One of the most unsightly things homeowners experience is spotting rust stains around the toilet bowl. Even if the rest of the bathroom is squeaky-clean, rusty streaks can be off-putting for household members and guests alike.
Multi-purpose bathroom cleaners will not eliminate rust stains effectively, and cleaning with chlorine bleach can even cause rust stains to become permanent.
The good news is there are ways to clean the stains, both environmentally friendly and chemically.
Rust in the toilet bowl means higher iron levels in the water supply. This may not pose a health risk but can oxidize, turning into an orange-brown color. In older homes, the iron may be coming from old pipes that are deteriorating. Stains can also appear in homes located in hard water areas.
With the proper measures, you can reduce the presence of iron and the deposits on the surfaces of your toilets, keeping these surfaces stain-free. The following products can rid your bathroom of rust stains.
1. White Vinegar And Baking Soda. Add half a cup of baking soda to your toilet bowl water, spraying it with vinegar. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, and then scrub the toilet bowl with your toilet brush. If stains persist after cleaning, add a second half cup of baking soda with warm water and saturate the stubborn stains.
2. Cream of Tartar. Used by bakers, cream of tartar comes in a powdered form of tartaric acid typically used to equalize whipped egg whites and functions as a leavening agent in baked goods. Make a paste with the tartar with a few drops of water, applying it to toilet bowl stains. Allow it time to work and keep the paste moist by covering the area with plastic wrap.
3. Pumice stones. Pumice, a natural volcanic rock, is gentle enough to use on porcelain, and you can use it to scrub the rust stains away. Wet pumice stick, rubbing it directly on the stains before rinsing and cleaning.
4. Commercial Products. Commercial products such as Iron OUT Spray Gel Rust Stain Remover and CLR on the market work very well in removing stains. Commercial products can be harsh, so read labels carefully, follow the directions, and store and dispose of the products properly.
If the rust stains keep returning, you may want your pipes and water supply assessed by an experienced plumber. Gene Wagner Plumbing, is ranked one of the top two plumbers in Southeastern Wisconsin by Milwaukee’s A-List. Contact us or call us at 414-541-9217.
