5 Ways to Remove Rust From Tub and Sink

How to Remove Rust from Bathtub, Shower, & Sink

The unsightly brown patches on your tub and your sinks are probably rust, and it’s caused by a number of different things. Often, rust is a result of water carried through older, rusty galvanized pipes. If you have hard water, which is a common issue in the Austin Hill Country, rust can originate from the residue of iron and minerals left behind on the surface. However, it really doesn’t matter much how the rust got there; what does matter is that it looks bad and should be cleaned up. Fortunately, getting rid of these stains can be pretty easy.

Contact us or call our office at (512) 267-3712 to request an appointment.

Here are five ways to remove rust from your tub and sinks:

1. Use a rust remover. This one is probably pretty obvious, and if you’ve spent any time in your supermarket’s or hardware store’s cleaner aisle, you know that there are several different products on the market that claim to remove rust on contact. It really is true: rust removers usually work great because they immediately oxidize the rust without any scrubbing. All you have to do is rinse it away, and your sink or tub looks sparkling clean. However, many homeowners are hesitant to use commercial rust removers because they contain harsh chemicals that give off terrible fumes and can make you lightheaded. These products can even cause burns on your skin if they’re not handled properly. Plus, many people are looking for a more eco-friendly way to clean their sinks and tubs. If that’s you, you’ll want to try another method.
2. Use Shaw’s Pads. If you don’t mind using a little elbow grease, Shaw’s Pads are an effective, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly way to clean up stains on porcelain and ceramic surfaces. Plumbers swear by these because they work well and don’t leave scratches. If you can’t find them at your local hardware store, you can easily order them online. (https://www.shawspads.com/)
3. Use pumice. An ordinary pumice stone is also a good way to remove rust, especially from porcelain, since it won’t scratch or damage your surface. Simply wet the stone, wet the rusty surface, and then rub the stone lightly over the surface to remove the rust.
4. Use lemon juice and salt. Two pantry staples can work in combination to clean off the rust and make your kitchen or bathroom smell lemony fresh. Make a paste using salt and enough lemon juice (bottled is fine) to get a thick consistency. Apply the paste to the rust, let it sit for 15 or 20 minutes, and then scrub it off with a scrubber sponge.
5. Use baking soda and vinegar. For tougher rust stains, make a paste of two other pantry staples: three parts baking soda and one part vinegar. Apply it to the rusty surface with a scrub sponge, and let it sit for an hour. When you rinse it off, the rust should be gone, though, for more severe stains, you may need to repeat the process.

If you're dealing with issues beyond rust stains around your plumbing fixtures and need to call in a professional, give our team of trusted experienced technicians at Good Clean Plumbing a call at (512) 817-1675 today!