Bathroom Rust Stains

If you are reading this, a stubborn rust stain has probably found its way to your bathroom sink, tub, or counter top. Rust is caused by a chemical reaction called oxidation. When iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture, oxidation occurs. Because so many metals contain iron, where you find metal, you may find rust. Whether your bathroom surfaces are porcelain, ceramic tile, fiberglass, steel, or concrete, the inherent high moisture content of bathrooms provides the perfect conditions for oxidation.

What do rust stains look like?

• The reddish-brown streak just below your old showerhead
• The persistant brown ring in your toilet bowl or around the toilet bolts
• The round, brown stain below your leaky faucet
• The reddish spots on your sink ledge where you left your tweezers or razor or shaving cream can.

Rust in the bathroom is usually the result of two related situations. Either iron-containing metals in your bathroom fixtures have begun to rust, leaving stains on your bathroom tile, sink, or shower, OR, your mineral-rich water supply contains iron particles and has begun to stain areas where water runs.

Plumbing pipes are usually made from metal, and can introduce rust to your water supply. More commonly though, your water supply contained iron compounds to start with. In its basic forms, iron is quite often found in the soils and groundwater of areas known for high-mineral-content or “hard water.” Iron and other minerals, as they run through soils and rocks, seep in to the natural water supply and end up in your tap water. Once the iron particles come through your faucet and are exposed to the air, they begin to oxidize, or rust.

A rusty streak in your sink is usually the result of a faucet dripping high-iron-content water, or a rusty faucet. Rust may also develop on and around old metal bathroom fixtures such as handles and faucets that have begun to deteriorate. Innocently resting your razor or other metal object on the edge of the tub or sink can quickly result in a rust stain.

RustAid Bathroom Spray Gel is a special no-mess formula that dissolves rust and iron stains, plus calcium and lime, on tile, stainless steel, chrome, porcelain, fiberglass, glass, concrete, brick and more. There's no rubbing or scrubbing needed!

You can prevent unsightly rust stains and streaks in the toilet bowl with RustAid Toilet Drop in Tabs. Simply clean the bowl with RustAid Bathroom Spray Gel and then use Drop in Tabs for automatic rust stain protection for up to 45 days! Try RustAid Outdoor Rust Remover products for your large outdoor rust problems. For more information, see How To Remove Bathroom Rust.