I was skeptical when I tried cleaning hard water stains on my faucets with toothpaste – but it's so effective, I'll now be using it every time

Blue bathroom with blue wallpaper, mirrors, blue storage cabinet, cabinets on left, blue woodwork and ceiling, side table with flowers, basin with towel storage, blind.

Even though I genuinely do keep on top of my bathroom cleaning routine, there's one thing that always seems to keep coming back – hard water stains.

These bothersome marks are caused by mineral deposits left behind when water evaporates, meaning they will just keep returning to your shower, sink and faucets unless you soften your water at the source, with an often-expensive filtration system.