How To Remove Rust Stains From Tubs, Toilets, and Sinks

Rust stains aren’t always the result of a rust problem in the water or your plumbing system. If water has a sufficiently high iron content, it will leave rust stains behind, even if it appears to be clear and tastes normal. Therefore, if you live in an area that has a lot of underground iron deposits, it’s very likely that the iron leaching into the groundwater will lead to troublesome rust stains in your porcelain.
The most common place for rust stains to appear is where standing water is standard, such as your toilet bowl. Any streaks leading down from the outlets into your bowl or a brownish ring around the water line could be rust stains which you can’t quickly remove with your usual toilet cleaners.
Best Way To Clean Rust Stains
Cleaning rust stains can be difficult, especially if they’ve been around for a while as severe rust stains can permanently be etched into your porcelain over time. Some of the best remedies to remove these stubborn stains are the following:
Pumice stones: This crumbly and airy volcanic rock can gently scour away stains, and some pumice products are created especially for removing any rust stains from your toilet, sink, and tubs. Look for a pumice scrubber or stick that’s designed for tile and porcelain. A lot of elbow grease will be needed, but it will be worth it in the end, and also better for your wallet, as you won’t need to purchase lots of different cleaning products.
Abrasive scouring pads: To lift away light stains, all you may need is the rough side of your standard two-color dish sponge. If your stains are a bit more stubborn, there are specially designed scouring pads, which were created with tough stains on tubs and toilets in mind. A scouring pad is an eco-friendly and economical option, as you won’t need to use any chemicals, and you can clean and reuse the pad a few times.
Salt and lemon juice: If you want to try the most natural remedy, or you don’t have any pumice stones or scouring pads at hand, you can potentially still clean the stains without having to take a trip to the store. Combine lemon juice and salt until you form a wet paste, and this potent combination can successfully remove any rust stains if given enough time to penetrate.
The wet paste formed by lemon juice and salt isn’t particularly sticky, so using this technique in a toilet bowl can be complicated, but it’s a fantastic option for tub drains and sinks, which have a flat surface. After applying the mixture, let it soak for a few hours, and use a toothbrush to scrub it away.
Chemical cleaners: If the stains are really tough and you can’t lift them with the above environmentally friendly techniques, then you can bring out the big guns: chemical cleaners. However, you need something stronger than your everyday cleaner; it needs to be stronger than bleach.
The chemical cleaner you use needs to contain hydrochloric acid, but double check first that it’s safe to use as a tile and tub cleaner. Follow the instructions to the letter, as mishandling these products can be potentially hazardous.
For any Questions please call Chambliss Plumbing today