How to Remove Rust Stains from Bathtubs and Toilets with Shampoo
The mineral deposits in water can cause rust stains in your bathroom. While it's ideal to wipe down your bathroom every day to prevent rust from forming, you may not have the time or inclination for such a commitment. There are numerous effective cleansers that rid your bathroom of rust, but if toxic chemicals cause concern, try removing rust from your bathtub and toilet by using a product you already have in your bathroom: shampoo. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Shampoo
- Small bowl
- Old towel
- Sponge or old towel cut into 6- to 8-inch square
- Medium-bristle brush
- Hard-bristle toothbrush
- Toilet brush
- Clean cloth or paper towel
Instructions
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Bathtub
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1
Pull on rubber gloves to keep your hands dry and free from germs.
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2
Pour approximately one cap full of shampoo into your bowl and fill it with water.
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3
Fold a towel into thirds and put it on the floor so you can kneel over the side of the bathtub without hurting your knees.
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4
Dip your sponge into the sudsy water and rub the rust stain in a circular motion. Dip the sponge again into the water and rub in a counter-clockwise motion until the rust begins to lift. If the rust does not disappear completely, pour a little bit of shampoo onto the bristles of a cleaning brush and scrub the rust until it disappears.
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5
Rinse your sponge until the water runs clear, and then wipe your clean sponge over the sudsy areas until the bathtub is clean.
Toilet
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6
Pull on rubber gloves to keep your hands dry and free from germs.
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7
Pour a small amount of shampoo directly onto your toilet brush or sponge.
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8
Rub the brush in a back-and-forth motion across the stains until the rust begins to lift. If the rust does not disappear completely, pour a larger amount of shampoo onto the bristles and scrub the rust until it disappears. You may need more scrubbing strength gained from using a sponge instead of a brush.
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9
Apply a small amount of shampoo onto a toothbrush, and use the brush to remove rust from where it collects around hinges and small parts.
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10
Dampen a clean towel and wipe away shampoo from hinges and small parts.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For particularly stubborn stains, try pouring baking soda directly on the rust and scrubbing it away with a sponge or brush. A pumice stone also provides a safe abrasive.
While it is impractical to clean your bathroom every day, if you live in a particularly humid climate, consider using a product that absorbs moisture in small spaces.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images
