How Do You Remove Rust Stains From Tiles?

Rust stains on tiles are more common than people think because iron oxides can form on ceramic surfaces due to contact with rusty objects like cans, metal furniture, equipment etc. Furthermore, rust can spread on tiled floors and walls of the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room if the water in your area has iron-oxidising bacteria. The latter issue is preventable by installing a water-softening system in your home. However, it is often not a plausible option for renters, meaning if you get rust stains on tiles, cleaning them routinely is the best way to prevent permanent damage. If your rental property has many rusty tiles at the end of tenancy, take professional help for an end of lease clean in Melbourne and get your bond back in full. Removing rust from ceramic surfaces regularly is key to keeping your home's tiled floors, walls and shelves shiny and sanitary. You must know how to clean rust stains from tiles using different cleaning products and methods. Thus, here is a complete guide for treating rusty spots from tiled areas in your house.

Remove Rust Stains with WD-40

WD-40 is usually used for lubricating hinges and unjamming fixtures. But it is versatile, and using WD-40 multi-purpose product, you can get rid of ferrous oxide deposits from almost any surface in your home. Spray the cleaner on the dirty surface and let it dwell for 10 minutes before wiping it with an old rag. If the stains are stubborn, use a sponge or toothbrush to scrub the deposits before wiping. You can use WD-40 to clean rust from tile floors, outdoor patios, countertops, shelves, walls and other indoor or outdoor areas. It especially comes in handy when you have to do an end of lease clean in Melbourne and have rust stained areas in the rental property.

Clean Rusty Tiles with Lemon Juice

If the tiles have shallow or budding rust deposits, you can treat them without chemicals using lemon juice. The citric acid in lemon juice reacts with iron oxide and softens the bonds. You can easily scrub and remove rust after lemons dissolve it. All you need to do is saturate the dirty tiles generously with a solution of lemon juice and a pinch of salt for 10 minutes. Scrub if the need arises; otherwise, wipe the surface directly with a damp rag or wash with warm water.

Clean Rusty Tiles with Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is an excellent cleaner, deodoriser and sanitiser. You can use it to naturally clean almost any surface in your home because it removes dust, dirt, grime etc. Baking soda, when used with cold water, is also effective against rust because it becomes a water-soluble compound when mixed with a concentrated alkaline solution. Therefore, you can sprinkle baking soda on wet and rusty tiles to dissolve the deposits. For cleaning stubborn rust spots in the shower, kitchen or laundry room, mix baking soda with water and dishwashing liquid to make a runny paste. Apply the paste on tiles with rust stains and scrub with a firm sponge before washing with water.

Treat Rust With Cleaning Vinegar

Cleaning vinegar has 6% acetic acid making it an excellent rust remover and sanitiser. Moreover, it is a green cleaner that treats rust without toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To remove rust stains with this solution:

Spray it undiluted and wait for 5-10 minutes.

Scrub with a firm-bristled brush before wiping with a cloth.

If the rust stains remain, repeat the process because cleaning with vinegar is natural and prevents rust deposits from forming again.

Note: If any area in your home has natural stone tiles, professionals performing end of lease cleaning in Melbourne avoid cleaning them with vinegar. Acetic acid will erode the tiles and cause lasting damage. Therefore, you should refrain from applying vinegar or vinegar-based cleaners on marbles, granite, sandstone etc.

Use Kerosene for Removing Rust from Floor Tiles

Kerosene is a hydrocarbon oil that breaks the bond between iron and oxygen, making it a potent rust remover. Thus, you must spray kerosene on rusty floor tiles and let it dwell for a maximum of 10 minutes. Scrub with a rag or cotton to agitate rust before wiping the tiles with a paper towel or cloth. Proceed to wash or mop the floor as you usually would to reveal sparkling floors. While kerosene is excellent for removing rust from tiles, its odour can cause headaches, severe coughing and other health issues. Therefore, if you cannot bear the smell of kerosene or its fumes, wear gloves, goggles and masks. Even professionals wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing end of lease cleans in Melbourne.

Endnote

Rust stains on tiles degrade their structural integrity and smell bad. They also become hot spots for germs, especially when you don't clean the surfaces and forget to remove moisture regularly. If your home has several rust-stained tiles, especially at the end of a tenancy, hire professionals for an end of lease clean in Melbourne to ensure every surface and fixture is adequately cleaned and you get your full bond back. However, to keep rust stains at bay generally, use the products and methods above.