We know the story. You clean your bathroom regularly, but you are still seeing rust on your toilet, shower and sinks. Rust forms when iron and oxygen react with moisture. They combine to make iron oxide which appears as an orange-brown stain. Because rust requires iron, you are likely to see it on sinks around shaving cans or razors that are metal based. It also forms in showers, sinks and toilet bowls due to the water’s interaction with iron pipes and water heaters.
But no matter why the rust may be forming, the important thing is getting it cleaned off. Here are some products that will help.
Citric Acid
Citric acid can be derived from any citrus fruit, or you can buy it in the grocery store. To use it for scrubbing, dip a cut edge in salt or baking soda. This will make a gentle abrasive that can be used to clean the rusted area.
Distilled White Vinegar
A high acidity distilled white vinegar will be effective in getting rid of rust stains. For best results, spray the vinegar on to the rusty area. Use a scrub brush to clean the area and rinse well.
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is commonly used to make baked products, but it is also works well as a rust cleaning agent. To get your rust cleaned off, sprinkle the product on effected areas. Add a few drops of water to make a pasty consistency. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep the area moist before cleaning off the paste.
Gentle Abrasives
Gentle abrasives like table salt, pumice powder and baking soda can be combined with any of the ingredients listed above or used on their own to clean rust. Pumice sticks and stones will scrub away rust, limestone and hard water stains. Baking soda and table salt will get rid of stains without damaging porcelain and enamel surfaces.
Commercial Rust Cleaners
There are plenty of commercial rust cleaners available on the market. Some are more abrasive than others so take some time reading the label, use products as directed and dispose of them properly.
Preventing Rust
Knowing how to clean rust off bathroom fixtures is a bonus, but it’s even better to prevent rust from appearing in the first place. Here are some tips that will help you achieve that goal.
Get a Water Softening System: Rust is likely to form in hard water areas where well water is used. The water contaius tons iron bacteria and minerals that cause rust particles to cling to porcelain and enamel surfaces. If you clean off the rust, it will only reappear. Therefore, getting a water softening system will be your only option.
Leave Metal Items off the Sink: Metal items will react with the water in your sink to cause rust. Store them in cabinets to prevent rust from appearing.
Wipe down bathrooms and sinks after each use to remove iron residue. Rust is an unattractive addition to your bathroom. The tips in this article will help you keep your fixtures nice and clean. Questions or Concerns? Call JVS Plumbing Co today.
