The appearance of rust on your kitchen and bathroom fixtures can be a nightmare. Just when you think rust only happens on metals, it can also appear on your sinks, shower stalls, tubs, and toilet bowls. That is why you should keep rust stains out of your bathroom and kitchen fixtures by using the right products. A professional plumber near you should take care of your plumbing and drainage problems.
Cleaning products are readily available in the market for rust and stain removal. However, these products may not always promise a squeaky-clean finish. Using an all-purpose bathroom cleaner may not also get rid of stains completely. Meanwhile, chlorine bleach can make the stain even worse.
What causes rust stains?
Rust occurs due to the reaction of oxygen and iron with moisture, which then forms into iron oxide. It can also be due to water with high levels of iron bacteria that causes rust formation near tubs, sinks, and toilet bowls. When combined with minerals in the water, the rust particles will cling to the enamel or porcelain surface of the fixtures.
Rust stains are more common in homes near hard-water areas. Even if you religiously clean your bathroom or kitchen, rust stains will be a normal thing unless you use a water-softening system. Still, it is best to keep your toilets, sinks, and tubs free from stains as much as you can.
Pay attention to the spots in your bathroom fixtures that are prone to rust. It is also better to dry the sink, tubs, and other fixtures used after every use to prevent the formation of rust stains.
How to get rid of rust stains
Cleaning rust stains should not be as complicated as you think. It’s all about using the right cleaning products. Instead of chlorine bleach and other commercial cleaning products, you can opt for organic products such as cream of tartar, lemon juice, or distilled white vinegar.
The acid in these products is milder than the acid components mostly found in commercial rust removal products, but still effective nonetheless. Other effective but much gentler rust removal products are pumice and baking soda.
Meanwhile, here are other tips to get rid of rust stains.
Cleaning rust using organic products
As mentioned, you can use organic products instead of commercial cleaning products with harsh chemicals. This includes acid-based products such as citric acid (lemon, grapefruits, lime, etc.), acetic acid (white vinegar), and potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar). Use old toothbrushes to scrub the rusted areas especially the tightest corners around the fixtures. Gentle abrasives such as baking soda, pumice powder, or table salt can also enhance the cleaning powers of acid-based products.
Invest in a water filtration system.
Iron-rich hard water coming from well water often causes bathroom rust. That is why installing a water softening system is a good idea to prevent hassle rust stains. Wipe wet sink and tub surfaces after use to prevent further formation of rust.
How to get rust stains out of the toilet?
It is a step-by-step guide to help you effectively remove rust stains in a toilet, which can often be a common household challenge.
Gather your supplies: complete this task, and gather the following common household items: a toilet brush, white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, rubber gloves, and a pumice stone (if available).
Empty the toilet bowl: Begin, flushing the toilet to empty the bowl and get rid of any extra water.
Apply white vinegar: Get rid of stains in the toilet bowl, pour one cup of white vinegar, and ensure the whole stained area is coated. Let the vinegar sit for at least 30 minutes. For tougher stains, it’s better to let it sit overnight.
Scrub the bowl: rub the stains with the toilet brush using vinegar. The acidic properties of vinegar make it easier to dissolve the rust and remove it. Keep scrubbing until the stains start to fade.
Flush and assess: the toilet to rinse away the vinegar and loosen rust particles after scrubbing. Evaluate the stain’s status and repeat the process if stubborn stains persist.
Try baking soda and lemon juice: the rust stains are still there after using vinegar, You can create a paste using baking soda and lemon juice. Apply the paste directly on the remaining stains and wait for 15-20 minutes. After that, gently scrub the stains with a toilet brush and then flush.
Consider a pumice stone: stubborn rust stains, use a wet pumice stone and gently rub it on the affected areas. Avoid using too much force or applying it on porcelain surfaces to prevent scratches.
Final rinse: Remove the stain, and flush the toilet several times to make sure that all the cleaning agents have been completely rinsed away and there’s no residue left behind.
Don’t forget to wear rubber gloves while cleaning to keep your hands protected. Also, make sure to ventilate the bathroom as vinegar and other cleaning agents may produce unpleasant odors.
Call a professional plumber to fix pipe leaks and damages.
Leaks can also cause the formation of rust. So if you see any leaks or damage on your pipe or drainage systems, don’t delay – call a professional plumber in Franklin TN to get it fixed right away!
