Scale?

[jimen]

Is this white spot scale? We have a spot like that on every grout line between each tile. Gentle scrubbing with the nylon or wire brushes doesn't help.

 

[mknauss]

Yes. At the water level with non sealed grout you can get evaporate scale. It also can be salt. But that should melt away when water is splashed on it.

 

[duraleigh]

Is each spot right at the water line? If so, then, yeah, evaporative scale (calcium).

Muriatic acid (diluted 3:1 for starters) and an acid brush will clean it up. Lower pH and lower CH will slow it's return. A water softener tied to your refill water will eventually almost eliminate it.

 

[jimen]

Yes, it's right at the water line. Will have to get an acid brush...this is the first I've heard of one. I'll get a squirt bottle and mix the acid 3:1 to see if we can get it off. Our softener isn't tied into the outside water spigots and we have pretty hard water here.