How To Rust Stains From Plumbing Fixtures
Rust stains can be a nuisance because they make your sinks or toilet look bad. The iron reacts with oxygen to form rust, with water acting as a catalyst. If there are traces of water left on your surfaces and if your water is hard, it could make the residue of iron and other minerals react with oxygen to form rust. There are many methods you can use to remove rust and make the rusty items look clean again. Here, we will discuss ways in which you can remove the rust from your sinks, tubs, and toilets.
1. Commercial Rust Remover
There are products you can use to remove rust that oxidize without the need to scrub the rusty spots. After applying the chemicals and the rust comes off, you just have to rinse it away. However, some people refrain from using commercial rust removers because they are not eco-friendly and can potentially cause health issues.
The chemicals produce strong fumes, which can make you dizzy. Some of these chemical products have phosphoric or oxalic acid and can be hazardous to your skin. If you have to apply the chemical several times, you may be overexposing yourself, which is why some people opt for other alternative methods.
2. Distilled White Vinegar
The acetic acid contained in distilled white vinegar can remove rust stains. The vinegar reacts with the rust and then dissolves it. When you are doing your weekly cleaning of sinks, tubs, and toilets, spray the distilled white vinegar on rust stains and leave it for few hours. After the time is over, wipe the area to remove the rust. Alternatively, you can soak a cloth in white vinegar and then wipe the rusty areas. Another way of removing rust is to dip a piece of aluminum foil in the white vinegar and then wipe the rust off.
Regular vinegar can also get the job done, although it will take you more time to do it. Plumbing companies know how to go about most plumbing issues and will help you get your toilet, sink, and tub in good shape. Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has vast experience providing plumbing services in South Charleston, WV.
3. Lemon Rust Removal
Salt and lemon solutions can remove rust from your metal items. All you need to do is to sprinkle some salt over the rusty areas to cover them. After some time, squeeze lemon juice and apply it all over the rusty places. Give it about three to four hours, and then scrub the rust off carefully so as not to damage the metal surface underneath.
4. Dish Soap and a Potato
Another interesting way of removing rust from your sink, tubs, and toilets is by using dish soap and a potato. Cut a potato into two pieces and then apply a small amount of the dish soap to the cut end of the potato. Place the potato on the rusty areas and give it a couple of hours to set. This will precipitate a chemical reaction between the rust and the cut end of the potato. You can repeat the process a number of times until the rust comes off.
5. Pumice
If you have pumice stone in your home, you can use it to remove rust. If you have a porcelain sink or tub, you will find the pumice stone helpful because it doesn’t damage your surface. You simply need to wet the rusty surface and the stone and then run the area gently with the stone to remove the rust.
6. Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is an effective rust remover, and you may want to try it on your sinks and tubs. Sprinkle a little amount of cream of tartar on the stained areas and then scrub gently with a brush-covered by a nylon material to get rid of the rust.
7. Baking Soda
You can mix baking soda with water to create a sort of paste. This paste can remove the rust in your home. Apply the paste on the rusty areas and ensure you have covered the rusty areas well. Give it an hour or so, and then scrub the area with a toothbrush. You can then wash the area thoroughly and rinse it off with water.
Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can take care of all your plumbing needs in South Charleston. Other than plumbing services, we provide heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services. Our staff is waiting to serve you. Call us today to set up an appointment.
