How to Remove Rust Stains From Sinks

Rust stains in sinks are usually the byproduct of hard water or bacteria buildup in the hot water tank. The stains appear to be seemingly permanent, but they aren't. Here's a simple way to remove rust stains from your sink.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toothpaste
• Baking soda
• Clean cloths
• Lighter fluid
• Club soda
• Vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Cream of tarter

For Porcelain Sinks

1. Rub toothpaste onto the stain. Be sure to cover it entirely.

2. Sprinkle baking soda over the toothpaste and allow it to sit for several minutes.

3. Using a nonabrasive clean cloth, rub the toothpaste and baking soda into the stain until it is gone. Repeat as needed.

Stainless Steel Sinks

4. Apply lighter fluid to a non-abrasive cloth and rub it on the stain. For safety reasons, use gloves and keep away from open flames. Scrub until the rust is completely gone. Remove and immediately wash any cloth material that came in contact with the lighter fluid as it is highly flammable.

5. Pour club soda or vinegar onto a new non-abrasive cloth and wipe the area clean of any residual spots and streaks.

6. Use a clean dry non-abrasive cloth to dry the sink.

For Fiberglass Sinks

7. Pour hydrogen peroxide onto the stain.

8. Sprinkle cream of tartar onto the hydrogen peroxide and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.

9. Wipe the area clean with a soft clean cloth and rinse well.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to home remedies there are many products available on the market for rust removal. Red-B-Gone, Whink, Bar Keepers Friend, and Iron Out are a few popular choices.
• Stainless steel sinks scratch easily, so do not use anything abrasive to clean them.

[fvf871]

on 9/6/2009 Thanks for the tip. I clean houses for a living and have been looking for a solution to rust stains. I rated you 5.

[Samuelson]

on 8/25/2009 Very useful indeed but I do not think it covers all types of stains together with their remedies. I have found a very useful white paper in this respect which covers different types of stains, their cause and remedies. It can be downloaded from:
http://www.tradeplumbing.co.uk/whitepapers/keep-bathroom-stain-free.pdf