The moist conditions of your bathroom make it a breeding ground for rust and mold. And since most shower rods are chrome, steel, or copper, they can get rusty due to the constant moisture in your bathroom.
Unfortunately, a rusty shower rod is not a pretty sight in a bathroom.
Thankfully, getting rid of the rust from a shower rod is not difficult. However, it will require a few household items, elbow grease, and patience. Below, we discuss nine ways to remove rust from a shower rod.
Table of Contents
9 Ways to Remove Rust From a Shower Rod
Sandpaper or Steel Wool
Due to how stubborn rust is, one of the best ways to eliminate it is with sandpaper.
To remove rust with this method, you will need the following:
- Fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool
- Gloves
- A clean cloth
- A pair of glasses
Before you begin, secure the rod at both ends to prevent it from rotating as you work.
Once the rod is secure, wrap the sandpaper around the rust on the shower rod and rub it back and forth in a twisting motion.
As we already mentioned, rust is stubborn, so it will take more than one to two rubs to eliminate the rust. But with enough patience, you will get the job done.
Tinfoil and Vinegar
Another effective way to remove rust from a shower rod is to use aluminum foil. The aluminum reacts with the rust and leaves the rod clean.
For this method, you will need:
- Aluminum foil, cut into hand-sized squares
- White vinegar
- Clean water
- A clean cloth
- Once you have the necessary materials, start by cleaning the shower rod with a wet cloth.
- Then soak the foil squares in the white vinegar.
- Place the vinegar-soaked aluminum foil on the rod for a few minutes to dissolve the rust. Then scrub the shower rod.
- After scrubbing the shower rod, use a clean wet cloth to clean it.
You can repeat this process if the results are unsatisfactory.
Use Anti-Rust Spray
An anti-rust spray is an easy but effective way to eliminate rust from your shower rod. It is so easy to use that it will only take you seconds.
With an anti-rust spray, your shower rods will remain rust-free.
- Before using an anti-rust spray, you must dry your shower rod with a clean cloth.
- Once the rod is dry, spray it with the anti-rust spray.
- Let it sit for about 60 seconds, then rinse it off. If any loose rust pieces remain on the rod, remove them using a steel wool pad.
Cola and Tinfoil
Cola works to remove rust because it contains carbonic acid that can break down rust, making it easy to remove from the rod.
All you need for this procedure is the following:
- Tinfoil
- A clean rag
- Cola
- Soak the rag in the cola.
- Use the soaked rag to wipe the rusty shower rod.
- Then scrub the rod with the tinfoil.
- After rubbing the rod with tinfoil, rinse it off and pat it dry.
Baking Soda
Another effective method for combating rust on a shower rod is baking soda.
Since baking soda is an excellent abrasive, it can help you eliminate your rust problem.
To carry out this procedure, you will need:
- Water
- Baking soda
- A clean cloth
- A sponge
- A scrubbing pad
- Start by putting water on the shower rod.
- Next, sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas. You can also prepare a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste and apply it to the rod.
- Next, wet the scrubbing pad and rub the shower rod. Keep the pad wet so it won’t scratch the metal.
- Once the baking soda dissolves, sprinkle some more and continue rubbing until the rust disappears.
- Once you finish, wet the sponge and rinse your shower rod. If there is any rust left on the shower rod, scrub it off with a steel wool pad.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another product that can help you clean off the rust from a shower rod.
To carry out this procedure, apply vinegar to the affected areas and let it sit long enough for the vinegar to dissolve the rust. Once satisfied, rinse the vinegar off and air-dry your shower rod.
Another way to use vinegar:
- Soak a clean cloth in vinegar and rub it over the rusty shower rod.
- Then sprinkle salt on the rod and rub it on the rust using your fingers.
- Then, clean the rod with a wet cloth to remove any salt and vinegar residue.
Repeat this process if you are unsatisfied with the results.
Use Rust Remover Gel
Rust removal gel is a hassle-free but effective method of getting rid of rust. It is easy to use and does not require you to wait for long hours or overnight.
- To use a rust removal gel, squirt it on the affected areas and let it sit for 10-20 minutes.
- Once the time has elapsed, wipe off the gel with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
- Rinse off the shower rod to remove any gel residue on the rod.
You can repeat the process if the need arises.
Use a Commercial Rust Remover
A commercial rust remover is another effective way to combat rust on shower rods. These rust removers contain oxalic acid that breaks down and removes rust.
- All you need to do is apply the commercial rust remover to the affected areas of the shower rod.
- Let it sit according to the instructions on the can.
- Then wipe off the rust remover from the shower rod with a clean cloth.
Ensure you wear gloves for the entire process since the rust remover is harmful to the skin.
Use a Mild Acid
A mild acid like phosphoric acid is another excellent way to remove rust from a shower rod.
Before using this method, ensure you wear gloves because the acid can burn skin.
- Start the rust removal process by using a brush to apply the acid to the affected areas.
- Let it sit for some minutes to allow the acid to convert the rust into a substance you can wipe off.
- When the acid has done its job, wipe the shower rod.
- After wiping off the rust, use another clean cloth to remove any rust and acid residue.
Resources:
- https://toiletsguide.com/how-to-remove-rust-from-shower-rod/
- https://breakingfreemediation.com/how-to-remove-rust-from-shower-curtain-hooks/
- https://showerdrape.com/how-to-clean-rust-off-shower-curtain-rod/
- https://www.thehomedigs.com/how-to-remove-rust-from-shower-curtain-rod/
- https://highshower.com/remove-rust-from-shower-rod/
- https://www.hunker.com/13415258/how-to-remove-rust-from-a-shower-rod
- https://creativehomemaking.com/cleaning/bathroom/remove-rust-from-shower-rod/
- https://smarthomepick.com/how-to-remove-rust-from-shower-curtain-rod/