Here is a quick guide on how to remove rust on tiles on both walls and floors with commercial products and at-home solutions: We’ll also let you know how to prevent rust from coming back as well.
What Causes Rust on Tiles and How to Prevent it?
Rust, in all of its forms, occurs when oxygen and iron react to form a substance called iron oxide – which is the name for the reddish-brown dust we refer to as rust. Oxygen in the air and in water reacts with the iron in things like tiles, or steel objects to form rust.
In areas like bathrooms and kitchens, where water is a common element, rust in these areas is therefore a common occurrence. Rust from bathroom tiles as well as kitchen tiles might be common but luckily, it’s also easy to get rid of.
What Are the Common Household Items to Help Remove Rust?
Wondering what the best homemade rust remover is? We’ve created a list of the top homemade solutions you can use to get rid of rust, as well as our favourite commercial cleaner Handy Andy All-in-1 Floor Cleaner that removes rust in an instant too.
When it comes to rust, it doesn’t stand a chance against these three at-home solutions:
Lemon Juice – the acid in lemon juice works to break down the rust immediately. For tough rust stains, pour the juice of a few lemons directly onto the rusted stain and leave it to soak for 10 – 15 minutes. Take an old toothbrush and scrub the stain to remove the rust, if you think it needs a little help, add a tablespoon of salt to the stain and scrub it again.
Hydrogen Peroxide – this is a versatile ingredient that’s not only used to dye hair but removes rust really well too. Make sure you have the low-dose hydrogen peroxide in stock and mix one part of it with two parts of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub the paste into the rust and allow it to sit overnight. The next morning you should simply have to wipe it away and the rust should come off too.
Vinegar – for old rust stains pour some white vinegar directly onto the stain and leave it to soak for an hour or two. Pour some table salt over the stain and use a soft brush or old toothbrush to rub the affected area. The rust should lift right off.
If you’ve got a rust problem in other areas of your home, like on your steel pots and pans, read our blog Get Rid of Stainless Steel Rust Once and For All for more tips.
How to Prevent Rust on Tiles
Preventing rust in the first place will go a long way in saving you the hassle of having to scrub out the rust stain. However, in some circumstances, you really can’t help it. Here are a few tips to help you prevent rust from starting or getting worse too:
Do not leave any iron pots or decorative items on top of your tiled floor. This includes not leaving any exposed nails or screws facing down into a tiled floor.
Wipe up any excess water or moisture off of the floor as soon as possible.
Always allow tiled areas to get good airflow to allow moisture to dry.
Ensure you seal your floors regularly with a good quality tile sealer including the grouting
Read more of our floor and surface cleaning tricks & tips today.