How to eliminate rust from shower rod?
Chrome shower rods fixtures made from similar material in a bathroom are likely to get rusty in time due to all the moisture hovering around. Unless the rust hasn’t created a large gap or is extensive, there’s no need to sand. All you need is to remove smaller rust spots typically present on a shower rod that’s actually an aluminium sheet. Simply dip the in a solution of water and vinegar, allow the reaction to take place.
Another way is to drain all the excess water completely out of the shower but don’t allow it to pool on the floor because minerals found in water leaves behind lime and sediments. Though you can purchase commercial cleaning chemicals to rid stains and rust, natural remedies ought to work as well so do try whatever’s convenient.
Why it gets rusty in the first place?
Iron oxide is the cause of rust over shower rods. It’s a compound formed when iron atoms on steel surface reacts with oxygen atoms in the air. When you stroke the rust with aluminium foil generating heat, oxygen atoms abandons the iron and thus form aluminium oxide. Aluminium has a higher reduction tendency from its original oxygen form that results in rust migrating from chrome shower rod to aluminium.
Steps to clean
Though you don’t need to remove the entire shower rod for the sake of cleaning, it’s rather preferred so that eliminating rust from ends and mid joint is possible! Check out the steps below.
- Get rid of soap scup and other sediments simply by wiping the shower rod with a damp rag. For tough stains and deposits, use concentrated chemicals.
- Carefully cut a sheet of aluminium foil in small squares, each of the same shape and height. Dip the pieces in warm water or in white vinegar to accelerate the cleaning procedure. Vinegar; having a strong presence of acetic acid removes rust and other stains faster than usual!
- Now, rub these small aluminium squares gently over the rusted area; no need to exert pressure! You’ll start to see the results immediately and as you keep working, the reaction would generate heat till the difference is prominent. Until you feel the chrome progressively smoother, continue rubbing whereas the reaction would form aluminium oxide; a natural lubricant.
- The next step after eliminating rust is to wipe off the rod with a clean and non-abrasive cloth. For best results and shiny surface, apply a thin coating of automobile wax and all to air-dry. Even if there’re any tiny pits of rust present, wax would cover these effectively and further prevents water from seeping. It means the very cause of rust would be removed!
Helpful tip!
In-case the grazing sound of aluminium foil against the metal is bothering you; take steel wool as an alternative. Although it works following the same principal, results aren’t as quick and perfect the latter. Vinegar intensifies the rust-cutting propensity for more better and accurate results. When using vinegar as a rust cleaning agent, don’t add salt or the reaction will create hydrochloric acid; a highly concentrated acid that may damage various grout surfaces.
For large rust stains
Again, applying vinegar on rust affected areas would make a difference but it won’t go away entirely! If that happens, remove the rust using sand paper and coat with spray paint. Look for lubricants or chrome paint that prevents corrosion.
All the tips and details for a rust-free and clean shower are guaranteed to bring best results. In-case the situation is beyond usual cleaning, call professional cleaning service in Dubai.