Removing Rust Stains from Sinks, Tubs, and Toilets

Every homeowner wants their bathroom to feel and appear clean and refreshing. However, over time, your bathtubs, toilets, or sinks may develop some dark dust stains typically caused by rusted pipes, fixtures, heaters, or simply by having a high iron concentration in your water supply. If you believe you have rusted piping or fittings, you should consider replacing them by hiring professional plumbers in Oakland to solve the problem permanently.

To keep orange rust stains at bay, use the correct products periodically, such as acid-based cleansers. While most all-purpose bathroom cleaners are ineffective in removing rust stains, and chlorine bleach can make rust stains indelible, discover simple home remedies and efficient cleaning methods for rust stains.

Rust Stains: What Causes Them?

Rust forms on unprotected metal surfaces when iron and oxygen combine with moisture to generate iron oxide, usually left by a shaving cream container or razor blade on the sink’s edge. On the contrary, rust stains around the sink, tub drains, and toilet bowls are created by water containing high quantities of iron particles, iron bacteria, iron plumbing pipes, rusty water heaters, or untreated metal components in toilet tanks.

The stains are especially prevalent in households using well water in hard-water locations. Rust particles can stick to porcelain or enamel surfaces of bathroom fixtures due to the mixture of iron bacteria and minerals in the water. Unfortunately, unless the water is filtered or treated with a water-softening system, after cleaning, the stains will resurface.

Cleaning Rust Stains on Toilets, Tubs, and Sinks

Use Citric Acid:

You may obtain citric acid from fresh lemons, grapefruits, lime juice, or powdered citric acid, which is available in pharmacy stores. Dip the cut edge of fresh citrus fruit in salt or baking soda to offer a soft abrasive to scrape the rust-stained region. Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and apply it to severely discolored areas. Cover the paste with plastic wrap to keep it wet, and let it aside for at least an hour to help the rust particles break down.

Use Distilled White Vinegar:

Since white vinegar contains acetic acid, it works well to remove rust spots. It, like citric acid, can be applied weekly to help prevent rust stains from becoming persistent. Although you may use food-grade distilled white vinegar, cleaning vinegar with higher acidity is preferable for removing difficult rust stains. Spray vinegar on rust stains to clean sinks, tubs, and shower walls weekly. Clean the area with a scrub brush and then thoroughly rinse. Additionally, seek assistance from Oakland drain cleaning professionals to ensure unclogged drains.

Use Tartar Cream:

Probably, you don’t have the cream of tartar unless you’re a confectioner or baker, but it’s an excellent rust remover. Cream of tartar is a powdered tartaric acid commonly used to stabilize whipped egg whites and as a leavening ingredient in baked products. Sprinkle it over rusted sink and tub surfaces before cleaning with a moistened nylon-bristled brush. To apply to shower walls or toilet bowl stains, make a paste with a few drops of water. As with other acids, allow it time to work and cover the area with plastic wrap to keep the paste wet.

Use Gentle Abrasives:

You may use baking soda, table salt, or pumice powder alone or in conjunction with any of the acid cleansers. These gentle abrasives are soft enough not to damage bathroom fixture’s porcelain, fiberglass, or enamel coatings. However, while using the abrasive, always moisten the rusted surface with water or cleanser for effective results.

Use Specialized Rust Removers:

Plenty of commercial rust removers are available on the market that performs excellently in removing spots. Some are harsher than others, so take the time to read labels thoroughly, follow guidelines, and store and dispose of goods correctly.