Rusted Bathtub Drains | 3 Preventive Steps To Remove Rust From Bathtub Drains

Lengthy exposure to poor quality water and soap scum can result in the formation of rust on your bathtub drain. Apart from its unsightly appearance, rust may eventually seep into the internal surfaces of your bathtub drainpipes. You will then need to hire a professional plumber to repair or replace rusted or corroded pipes, which may cost you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs. To stop this from happening, here are some preventive steps to remove rust from bathtub drains as soon as possible.

Scrape Loose Rust Away Using Steel Wool

Rust easily appears on the surface near the bathroom drain, so you will need to begin by scraping away the top layer using steel wool or a wired brush. The top layer of rust is relatively easy to remove, but you will need to apply some pressure to remove as much as possible. Follow circular motions to disengage the rust from the bathroom drain surface. Once you're done, run your shower over the drain to wash away the scrapings of rust from the surface. Wipe away the water with a rag before proceeding to the next step.  

Remove The Remaining Rust Using White Vinegar And Lemon Juice

While there are plenty of rust-removal chemicals available in the market, keep in mind that they may emit toxic fumes, which may trigger allergies and sicknesses. These chemicals can also ruin the finish of your bathtub. You simply need to use a solution of white vinegar filled with a few drops of lemon juice in a spray bottle to tackle the remaining rust from the surface. These natural ingredients aren't toxic, so you won't have to worry about using them in your bathroom. The mixture of lemon juice and vinegar is highly acidic in nature, which helps to eat away and break down the residual rust from the area in and around the bathroom drain.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Over Rust

Once done, sprinkle baking soda and let it sit on the rust for several minutes. Use steel wool to scrub the baking soda around the rust area. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and will work well to remove any leftover rust in and around the bathroom drain. Spray the area with more water to remove the loosened rust and baking soda mixture from your bathtub drain surface. Wipe the surface dry to ensure that no remaining rust sits on the bathtub drain surface. 

These preventive steps remove most of the rust from bathtub drains. Keep in mind that if your pipes are majorly corroded, then a plumber may need to replace them completely.