5 Ways to Remove Rust From Your Bathtub

Nothing hits the spot more than a long, relaxing bath, but nothing ruins the sanctity of bathtime–or the clean look of a bathroom–more than unsightly rust stains. There's more than one way to remove rust from a bathtub, and it's likely you already have the supplies for one of these methods. Follow these five tips on how to remove rust stains from a bathtub for a fresh, clean look.

Why Is There Rust in My Bathtub?

Rust occurs when metals like iron interact with oxygen in the air, and in your water supply. These metals aren’t naturally found in water, but lakes, rivers, and groundwater supplies have plenty of metal to spare. In other words, if you live somewhere with hard water, your bathtub is susceptible to rust.

Another culprit? Rusty pipes leak metal particles through faucets, leading to unsightly buildups. Also, leaving metal like shaving cream cans or razors on or near bathtubs contributes to rust formation.

“In areas with hard water, we most commonly find rust stains inside of sinks, showers, and bathtubs,” says Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all cleaner for this type of rust because it depends on the minerals found in the hard water. However, the solutions listed in this article are a great starting point."

Pro tip: Never use bleach to remove rust in your bathtub since this can lead to intensified discoloration. 

How to Remove Rust From Your Bathtub

Luckily, there are a few ways you can get rid of unappealing rust stains, and the best part is you probably have the materials you need already in your home. Below, we’ll discuss a few different methods you can try to scrub your bathtub clean again.

Squeeze Lemons and Salt Over the Stain

You read that right. The acidic nature of lemons makes them the perfect rust remover. In fact, commercial rust removers often include acids to help dissolve rust, so think of lemon juice as a low-cost alternative to going out and buying a dedicated cleaning product. This process only takes a minute of active work.

1. Gather lemons or lemon juice, a dull knife, and table salt. 

2. Use the knife to scrape off any excess and apparent rust, being careful not to scratch the tub.

3. Squeeze lemon juice over the stain until thoroughly covered. Don't rub the liquid in—just squeeze. 

4. Sprinkle table salt over the stain and lemon juice. 

5. Let the stain sit for 24 hours, squeezing on more lemon juice if it looks completely dry at any point. 

6. Rinse the spot with cool water and watch your rust slide away. Didn't work? Repeat the process until your tub is rust-free.

Make a Paste With Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Baking soda and vinegar combine to make a fast and easy rust removal solution. Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent, and the acidity will help dissolve the rust. Adding three parts lightly abrasive baking soda to one part vinegar can really help scrub away those stains. This method is particularly useful against stubborn rust stains, and you can also use it to remove soap scum and lime buildup.

1. Make a paste using three parts baking soda to one part vinegar. 

2. Apply the paste to a scrub sponge and use the sponge to wipe the paste on the rust stain. 

3. Let it sit for at least one hour to allow the mixture to air dry. 

4. Rinse the stain off with cold water, repeating the process for extremely tough stains. 

Rub a Pumice Stone Over Rust

Pumice stones form via volcanic eruptions and are prized within dermatologist communities for exfoliating skin. They're abrasive yet gentle on certain surfaces like porcelain, making them excellent for removing rust from bathtubs.

1. Get yourself a pumice stone online or at a retail store.

2. Wet both the stone and the rusty surface with cold tap water. 

3. Rub the stone lightly over the rusted surface, being careful not to scrub too hard and scratch the finish.

4. Work carefully and methodically until the rust disappears. 

5. As you work, the stone will gradually turn into a paste. For stubborn rust stains, leave the paste on the stain for an hour and try again. 

Go for a Dedicated Rust Remover 

If DIY solutions for removing bathtub rust aren’t doing the trick, pick up some dedicated rust remover if you're heading out to the grocery store or hardware store.

1. Rust removers immediately oxidize rust without any scrubbing, making them a safe option for use in a bathtub. 

2. Spray on or apply the rust remover according to the instructions. Always wear rubber gloves and a face mask when dealing with commercial rust removers. 

3. Let the mixture sit on the stain for a while (follow the instructions, as times vary).

4. Rinse away the affected area using cold tap water. Repeat for any lingering stains. 

Buff the Stain With a Scouring Pad or Sandpaper

Standard kitchen scouring pads and high-grit sandpaper are great for light rust stains. They work similarly to scrubbing baking soda on the stain, but they’re a bit more abrasive, making them ideal for persistent stains.

1. Use the scouring side of a kitchen sponge or sheet of sandpaper. 

2. Dampen before use with tap water. 

3. Scrub slowly and gently to remove the rust. It should wipe off with minimal effort.

4. The keyword here is "gently." Don't over-rub the stain, or you'll scratch the tub.

Tips for Preventing Bathtub Rust

Removing rust is just one part of the equation. Preventing it from coming back is equally as important, and can save you from having to scrub away stains in the future. Luckily, there are several foolproof methods for making sure rust doesn’t get green-lit for a sequel. 

• Rinse after use: Rinse the bathtub after using it and wipe it down with a towel. This removes any lingering iron residue. 

• Install a water softener: Hire a local water softener company to install one of these great gadgets in your home. Hard water, after all, is one of the main reasons rust shows up in the first place.

• Remove metal from your tub: Metal spray cans—such as shaving cream and hair spray cans—and razors can easily leave rust stains on your tub or shower shelf if you store them in the damp or wet environment. Instead, store razors and shaving cream cans under your sink, or on a non-porcelain surface in your bathroom.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Removing rust stains from your tub should be a relatively straightforward job, meaning you can save some money by DIYing it, especially if you already have the tools and materials required. With just a few minutes and some light elbow grease, most homeowners should be able to get their tubs looking like new again.

If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn bathtub rust stains, though, or if you’re concerned you might damage the finish, you might want to call in a house cleaning service near you. A professional will have additional tools they can put to use that are more abrasive, and they’ll have the experience to be able to scrub away discoloration without scrubbing down into the finish on your porcelain.