How to Clean Hard Water Stains Off Rubbed Oil Bronze Fixtures

Rubbed oil bronze offers a natural finish that gives fixtures a unique, antique patina. Hard water can cover this finish with a layer of white- or green-tinted minerals that will tarnish the look. Don’t try to scrub the hard water off with coarse abrasives such as steel wool or stiff-bristled brushes because you can easily wear off the finish. Don’t use bleach or other strong solutions to remove the water stains because these will also wear off the finish over time.

Terry cloths
Mineral oil
Beeswax

Instructions

- 1
  Soak a terry cloth in distilled water. Terry cloths have a raised nap that will help work away the hard water stains but will not scratch or damage the natural patina.
- 2
  Rub the terry cloth over the hard water stains. Rub vigorously until you remove the stains.
- 3
  Apply a dime-sized amount of mineral oil on a clean terry cloth.
- 4
  Rub the cloth into the hard water stains if you can still see them. Work until the stains are gone.
- 5
  Buff the fixture dry with a clean cloth.
- 6
  Buff beeswax onto the fixtures. Buff excess off with a clean cloth. The beeswax will help prevent hard water from redeveloping.

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