Damaged by hard water

[Willie51]

Hi Y'all!
Can anyone out there help us figure our what happenned and how to fix it? We're thinking our bathtub porcelain tile was damaged by hard water. (We've since had a water softener installed) The shine is gone in a section where the shower head might have been aimed, and if you catch it in the right light, you can actually see water spots. The house was built in the mid 80's and the tile is original.
Is there anything we can do to bring the finish back. We're doing an interim remodel until we can remodel the expensive way, and want the tiles to shine!
Thanks for any suggestions about the cause, and the cure.
Thanks,
WillNinNC

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[dl]

Goggle is your friend:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/housing/pubs/fcs397.html
White vinegar would probably be the first thing to try.

- DL

[Willie51]

Thanks DL - that's an interesting site and I wish I knew about it before all this damage occurred. I fear the finish on the porcelain tiles has been beat off by the acid in the well water if that's possible. Is there any way to put a finish back on?

[Davestone]

Willie porcelain isn't damaged by minerals, but they leave a residue.The vinegar may work, but for rust, and really tough stains you may want to use CLR,or Barkeepers friend,and rinse well.Oxalic acid is another rust remover.