Nothing quite beats the beauty of a vintage cast-iron tub. These freestanding works of art were built to last forever and can transform the look of any bathroom. Fused with powdered glass to form a type of hard enamel, cast-iron tubs are thicker, heavier, and more durable than modern steel tubs. Years of neglect can stain the bottom of a cast-iron tub and turn it into an eye sore. The porcelain enamel surface of a cast-iron tub is extremely resistant to damage, but it can still be chipped or cracked with a hard blow, and the surface can even be scratched and damaged by harsh abrasives. Still, by following this guide, you can clean up a cast-iron bathtub and have it looking like new. The majority of all bathtub rings are due to oil and grime that has been left to sit. This surface dirt can be removed fairly easily with a mild household cleaning product. Begin by making a pasty mixture of baking soda and warm water, and apply it directly to the stain. Allow the paste to sit for about 30 minutes, and then use a cleaning towel to scrub away any remaining soap scum.

Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water, and wipe with a clean rag to avoid leaving a white film from the baking soda. If you've moved into an older home or purchased a vintage cast-iron bathtub, you may be faced with tougher stains. Unlike other home cleaning supplies, commercial tub cleaner is designed specifically for cast-iron bathtubs and can help fight tougher stains. You can also combine a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate cleaner with a gallon of hot water. Pour the mixture over the stain, rub gently with a cleaning sponge, and rinse quickly. Knowing how to clean rust can be helpful if you are cleaning a vintage tub. Even rust stains can be removed with a little elbow grease. Try a paste solution of Borax detergent and lemon juice, or as a last resort cover the stain with salt, and scrub it with half of a lemon. If the rust doesn't come off right away, leave the lemon mixture for a half an hour, and then rub it with a nylon sponge. You may even have to repeat the process several times to remove all traces of rust.

When cleaning your cast-iron bathtub, it is best to use a soft cloth or sponge when scrubbing away the stains. Just like ceramic cooktops, scouring pads and steel wool are abrasive and can damage the surface of the tub. If you need something slightly stronger than a soft cloth, try scrubbing the stain with a soft-bristled cleaning brush. Like all abrasive cleaning products, even the softest scouring pad can create tiny scratches. Over time these scratches collect dirt, grime, and hard-water deposits and then require even more scouring. As a result, you are left with even more scratches that are harder-to-clean. Deep scratches may even require refinishing with a home sink-and-tub refinishing kit. As a last resort, try pouring a small amount of acetic or muriatic acid onto the stain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to avoid damage to your skin, and use the solution sparingly. If you use acid repeatedly, it can slowly eat away at the enamel and even cause corrosion on faucets and drain fittings.

Be sure to run cool water over your tub for several minutes if you use acid to remove stains. Red Truck Moving Co Airplane BeddingIf your tub has a nonslip bathroom appliqué or mat, you may want to remove these before applying any type of acid.Electric Window Shutters Exterior Cost Cast-iron tubs are far more superior over steel replacement tubs. Bathroom Pull Cord Switch FixWith a little time and effort, you can get a clean a cast-iron tub and have it looking like new. You can find everything you need to tackle this job on eBay by searching through the listings. Simply type in what you need in the search bar on any eBay page, and look through the results. How to Remove Rust Stains from a Tub? Does anyone know how to get rid of rust stains on a porcelain bath tub?

My daughter left a can of shaving soap on the rim and it left rest stains which I cannot remove. I have tried bleach, scouring powders with bleach, and baking soda with peroxide, Louise P. in Louisiana Salty Lemon Removes Rust StainsPour a pile of table salt on top of the rust spot then squeeze lemon juice over it. Let this pile of salty lemon juice sit for several hours, over night or longer. This will draw the stain out and you can actually see the rust in the pile of salt when its down its job. Remove Stains With Pumice To get rid of rust stains in a tub or toilet, just rub gently with a pumice stone. Works like a charm. Whisk Out Rust Stains An excellent product that I have used to get out rust stains is called Whisk Rust Stain Remover. The bottle says that it will get rust stains off white sinks and toilet bowls. Both are porcelain, so this product should work on your porcelain tub. The product produces a chemical reaction, which removes the rust. I have used this on clothes with rust stains, and it was successful every time I have used it.

This is an wonderful product! Dirty Sink photo from Shutterstock Remove Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide To remove rust spots from tubs and sinks cover the rust spot with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and sprinkle with cream of tartar. Let sit for 30 minutes and wipe off with a sponge. Barkeeper's Friend Removes Rust Stains The easiest way to get rid of rust stains on almost anything is with a product called Barkeeper's Friend, which is a very mild scouring powder. The can even says you can use it on clothing. Debbie J. in Eddy, Texas Remove Rust Stains with the Works I purchased a product called 'the works' (hard water formula) at Wal-Mart for $2.00. It has worked great! I had rust stains from my well water and they cleaned right up without wiping. Try Crystal Wash. 1000 loads of laundry - no detergents, no dyes, no chemicals, no perfumes. Naval Jelly Removes Rust Want to know how to remove rust stains from a tub? Go to the nearest automotive store and get a bottle of "Naval Jelly."

It's used to remove rust from metal surfaces but will not hurt porcelain if not left on to long. You may have to apply it a few times to dissolve all the rust, but it will surely work. Take the Next Step: Removing Soap Scum from Bathtubs Visit our "Handy Household Tips" board today! Could spending 5 minutes reading a newsletter twice a week save you time and money every day? Dollar Stretcher Tips readers think so. Subscribe and find out how many ideas stretch your day and your dollar! Subscribers get a copy of our ebook Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less for FREE. Share your thoughts about this article with the editor. More Money-Saving Tips for Your Home 6 cheap, effective home security solutions 5 frugal ways to expand your living space Top 10 DIY mistakes made by home 'handymen' A burglar reveals 15 trade secrets Saving for a newer car Simple, inexpensive concrete basement floor solutions This week's Readers' Tips