Open Accessibility Menu
Hide
DIY

Remove Rust Stains From Bathtub

Showers are great, but if you’re not feeling well or are just plain exhausted after a long week, nothing can beat a nice, relaxing soak in the tub. However, if your tub has unsightly splotches of rust under the faucet, taking a bath could be more stressful than soothing.

Bring the bliss back to bath time. Learn how to remove rust from your tub.
 

What You Need to Know About Removing Rust Stains from Bathtubs

Bathtubs are made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, enamel and porcelain. That means that each tub will react differently to cleaners. For example, enamel tubs can be damaged by acids like vinegar, while acrylic tubs are prone to bleaching. Because of this, you should understand how to clean your bathtub based on the material it is made of. Additionally, you should always do a spot test of both products and cleaning tools on a small inconspicuous area of your tub before trying to remove rust stains.
 

How to Remove Rust from the Tub with Lemon and Salt

It may seem like this combination wouldn’t do more than turn your bathtub into a giant margarita-like drink. (And would that be so bad?) But both lemon and salt have some amazing cleaning properties, so you might be surprised at what they can accomplish.

You’ll need:
 
  1. Squeeze the lemon juice over any affected spots. You want the stains to be damp so that the salt will stick to them.
  2. Sprinkle salt over the rust-stained areas that you just dampened with the lemon juice.
  3. Let this sit for three to four hours.
  4. Use the microfiber cloth to gently scrub the mixture away.
  5. Rinse the walls of the tub to remove any remaining rust, salt or lemon.

Removing Rust Stains from Bathtubs with Baking Soda

You probably already know that baking soda works great as a natural means of countering rude odors. Well, it can also help clean rust stains from your bathtub.

You’ll need:
 
  • Several tablespoons of baking soda
  • Water
  • A microfiber cloth
  1. Make a paste using baking soda and a little water. The amount of paste you’ll need will depend on how much of your tub is affected with rust. Start small and make more if it’s necessary.
  2. Spread the paste on the areas of your tub that have rust stains.
  3. Let this sit overnight.
  4. The next morning, gently scrub the paste away with the microfiber cloth.
  5. Rinse any remaining baking soda from the tub.
  6. Repeat as needed.

How to Remove Rust Stains with Elbow Grease

While it may not be the easiest method, a little force combined with a cleaning screen can sometimes be the most effective means of getting the job done. You can buy a cleaning screen — which is similar to lightweight sandpaper — at most hardware stores.

You’ll need:
 
  • A cleaning screen
  • Water
  1. Dampen your cleaning screen. Let this sit for a minute or two.
  2. Gently rub the stained areas with the screen. They should start to disappear.
  3. Repeat as needed until there are no more stains.


Give yourself the gift of time and a clean home. Learn more about our residential bathroom cleaning services, and contact your local Merry Maids for an estimate today.

Recommended Further Reading