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Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,978
Registered: ‎07-28-2012

What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

[ Edited ]

without harming those surfaces? Does anyone know of a good one? 

I help my older brother out with some household chores. He lives in senior housing and the water is terrible, so much rust that his tub surround and bathtub have red-ish stains as does his kitchen sink and other surfaces also. It's not something I have ever run into before, so any help is appreciated. 

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

Edited to add: he does NOT drink the water, even in coffee. 

"To each their own, in all things".
Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,238
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

Wow!  This website says you can use Tide.https://tide.com/en-us/how-to-wash-clothes/how-to-remove-stains/rust-stains?utm_source=bing&utm_medi...

 

Then there's this one:https://www.stain-removal-101.com/removing-rust-stains.html

 

I'd go to the last one.  It looks really good and informative.

 

I posted the first one because it was using Tide.  I know Tide is very, very strong.  It would remove my Mother's fingernails!!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,206
Registered: ‎08-08-2011

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

I use Barkeepers Friend. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,457
Registered: ‎08-28-2010

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

CRL or Comet

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,978
Registered: ‎07-28-2012

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

@Annabellethecat66 

@itsmagic 

@qbetzforreal 

 

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have BarKeepers Friend, but not in powder form, I think I'll try that one first. If that doesn't do the trick, I'll use comet. I was hoping not to have to do a big scrub, but don't see any way out of that, no matter what I use.

 

Thanks, again.

"To each their own, in all things".
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,325
Registered: ‎03-08-2014

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

[ Edited ]

Make a paste with Barkeepers Friend and white vinegar.  Smear it on the rusted area...go have a glass of wine or lemonade or what ever you like - while it sits on the stained area.  Go back and use a Scrub Daddy (won't scratch delicate surfaces) or Mr. Clean scrubbers - those white ones - (might scratch delicate surfaces) and use the scrubber wet with white vinegar to rub the area.  It won't take much elbow grease if you let it sit a while.  If some comes off, but not all...repeat the process and have another beverage.  This is the easiest way I know.

 

It is is really bad...get Whink Rust Remover...it is a stronger chemical, so use gloves but it really works!

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Contributor
Posts: 36
Registered: ‎02-24-2016

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

Whink is great at removing rust!

 

Super Contributor
Posts: 495
Registered: ‎09-05-2013

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

CLR - stands for calcium, lime, rust.  Its a liquid and is fabulous.  There is also a liquid rust remover that I've used to remove a rust stain from carpeting.  No scrubbing with either.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 41,469
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

@Snicks1   If you use CLR, which is a good product, make sure you have ventilation and don't breathe in the fumes if you can help it. 

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,978
Registered: ‎07-28-2012

Re: What household cleaner removes rust stains from various surfaces

Thanks, everyone. I do appreciate all the suggestions.  I have to be careful about what I use due to my brother's breathing problem, so it can't be anything too strong. 

Thanks again.

"To each their own, in all things".