The risk of rust exposure is higher in houses with older plumbing, which is why newer homes have stainless steel tubs. If you have a fiberglass tub, you might wonder how to remove rust stains from it. Fortunately, if you catch the stain early and treat it, your tub can remain safe and beautiful for many years to come. Here’s how to remove rust stains from a fiberglass tub. If left untreated, rust staining can spread, even on fiberglass surfaces. This article will tell you everything you need to know about removing rust stains from a fiberglass tub as well as tips and tricks on how to prevent them in the future. Let’s read on!
How To Remove Rust From Fiberglass Tubs?
Baking Soda and Dish Soap
One of the most common ways to remove rust from fiberglass tubs is by baking soda and dish soap. All you have to do is sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the affected areas and wash it off with warm water and dish soap. The baking soda helps to neutralize the pH of the affected areas, while the dish soap helps to break down the rust. This technique is very easy to do and is also very cost-effective. However, it can also be a bit time-consuming because you have to let each affected area dry completely before moving on to the next one. Baking soda and dish soap is excellent for removing rust stains from fiberglass tubs. It is less effective for removing rust from fiberglass surfaces that are too thick to be cleaned by baking soda and soap. Baking soda and dish soap are not recommended for rusty tub faucets or rusty fixtures. It can be a messy and sticky process.
Sanding
You can also use sandpaper to remove rust from fiberglass surfaces. Start by sprinkling some water on the affected areas and then sand the rust away using fine-grit sandpaper. You can use a circular motion for the best results. Sanding is an effective technique for removing rust from fiberglass surfaces that are not too thick to be sanded. However, it is very messy and can be extremely tedious if the rust is particularly stubborn. Sandpaper is not recommended for removing rust from fiberglass tub faucets or fixtures. It can be a messy and sticky process. If the rust is too thick to be removed by sanding, you can try electro-chemical rust removal.
Electro-chemical Rust Removal
Electro-chemical rust removal is an effective technique for removing rust from fiberglass tubs that is similar to sanding. However, it uses electricity as an oxidizing agent to speed up the removal process. You can buy an electro-chemical rust removal kit from any hardware store and follow the instructions provided on the kit. This technique is very effective for removing rust from the surface of fiberglass tubs. However, it is not suitable for removing rust from the inside of the tub. Electro-chemical rust removal is not recommended for removing rust from fiberglass tub faucets or fixtures. It can be a messy and sticky process. If the rust is too thick to be removed by electro-chemical rust removal, you can try lime salt rust removal.
Lime Salt Rust Removal
Lime salt rust removal is a technique that uses both a chemical and a mechanical process to remove rust from fiberglass tubs. You can buy a lime salt rust removal kit from any hardware store, or you can make one by combining a tub full of warm water with a strong solution of table salt and fresh lime juice. Let the mixture sit for about three hours, and then use a wire brush to scrub off the rust. Lime salt rust removal is an effective method for removing rust from fiberglass bathtubs that are too thick to be sanded or electro-chemically removed. It is very easy to do and costs almost nothing. However, it can take a few hours to complete, and you may have to repeat the process if the rust is too thick to remove with a wire brush.
Dry Ice Rust Removal
Dry ice rust removal is a technique that uses carbon dioxide to remove rust from fiberglass surfaces. You can make a dry ice rust removal kit by combining a tub full of warm water and dry ice in a strong plastic bag. Close the plastic bag securely, and let the mixture sit for about an hour. Then, use a stiff brush to scrub off the rust. Dry ice rust removal is very effective for removing rust from the surface of fiberglass tubs. It is also easy to do, and it costs almost nothing. However, it can be extremely messy if you don’t secure the bag properly. Also, this technique is not suitable for removing rust from the inside of the tub. Dry ice rust removal is not recommended for removing rust from fiberglass tub faucets or fixtures. It can be a messy and sticky process.
How Does Rust Staining Occur?
Normal Wear and Tear
Rust is a natural part of the aging process for all metals, including car paint. The only way to completely avoid rust staining would be to park your car in a climate-controlled garage for the rest of your life, which isn’t very feasible. Rust staining from normal wear and tear is relatively harmless, and it should go away with a good car wash and some wax. If you see rust staining in your paint, look for signs of a larger problem like bubbling or peeling. If you notice these signs, it’s best to take your car to a professional to be evaluated. Rust that appears in the crevices of your car, like the wheel wells, is usually just the result of normal rusting. These areas rarely get touched, so they’re a good environment for rust to form. If you see rust in these areas, it’s okay. Your car is just getting older.
Rusting from a Previous Collision
Any time your car is damaged in a collision, you run the risk of rust staining. This is especially likely if the car has to be repaired with aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts aren’t always made from the same high-quality materials as the original equipment, which is why they tend to break down much sooner. If you’ve ever had to purchase an aftermarket part for your car, you may have noticed that it’s a little cheaper than the OEM part. The cheaper material can cause your car to rust more quickly. If you’ve ever had to replace the lower portion of your car’s frame, you may have noticed that it’s much thinner than the original. This is because the original is made to withstand a high level of stress while the aftermarket part is designed to be less sturdy.
A Lack of Maintenance
In order to perform well, your car needs regular maintenance. This includes cleaning, waxing, and performing general inspections. If you fail to perform these tasks on a regular basis, you may notice rust staining in your car’s underbelly. Rust staining can be a sign of a much larger problem if it’s accompanied by bubbling or peeling paint. If your rust staining goes deeper than the paint, it may be a sign of corrosion, which is a more serious problem that can lead to costly repairs. You should be wary of rust in areas where your car’s fluids are likely to come in contact with the underbelly, such as the oil pan. Rust can cause damage to your car’s vital fluids, so it’s important to address any rust staining as soon as possible.
Identifying Rust Stains On Fiberglass
- The best way to identify rust stains on your fiberglass tub is to look for orange or reddish discoloration.
- Other signs of rust staining include crumbling or flaking of the surface, bubbling, and an increase in the surface texture.
- If you notice these signs on your tub, it’s important to treat the rust stain immediately to prevent it from spreading.
Tips To Prevent Rust Staining On A Fiberglass Tub
If your tub currently has a rust stain, you’ll want to tackle it as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading. But how can you prevent rust stains from appearing in the first place? To prevent rust from staining your fiberglass tub, you can:
- Flush your water pipes regularly: If you live in an area where minerals are likely to enter the water, you may need to clean your pipes regularly to prevent corrosion. You can hire a plumber to flush your pipes, or you can do it yourself with a pressure washer. –
- Use a filter on your shower head: Mineral-laden water can also accumulate in your shower head, causing a corrosive environment in which trust can flourish. Install a filter on your shower head to catch any impurities before they reach your pipes.
- Use a non-metal scrub brush: If you use a scrub brush with metal bristles to clean your tub, you run the risk of causing the rust stain to spread.
- Protect your tub from the elements: If your tub is exposed to the elements, it’s at a higher risk of developing rust stains. Keep your tub covered when you’re not using it to protect it from weathering and other forms of damage.
Conclusion
Rust can be a frustrating and difficult stain to remove, but it’s not impossible. The best way to remove rust from fiberglass tubs is with a non-abrasive scrubbing agent, like baking soda and water. If you want your tub to last as long as possible, it’s important to protect it from the elements and regularly clean away any impurities in the water. If you’re dealing with a rust stain and want to know how to remove rust from fiberglass tubs, start with these helpful tips.