Nothing ruins the look of a bathroom like rust stains. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including water pipes, cleaning products, metal décor, and even bathroom products. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to both prevent and remove these unsightly marks. Here’s a quick guide on how to keep your bathroom looking spotless!
( DO NOT USE CLR OR HARSH CHEMICALS ON BRUSHED METAL SURFACES, YOU WILL REMOVE THE COATING AND RUIN YOUR FIXTURES! )
Prevention is Key
The best way to avoid rust stains in your bathroom is to take preventive measures. If you have metal fixtures or pipes in the bathroom, it’s important that they are sealed properly so that water doesn’t seep into them and cause corrosion over time. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect all the hardware in the room for any signs of corrosion or rust. If you spot any, replace them immediately. Steel, zinc, copper and aluminum all corrode the fastest, so try to use stainless steel made products and decorations.
Removal Techniques
If you already have rust stains in your bathroom, it’s important to act quickly in order to avoid damaging the surfaces further. The first step is to identify what type of surface has been affected; if it’s ceramic tile, glass, or porcelain, then you’ll want to use a commercial rust remover specifically designed for those materials. CLR is one of my favorites for this and you can use it on bathtubs, toilet bowls, sinks, glass, chrome, fiberglass, stainless steel, humidifiers, dishwashers, washing machines and showerheads ( but it’s important to only leave the product on for about 2 minutes at a time). If the surface is made of something more delicate such as marble or granite, then you’ll need to take extra care when cleaning it. CLR and similar products are too acidic for some surfaces and will dissolve some natural stone and painted fixtures.
For a gentler approach to rust stains, try using lemon juice mixed with baking soda (or vinegar mixed with salt). This combination should create an acidic paste that you can apply directly onto the chrome surfaces and let sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing off with a soft cloth dipped in warm water. For larger areas affected by rust stains, white vinegar can be used alone—simply pour some onto the stain and let sit overnight before scrubbing off with a sponge or cloth in the morning.
Rust stains don’t have to ruin your bathroom décor! With some simple preventive measures and quick removal techniques, you can keep your space looking spotless no matter how much wear-and-tear it takes over time. Remember: always inspect metal fixtures for signs of corrosion regularly and seal them properly if necessary; replace rusty decorations and shower tools with stainless steel ones; and use CLR or natural products such as lemon juice (or vinegar) combined with baking soda (or salt) if needed. With these tips in mind, your bathroom should stay clean and fresh-looking all year round!
