for dinner. So, what is this rather strange cleaning hack?

You may like

I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it’s thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds

Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale

My busy bathroom is a nightmare to keep clean — but this expert hack takes seconds and leaves it spotless

Clean hard water stains with rice water

Draining rice water from a pot (Image credit: Shutterstock)
If you enjoy rice dishes, don’t throw out the water that you rinse it in. According to experts, you can repurpose your water to use a DIY cleaner for hard water stains on your glass shower door. Sounds strange? Well, this is because the slight acidity in rice water helps remove stubborn stains without the need for toxic or harmful cleaning chemicals.

All you need to do is soak a half cup of rice in roughly two cups of water in a pot. Stir the rice around and wait until the water turns a milky-white shade. Then, strain your rice, and add the milky water into a clean, spray bottle.
Next, spray the homemade cleaning solution onto your glass door, or any dirty glass surfaces, and gently scrub away with a microfiber cloth or a squeegee. After a few minutes, you’ll see the hard water stains start to lift away, leaving you with a streak-free shower door.
What’s more, since rice water has mild cleaning abilities, this can work well to clean countertops, sinks, and table surfaces.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

ALFLOD12-Inch All-Purpose Shower Squeegee: $7 at Amazon
This extra long shower squeegee measures 12-inchs long, 2-inches longer than standard squeegees, getting your shower doors and enclosures cleaner in less time. It will remove water droplets to prevent soap scum and hard water stains. It can also be used to clean indoor and outdoor windows for a streak-free shine. The electroplated handle resists humidity and scratches, making it ideal to store in a bathroom.

So, I’ll be sure to try this new DIY cleaning hack the next time I’ll be cooking rice — and you should too. For more tips, check out these 7 ways to prevent limescale in your shower.
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom’s Guide

I recommend these 5 easy tips to keep your shower curtain mold-free
This TikTok hack claims vinegar will clean your shower head — I asked my plumber husband if it actually works
5 bathroom cleaning hacks that will save you time and effort — use them right now

Today’s best Umbra shower squeegee deals

1 Amazon customer review

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

See more Home News

Cynthia Lawrence

Social Links Navigation
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

I never have to deal with limescale in my shower, and it’s thanks to this one daily task that takes seconds

Ditch the Vinegar: 3 Household Solutions Experts Use to Eliminate Limescale

My busy bathroom is a nightmare to keep clean — but this expert hack takes seconds and leaves it spotless

I tried everything to banish limescale from my toilet, but the solution was this cheap household item I already had in my cupboards

Tired of stubborn mold? This easy shower cleaning trick will prevent it for good

I used to literally pull my hair out when cleaning my shower drain — but this 3-step routine has saved me from the worst bathroom cleaning job

Latest in Home

You’ve been storing your milk in the wrong place, here’s how you can keep it fresh for longer

I asked a jeweler if you can use your espresso machine to steam-clean your jewelry, and the answer surprised me

These are the only 3 gadgets I bought when I became a dad — and one’s less than $30

Wyze’s new Palm Lock lets you enter your home like a Jedi with just a wave of your hand — and it’s surprisingly affordable too

I swapped my Breville Bambino Plus for this $129 espresso machine — is the $370 saving worth it?

This one plant is the secret to attracting hummingbirds to your yard in September

Latest in News

Not vinegar — I just discovered an unusual hack to get rid of hard water stains on glass, and I can’t wait to try it

Meta Connect 2025 LIVE — Ray-Ban Meta Display smart glasses, new Oakley glasses and all the news as it happens

Google just took down 224 malicious apps with 38 million installs from the Play Store — how to stay safe

6 CarPlay upgrades arriving with iOS 26 — what you need to know

Bring your PS5 controller everywhere with the latest update — here’s what’s new

Fake Meta suspension warnings used in new malware campaign — how to protect your devices and your data

LATEST ARTICLES

Not vinegar — I just discovered an unusual hack to get rid of hard water stains on glass, and I can’t wait to try it

I’ve reviewed countless instant cameras — but this is the only one I take everywhere

Last chance! Score a full year of Paramount Plus at 50% off before this epic streaming deal disappears

I tested Pangram, the ‘black light’ of AI detection built by ex-Tesla and Google engineers — here’s how well it worked

You could buy AirPods Pro 3 right now — but here are three other options you should consider instead

Tom’s Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Terms and conditions

Contact Future’s experts

Privacy policy

Cookies policy

Accessibility Statement

Advertise with us

Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait…