Rust stains in your bathtub are a major headache of any homeowner, especially if you don’t know how to get them out. Whether caused by a leaky faucet or recent plumbing work, rust stains in your tub are unsightly and can cause long-term damage. The best thing you can do is remove these stains when fresh. If left on for too long, it could be harder and more expensive to remove them. Luckily, with the right strategy, you can get rid of rust without too much trouble.

Causes of Rust Stains on Your Bathtub

A bathtub may rust due to a variety of reasons. Being able to identify the cause can help you pick the best solution for the job.

1. Rusting faucets

The most common cause of rust stains in your bathtub is a leaking faucet, which causes rust to build up over time. If a section of your faucet begins to leak and you don’t immediately fix it, the amount of water that accumulates can be enough to cause rust stains on your bathtub. The leaking water constantly leaves a rusty residue that builds up until it can be seen in your bathtub. Check your faucets every time you use them. No one wants to be stuck with rust stains on their tub or sink! Luckily, these aren’t too difficult to handle — we cover how to remove water rust stains from bathtub or sink surfaces below.

2. Pipes wearing down

Another common cause of rust stains in your bathtub is the gradual wearing down of pipes. If they aren’t repaired as soon as they start to leak, water builds up on the floor and walls, eventually making its way into your tub and leaving behind a fresh deposit of rust. It is especially true in older homes where pipes are made of softer metals and can wear down over time. If you notice this issue, your best bet is to have your pipes repaired as soon as possible so that you won’t be stuck with rust stains on your tub or sink.

3. Algae build-up

If you live in an area with a lot of algae, there’s likely an abundance of it in the water supply. That means the water in your home could have more rust than average. The amount of rust in your water supply can cause your bathtub to develop rust stains over time. So, don’t ignore this problem! Get rid of all the algae from your water supply and keep it that way. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with rust stains on your tub for years.

4. Mineral build-up

Hard water can also be to blame for rust stains in your tub because it’s more likely to form a mineral build-up when you use it. The minerals in hard water are significant, so they can leave behind large stains when they dry. It’s especially true if you use hot water to shower or bathe. That hot water is likely to increase the number of minerals in your bathtub or sink. If you wonder, “how do I remove rust stains from my bathtub?” get a water softener. Hard water won’t be a problem.

6 Ways To Removing Rust From Bathtub

Luckily, there are multiple ways to remove rust stains from a tub. You likely even have many of these items in your home already. If not, create a storage space in your bedroom or bathroom to easily maneuver your rust removal solutions.

1. Use a soft cloth and warm water

When removing rust stains on your bathtub, don’t use harsh chemicals. Instead, always use a soft cloth and warm water to wipe the stain away gently. It will allow the paint to absorb the fabric without damaging it, giving you more time to get all the rust out.

2. Use a hard object to scrape the stain

Many homeowners will opt for removing rust stains from porcelain bathtub by using a sturdy object, like a spoon or stiff plastic spatula, to scrape them out. Be careful not to use too much pressure when scraping, as that can destroy the tub’s finish. Work in small sections, and don’t try to do the entire tub with one use of the spoon or spatula.

3. Use a cloth dipped in bleach

You can use bleach to remove rust stains from bathtub surfaces, but using it can also weaken the tub and lead to more problems. Instead, you should always test the bleach on an inconspicuous area of your tub before using it on the entire tub. If there are no adverse effects after trying the bleach on your tub, you’re ready to go ahead and use it to fully remove those rust stains.

4. Use vinegar

Like bleach, you can use vinegar to remove rust stains from your tub. The best way to do this is to mix vinegar with water and a little dish soap, then use the mix to sponge the stained area. It will allow the rust to dissolve and attach to the sponge, which should be easier than using only vinegar alone.

5. Use lemon juice

Lemon juice is another common household item that can quickly remove rust stains from your tub. Pour some lemon juice into a glass, dip a rag into it, and wipe the tub’s surface. The acid in the lemon juice should help to dissolve the rust on your tub, making it easier for you to wipe it away. Just remember not to use too much pressure when brushing since that could damage the finish of your tub.

6. Use cream of tartar

Finally, cream of tartar can make removing rust from the tub much more accessible. Use a solution of one part water to two parts cream of tartar. Pour the solution onto the rust stain and let it sit for at least an hour before wiping it away. The acid from the combination of water and cream of tartar will have a draining effect on the rust. Once it sets, you can remove rust from bathtub spaces that have it.

Rust stains can ruin the look of your bathroom, so remove them as soon as you notice them popping up. The good news is you now know how to remove rust stains from enamel bathtubs and porcelain tubs, so you should be able to find a solution that works for you. There are some dangers involved with removing rust stains from a bathtub, mainly if you use chemicals. However, once you find an effective way to do it, you’ll enjoy tubs that are as good as new.