Restoring an Old Cast Iron Bathtub
Several years ago, we purchased a charming old apartment on Fifth Avenue, and from the very first day, we embarked on a journey to decorate it. We removed nearly all the items that occupied the space, with one notable exception: the stunning cast iron bathtub! While some may find the idea of an ancient tub a bit off-putting, we were captivated by its character and potential for restoration. Just picture it: an old cast iron tub, once filled with rust and grime, transformed into a beautiful centerpiece of our bathroom. However, a few months ago, we noticed it starting to develop rust once again. Even our porcelain sink began to show unsightly brown stains that resembled rust.
Rust in the bathroom typically arises from two main causes. It may be that the iron-containing metals in your bathroom fixtures have started to corrode, or it could be due to iron particles in your mineral-rich water supply, which stain the surfaces where water frequently runs. This issue can even affect porcelain fixtures.
Determined to tackle the rust on our beloved bathtub without resorting to harsh chemicals, we opted for a more eco-friendly approach. There are countless rust removers available on the market, but I prefer to avoid them. Living in a pollution-heavy area means I’m often concerned about the environment, and it seems Captain Planet can’t save us anymore. To prioritize both our health and the planet, I frequently choose green cleaning methods. Fortunately, rust can be effectively removed from a cast iron bathtub using a few simple household items and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.
You will need:
- A sponge
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
First things first:
Start by saturating both the tub and the sponge with white vinegar. It’s best to pour the vinegar directly onto the sponge while holding it over the rusted stains. Alternatively, you can sprinkle white vinegar over the entire surface of the bathtub. Allow the vinegar to sit for about five minutes; during this time, it will work to lift the stains from the surface.
The next step
is to sprinkle baking soda on the sponge and generously over the tub. This will create a foaming reaction that helps to break down mineral deposits, making them much easier to scrub away with the sponge.
Tip:
For particularly stubborn stains, don’t hesitate to use a brush for scrubbing.
The final step
is to thoroughly rinse the entire bathtub with warm water. As you run the water, continue to scrub the rusted areas with the brush to ensure all grime and rust residues are removed. If any stubborn stains remain, feel free to repeat the process.
After completing this cleaning process, the most crucial step is to dry out the tub completely. This simple action will help prevent any future rust from appearing.