How to Remove Green Stains in the Bathroom

Get rid of those blue-green stains in the bathroom.

Cleaning the bathroom may not be a fun job, but it is a necessary one. The best way to make this task go faster and easier is to stay on top of it and to use the most effective products for the job. Green or blue-green stains in the bathroom are caused by copper in your pipes or your water supply. They can be removed with sodium bisulfate, which can be found in crystal toilet bowl cleaner or by cleaning the stain with ammonia.

Things You'll Need

• Sudsy ammonia or crystal toilet bowl cleaner
• Latex or rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Put on protective gloves and make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area. In addition to its pungent odor, ammonia can irritate the skin.

2. Prepare a mixture of half water and half sudsy ammonia, or toilet bowl cleanser crystals mixed with water and scrub the stain with the mixture.

3. Rinse the sink or bathtub well, and run water for a few minutes to flush the pipes.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry your sink or bathtub after using to prevent standing water. Have dripping faucets or shower heads repaired.

• Consult your retailer for cleaning recommendations if you have granite fixtures. Ammonia can dull the surface of granite. To prevent the release of toxic gases, never mix ammonia with any substance other than plain water.

References

• PA American Water: Why Do I Get Blue-green Stains on Sink and Tub Fixtures?
• NCSU Coop Ext. Water Quality: Removing Mineral Deposits From Household Surfaces
• Gerrity Stone: Stone Care