what causes brown 'rust' stains on a white shower tray and how can I remove them?

Question

I've tried normal cleaners, even bleach.

Answer 1

I have exactly the same problem - the staining comes from the iron which is in the pipes that your water supply is supplied by (informed by the waterboard). That's the easy bit....
Removing is much harder - I've found the best method so far (which is not foolproof but has been pretty effective) is to make a paste of white vinegar, soda crystals and a touch of bleach (no water added) - gently rub into stained areas with a soft cloth and leave for at least half an hour. Then clean very well with a normal proprietary shower cleaner - better use a steamer with a long nozzle if you can.

Answer 2

You probably have a high iron content in your water. CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust) Cleaner works the best. Also, a water softening system will keep this from happening, although they can be expensive. If the problem isn't all that bad, I would just clean with a Rust, Limescale remover such as CLR. You can also check with your local water utility board. Most of them will come out and check your water for free and let you know if your iron content is within limits or if the limits are dangerous. Usually, for the limits to be dangerous, you would actually be able to taste the iron in your water.

Answer 3

You should not have rust in the water That means you're drinking it to. Primary concern is removing source of rust, BUT, It may be just a naturally-occuring mineral, Iron, from your water source.
Do you have steel or old iron pipes in the feed from the street or in your home? (as opposed to copper or plastic?) You can check at the shut off tap that is part of the water supply where it first enters your home.
To clean the stain, use a product like CLR (calcium/lime/rust) remover if available in your area. It will just wipe off.
But do check for the source of rust, if any. If your home does not have rusty pipes, it may be coming from the well/municipal water source: call your public works dept.
Failing all of that, install a good water filter, especially for your drinking water.

Answer 4

I would buy a new shower tray and take anything metal that causes rust out of the shower.

Although they do make a special rust removing cleaner, I believe it is a commercial product and is very strong.... I can't think of the name though sorry.

Answer 5

This is iron oxide and it seeps into the shower tray material. Bleach will not work. Vinegar might work but you will need to make a dam of plasticine or similar to get enough contact time. Some acid will work. You may find good success with some toilet cleaners. I have helped others with similar problems. if you are not successful contact me through email. My job is designing cleaners for water treatment. I have experience in this area.

Answer 6

did you try comet? put it on while the surface is only damp, let it set for a few minutes and scrub off the rust... There is also a cleaner called "The Works" that will cut rust in bathtubs, sinks and showers, but do not mix with any other cleaner, it will have a chemical reaction.

Answer 7

Is it a metal tray, or a plastic one? I would try a rust remover like CLR or something similar. If it is rust then it is probably caused by a metal bottom of something in your shower. Put a baggie around the bottom of your metal bottomed shower supplies (like shaving cream) and it won't happen.

Answer 8

Nothing will get rust out except a rust remover. I use Iron Out on my son's baseball pants. They stay bright white. Using bleach turns them yellow and bleaches out the embroidered logos. People ask me how I get his pants so clean. Baseball pants are expensive. Iron Out comes in powder and liquid. I use powder. It is not always in the laundry aisle. Sometimes it's on the plumbing aisle. I pre treat with shout for the grass stains then I wash all of his pants and jerseys in a small long cycle with laundry soap and Iron Out. It doesn't fade the black and gold on his jerseys. Somehow it just removed the rusty stains. You can also get it on Amazon, WalMart, Home Depot, Lowes.

Answer 9

I had the same problem a few years ago. I called the water company and they gave me a chemical the removed the stains relatively easy. Sorry i can't remember the name of the compound. Also try CLR, lime away, or go to a home center and ask a specialist.

Answer 10

Rust causes the stains removing the rusted piece of metal will stop this from happening!

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