It’s no secret that rust is one of the most difficult stains to remove. It can be found in many places, including on sinks, bathtubs, and even toilets. And, It seems like showers are one of the most difficult surfaces to keep clean and looking new.
Rust can cause quite a bit of damage if it builds up over time, especially in the bathroom, where moisture is already an issue. That’s why it’s important to know how to get rid of rust stains so you can avoid further damage and protect your bathroom fixtures.
Fortunately, some good options for removing rust stains from showers will leave it looking shiny and new again.
Types of Rust Stains in the Shower
Certain types of rust stains may require a different treatment than others, and it’s important to find the type of stain before commencing any cleaning. Also, it may matter if it is a light or dark colour since there are different remedies for each.
If your shower is covered in a layer of brown, red, or orange stain, it is likely due to water in the pipes with iron bacteria. You’ll need to first sand down the surface to remove any loose clumps of rust before attempting to clean them off with a mild detergent.
And, If the rust causes a white chalky substance to form on your tile, it is likely due to iron sulfate deposits. If you’ve had any leaks or drips in your shower, these can be left behind, so the best method to remove them is with a commercial product. A solution of white vinegar, borax, laundry powder, and salt will also work.
If the rust is sealed in under a layer of grime, you’ll need to use stronger methods such as steel wool, a rust remover, or some other type of abrasive material to remove enough of the rust.
Clean it with a Stain-Specific Product
It is important to know that rust stains are difficult to clean, so many products can be used to clean them. The Shower Park blog helps you to find the right solution to your problem. However, you should first identify the type of stain (rust) and then use a product based on your stain.
Rust stains come from different sources such as rusty hard water deposits, appliances, and even metal. They are caused by a chemical reaction to iron-rich hard water and can be difficult to remove. However, many rust removers have a gentle formulation designed for sensitive surfaces.
You should check your stain first to see if it has gone beyond the surface of the metal. Once you have identified your rust stain, you can use a product based on the type of stain you have.
The General Steps
1. First, take a cup of baking soda and mix it with about three tablespoons of water. Then sprinkle the mixture over the rust stains in the shower. Let the baking soda paste sit for an hour, then use a sponge to remove it.
2. Apply vinegar to the stained area, wait for it to bubble up, then rinse.
3. Use hydrogen peroxide mixed with dish soap to get rid of tough rust stains.
4. Use salt or lemon juice on light-coloured surfaces that have been stained by rust.
5. Make a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Rub this over the rust stain, then rinse it off with water. It takes time to work, so let it sit overnight and try the next day again.
6. Use a pumice stone on the stains if you have one available. This will only work on very light rust stains.
If Rust Stains Persist, Try Another Cleaning Solution
If there’s no success, try another type of cleaner until you find one that works. And, don’t forget to test the solution first before using it in your shower.
If you don’t have a commercial rust remover available, try one of the homemade solutions. Sometimes, unorthodox methods like lemon juice work.
Remove all Rust Traces and Let the Surface Dry
Rinse and dry the surface well after getting rid of all traces of rust. If there’s a white or green ring left in the tub, use a pumice stone and toothbrush to remove it. And, make sure the ring is gone before you continue with the rest of your shower routine.
And, if the rust has been removed from the tile but is still visible on the grout, then use a commercially available grout cleaner.
Dry Thoroughly Before Wiping
After removing the rust stains from the tiles, make sure you wipe them down and allow them to dry to keep rust from returning completely. This is important with tiles that come in contact with iron-heavy hard water or wet items.
As with any rust stains, prevention is key. Ensure that items that carry a rust risk are not allowed to sit in water or for extended periods.
Steel Wool to Scrub Away at Hard-to-reach Spots
For stubborn rust stains in places where water has pooled for a while, use steel wool to scrub away at hard-to-reach spots and rinse thoroughly afterwards as rust can potentially continue to spread as it does not discriminate against metal material.
However, remember never to scrub too hard on your toilet bowl as it will wear out the porcelain.
Agents like CLR can Help Prevent Future Rust
One of the best ways to clean rust is using CLR, a chlorine-free formula made specifically for cleaning the tough acrylic tub and tile stains. Also, solvent like bar keepers friend will work as well.
Step 1: Mix 1 part CLR to 3 parts water. Pour over the stain and scrub with an abrasive sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly and then dry.
Step 2: Apply an anti-rust agent such as CLR to prevent any future buildup.
After applying, you should clean the area with warm water and soap with some dishwashing liquid under it.
After cleaning, you can re-apply the anti-rust agent to ensure that rust does not come back anytime soon—also, thoroughly dry surfaces before allowing them to come into contact with any moisture.
Conclusion
When it comes to getting rid of rust stains, the first step is to identify where they are. Unfortunately, rust can be found on various surfaces, which means you need an arsenal of different products and methods for removing them from each surface.
We hope this article has covered what causes rust and how to remove it from your shower or bathroom fixtures, from simple household items to professional products. Happy Cleaning!