How to Keep a Bathtub From Rusting

Keep your bathtub clean, shiny and free of rust stains.

Rust can ruin the appearance of your bathtub and if you don't address the problem early you might end up replacing or reglazing your tub. Several factors play a role in rusting. Identifying the possible causes of rust can help you pinpoint the root of stains. Getting rid of stains helps preserve the beauty of your bathtub.

Instructions

1. Do an iron treatment. Turn on the water in your bathtub and run water into a glass. Check the water after a few minutes for traces of red or yellow water. This can indicate a high level of iron in your water. A water professional can install a filtration system to reduce the iron content in your water supply.

2. Replace your pipes. Old pipes can rust and cause rust stains in your bathtub. Hiring a professional plumber to remove old piping can help eliminate rusting.

3. Keep metal cans out of the tub. Metal from shaving cream cans or shower caddy's might rust and stains can spread to your tub. Use a rust-proof stainless steel shower caddy to hold shower gels, razors and other bath supplies -- and store shaving cream cans in other areas of the bathroom.

4. Bring or leave an extra towel in the bathroom and use this towel to completely dry the tub after each bath or shower. Keeping the area dry helps reduce rusting.

References

• Carbon Counter: How to Prevent Rust
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Iron in Drinking Water