Rust stains in sinks can be caused by a plumbing problem, your water supply or from metallic objects like cans in your sink. Luckily, we’ll tell you how to remove rust stains and the steps you can take to keep rust stains from recurring.
There are several methods – natural and commercial – for removing rust stains. The success of each may depend on the type of sink you have and how deep the stain is. Give these a try and if you suspect you have a problem with your plumbing or water, reach out to the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for expert advice and service.
What Causes a Rust-Stained Sink?
There are three main causes of rust stains in sinks:
- Water Supply. This is the most likely culprit. Dissolved iron in your water supply can leave behind a minerals that give your sink an orange veneer. Iron is not harmful beyond the worn look it gives your fixtures, but you could consider a water softener or filter to reduce the concentration.
- Plumbing Problems. If you have older pipes or an older water heater, the corrosion and debris within may be traveling through your system and getting deposited in your basin. This sediment in your water could be causing the stains you see.
- Metal Cans. If you set cans in your sink, they can leave orange rings behind. In the kitchen this happens with food cans, in the bathroom this can happen with shaving cream and aerosols.
How to Remove Rust Stains from Sink
There are many methods to choose from. Here are six ways to remove rust stains in sinks:
- Lemon and Salt. Make a paste using lemon juice and a few spoonfuls of salt. Rub this into the stained area and let sit overnight. Brush and wipe away.
- Baking Soda. Make a paste using baking soda and water. Rub into stain and let sit overnight. Brush and wipe away.
- Pumice Stone. As less abrasive option that’s good for porcelain sinks. Pumice is a soft volcanic rock that won’t scratch. Wet the pumice and rub over the stain. It will create its own paste.
- Shaw Pads. A non-chemical cleaning pad for mineral and lime stains. Wet the pad and scour the stained area.
- Commercial Cleansers. Several different chemical cleansers offer different means to remove rust stains. These include: Limeosol (hydrochloric acid), Magic Eraser (melamine foam), Zud (oxalic acid), Whink (hydrogen flouride) and Barkeeper’s Friend (oxalic acid).
- Potato. Potatoes are a natural source of oxalic acid, the same chemical in Zud and Barkeeper’s Friend. Cut the potato in half and sprinkle with baking soda. Rub over the stain, cutting a new section of potato periodically. This is a good, option for getting rust stains out of stainless-steel sinks.
How Not to Remove Rust Stains from Sink
Never use bleach to clean your sink, especially on rust stains. Bleach is an oxidizing agent that creates the same chemical reaction as rust. It will only make your stained sink worse.
Tired of Rust Stains in Your Dallas Home?
The punctual plumbers at Ben Franklin are happy to test your water and look at your plumbing system for signs of rust and corrosion. Call or contact us today to see how we can make your water better and less rusty for your family.
