Tiles have always been the best flooring option for various sections of the house. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re also waterproof, and stains should be easy to remove… at least, that’s what we assume. In the vast majority of cases, knowing how to clean bathroom tiles and rust stains is difficult. It’s one of the most serious hygiene issues we have in bathrooms and even kitchens.
When iron corrodes, rust spots appear on the surface of a tile. Although you may be dismayed to discover rust on your tile, there is no need to panic. Several household and commercial cleaning products can assist you in removing those red-brown spots. For any rust removal project, a good rule of thumb is to start with the most natural, least toxic option and work your way up to the most powerful commercial cleaner.
How to clean bathroom tiles?
It is advised to try natural treatments to eradicate rust from the bathroom before purchasing chemical items. These five household treatments are excellent for cleaning bathrooms:
Vinegar (white)
Rust may be removed from a tile using homemade acidic cleaners. White vinegar, which contains about 5% acid, can be used to eliminate rust spots. To make a paste, combine equal parts white vinegar and salt. Allow the paste to dry completely before applying it to the stain. Using a moist cloth, wipe away the paste and dry with a clean one.
Juice of a lemon
Lemon juice’s high citric acidity makes it an excellent choice for removing rust off tiles. The GSA suggests using a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and borax to remove stubborn rust spots. Allow the paste to dry completely before applying it to the rust. Using a soft cloth and warm water, wipe away the substance. If required, repeat these steps.
Water and baking soda
Scrub off and clean the rust stain with a water-moistened toothbrush after pouring baking soda on it. When using on stainless steel, scrub in the same direction each time to avoid leaving marks. Because rust can leave a stain, this is the most effective technique to get rid of it.
Potatoes
Shower trays may be cleaned with potatoes. Yes! It’s true. Dip the cut end of a thick, fat potato in shower soap and chop it in half. The sodium bicarbonate will aid us in removing spots that are difficult to clean.
Scrapper
Metal rust can be removed by scraping it off. This is obviously made easier when the rust covers a large, easily accessible area. You must first decide what you will use as a scraper. This will be determined by the extent of the rust. If it’s thick, you can remove the drier areas with a paint scraper or even a screwdriver.
Dish washing steel wool, as well as sandpaper, works well in these situations, especially if it is a mechanical sander.
Begin with a strong rubbing and work your way up to a finer level as you remove the rust. By removing the oxide that already has penetrated the ceramic or stoneware, the primary objective is not to scratch or damage it.
Commercially available goods
For stubborn stains on tile, commercial products containing specially formulated rust removal chemicals may be your only option. Many rust removal products contain oxalic acid or trichloro-melamine, two compounds that work well on stubborn stains. For the best results, always follow the directions on the product label.
Ammonia Peroxide Solution:
Get some good gloves and try to have good ventilation before using this cleaning mode, as these are preventive measures because, despite being such an effective mixture for eradicating rust in less than five minutes, it may not be so friendly for us if we do not protect ourselves.
When you combine ammonia and peroxide, the efficacy doubles, and any surface shines. However, you must pay particular attention to the substance of the bathroom items, since if they are not tiles or any other type of ceramic, the formula could ruin your appearance.
HCL (Hydrochloric Acid)
And for those times when the rust is too much and it appears to be advancing at an accelerated rate through our beautiful surfaces while we can’t keep the shower or tub from getting wet and we can’t stop using them, hydrochloric acid comes into play as a more powerful method to remove it.
So, if you have a neat decoration but its shine and cleanliness are being affected by large rust, pour the solution directly on it and rinse thoroughly without leaving it there for a long time. We must warn you that it is extremely powerful; therefore, if you have few signs of oxidation, you should use one of the previous methods.
Pro Tips on how to clean bathroom tiles:
- As soon as possible, remove any rust from the tiles. The stain will be more difficult to remove the longer it soaks into the surface.
- When performing any rust removal procedure, use proper safety precautions.
- To promote proper ventilation, open the windows and turn on a fan.
- When working with harsh chemicals, always wear protective gloves.
- Commercial cleaners should never be mixed because certain combinations can produce toxic fumes.
FAQs
How to clean the bathroom tiles and the walls surrounding the bathtub?
If your faucet is rusty and filthy, clean it with a tile cleaner and a paintbrush. Brush from top to bottom, as directed by your tile cleaner, and then thoroughly rinse away any cleaner residue with a little water. Spray the walls with an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner designed specifically for the tub rim. Thoroughly clean the walls, paying special attention to any sticky or dirty areas. Ventilate the bathroom if you’ve used bleach, even if it’s not the best cleaning product.
Is pumice stone safe to remove rust from bathroom tiles?
These bars have a smooth abrasive texture and are made of volcanic stone. Ceramic is more durable than pumice stone, the pumice stone should not scratch the tiles. Simply wet the stone and rub it over the rust stain to remove it. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Repeat these steps as many times as you need to.
How to clean matte bathroom tiles after restoration work?
A trick at home is to spray the tiles with a mixture of cleaning water and vinegar and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. For larger and more industrial surfaces, it is best to use specialized machinery and professional products of proven quality.