How To Remove Hard Water Buildup From Glass Pebbles?

[abikau93]

I put some glass pebbles in my desk fountain, but eventually they turn white from what I guess is hard water buildup. What's a good way to remove the buildup? I've tried dunking them in water and vinegar, but it just shows back up after letting them sit for a few minutes!

[gingejbee]

Are you sure that the shiny,smooth surface of the pebbles is actually coated with carbonate deposit? Will it scrape off with a penknife blade?
I think that the surface of the pebbles may have eroded slightly....which would make them milky-looking.

[Jennykenny]

Bleach?

[beegeebee]

Vinegar?

[alavahalf]

Did you fill the fountain with tap water initialy ? .. if so it is propably a calcium /scale build up on the pebbles. Try cleaning the fountain and filling it with distilled water instead.

[Prudie]

I'd have thought more likely the water has etched them (like glass in the sea) and it's nothing to do with limescale. If you really think it is then clean them with Viakal

[gingejbee]

Prudie...my thoughts too (first answer). If it were carbonate deposit, it would dissolve in the vinegar but wouldn't still look milky a few minutes later,

[MallyJ]

You can use a scourer on glass... it will not scratch it. That will remove the build up of lime scale that is probably the problem. Himself makes terrariums/ Wardian cases so use a scourer when necessary to clean the glass

[diddlydo]

Citric acid should work.