Understanding Rust Stain Problems When Dealing With Porcelain Bathtubs and Sinks

Porcelain is an appealing and inexpensive alternative you can use for your sinks and bathtubs when building your home. However, porcelain bathtubs and sinks can be adversely affected by rust stains that ruin their overall appeal by making them appear older than they actually are. The rust stains are caused by the presence of dissolved iron salts in ordinary tap water. The iron accumulates on the surface of the sinks and bathtubs, forming an orange-red stain. Local water supplies and water drawn from places like boreholes can have a high amount of the iron-rich salts. Here are some of the important things that you need to know about rust stain problems on porcelain bathtubs and sinks:

What Should You Do to Prevent the Rust Stains?

After using your sink or bathtub, rinse it thoroughly with plenty of water and then wipe it dry using a clean towel.  Wiping the porcelain surface with a towel helps to absorb the iron salt residues, preventing oxidation and staining. This simple habit will prevent the occurrence of rust stains or at least delay the rate at which they occur. To add on that, do not keep metal sprays cans on the surface of the porcelain bathtub or sink. Instead, Keep them in a cabinet or cupboard. Most of these cans have a metal ring at the base, which reacts with water in an oxidation process that forms rust. Good examples include hair spray cans, air freshener and shaving cream cans.

Lastly, consider installing a hard water softener in your home to remove the iron salts and prevent rust stains.  

What Should You Do To get Rid of Rust Stains?

For a stained porcelain bathtub or sink, spray a mixture of lemon juice or vinegar and water on the stained surface. Thereafter, scrub the surface using a hard bristled brush. Alternatively, you can also use a pumice stone to scrub the stains off the porcelain surface. Dip the pumice stone in water to make it wet then rub it gently against the bathtub or sink. A small part of the pumice will dissolve in the water and form a paste when you rub it against the porcelain surface. Use this paste to scrub off the stain and rinse with lots of water.

What Do You Need to Avoid When Removing the Stains?

When removing the rust stains on the porcelain surface, avoid using cleansers that have bleach. They worsen the stains by reacting with the iron salts to form more rust or completely new staining compounds.

For more advice, contact a plumber.

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