How To Remove Rust Stains From Toilets, Tubs, and Sinks

1. Use the Power of Citric Acid

   The citric acid can be from fresh lemons, limes, grapefruits, lemon or lime juice, or even powdered citric acid available from grocery and drug stores. If you are using a fresh citrus fruit for scrubbing, dip the cut edge in salt or baking soda to provide a gentle abrasive to scrub the rust-stained area.

   For heavily stained areas, mix a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and apply it to the rusty area. Cover the paste with plastic wrap to keep it moist and let it sit for at least an hour to help break down the rust particles.

   If using citric acid powder, make a paste with a few drops of water and apply it directly to the stained area. Use a scrub brush or old toothbrush and some elbow grease to scrub away the stain.
   

   Tip

   When treating rust stains in a toilet bowl, flush the toilet and then immediately turn off the water to prevent the bowl from refilling. This will make cleaning the rusty areas easier and keep your cleaner from becoming diluted.

2. Use Distilled White Vinegar

   The acetic acid in distilled white vinegar is effective in removing rust stains. Just like citric acid, it can be used weekly to help keep rust stains from becoming permanent. While food-grade distilled white vinegar can be used, cleaning vinegar with a higher acidity is better for tough rust stains.

   For weekly cleaning of sinks, tubs, and shower walls, spray the vinegar on the rust stains. Use a scrub brush to clean the area and then rinse well.

   For weekly cleaning of rusty toilet bowls, add one to two cups of vinegar to the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. For old stains, empty the toilet bowl of water and pour undiluted vinegar into the bowl and let it sit for at least two hours (overnight is better). Scrub well and rinse with fresh water.
   

3. Try Cream of Tartar

   Unless you are a meringue lover or baker, you may not have cream of tartar in your pantry, but it is a good rust remover. Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) is a powdered form of tartaric acid usually used to help stabilize whipped egg whites and act as a leavening agent in baked goods.

   Sprinkle it on the rust-stained areas of sinks and tubs before scrubbing with a dampened nylon-bristled brush. Make a paste with a few drops of water for applying to shower walls or toilet bowl stains. Just like with other acids, give it time to work and keep the paste moist by covering the area with plastic wrap.

   Tip

   Keep your old toothbrushes to use for scrubbing in tight areas around plumbing fixtures. You'll be happy to have them on hand.

4. Add Gentle Abrasives

   Gentle abrasives like baking soda, table salt, or pumice powder can be used alone or with any of the acid cleaners. They are gentle enough to prevent damage to the porcelain, fiberglass, or enamel finishes of bathroom fixtures. For the best results, always wet the stained surface with water or cleaner and keep the area wet while using the abrasive.

   Pumice is a naturally occurring volcanic rock and is available in powder or solid form. Pumice sticks or stones can be used to scrub away rust, limescale, and hard water stains.
   

5. Use Commercial Rust Removers

   There are dozens of commercial rust removers like CLR on the market that work very well to remove stains. Some are harsher than others, so take time to read labels carefully, follow the directions, and store and dispose of the products properly.
   

Additional Tips for Handling Rust Stains

• Bathroom rust is often the result of iron-rich hard water, especially well water. Installing a filtration system or water softening system will help prevent future stains.
• Cans and decorative storage containers that have metal rings on the bottom (e.g., shaving creams, air fresheners, hair sprays, and cleansers) can quickly rust thanks to the moisture in bathrooms and stain surfaces. Store these items in a cabinet away from the bathtub and sink.
• Wipe down the bathtub and sink after each use to remove iron residue in water droplets.
• Fix plumbing leaks promptly. Even a small drip from a faucet can cause rust stains to build up quickly.
• Inspect toilet tank interiors. Older toilets may have metal components in the tank that are corroded and rusty. Replace these items with non-corrosive PVC components.