How do you get brown stains out of a porcelain tub?

Author: Kayli Torphy  |  Last update: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Dishwashing liquid works well as a regular cleaner for a porcelain bathtub, as does a DIY scum-fighting remover of vinegar, dish soap and cornstarch. If your tub has a tough stain, you can break out some cleaning screens—which are similar to lightweight sandpaper. One example is ShawsPads.

How to remove brown stains from porcelain tub?

How to clean yellow and brown bathtub stains
  1. Fill your tub with enough white vinegar and water (50/50 mix) to cover the stained area.
  2. Alternatively, spray the stain if it's on the rim or sides, or lay a vinegar/water-soaked towel on the stain.
  3. Let it soak for several hours or overnight.
  4. Drain the tub.

What causes brown stains on porcelain?

The brown stain is from a large amount of iron in your water. It is closely related to simple rust that you see on metal, which is iron oxide. Your water probably comes from groundwater that filtered through rocks containing iron-rich minerals on its way to the well.

How to make a porcelain bathtub white again?

Minor stains may be removed using cream of tartar and a mix of water or hydrogen peroxide. Fill a bowl with cream of tartar. Slowly add the water or hydrogen peroxide to make a thick paste. Put the paste directly on the stains.

What is the best stain remover for porcelain?

Things like bleach, chemical cleaners and abrasive solutions can all start to erode a porcelain finish, so tackle stains with just dishwashing liquid first, then move on to a paste of baking soda and water if needed, according to experts at MaidPro.

How to remove (brown bleach)stains from a ceramic tub for just $ 1.00

How do you get deep stains out of porcelain?

Two ways to remove tough stains from porcelain plates. Prepare a mixture of baking soda( 1 tablespoon) and water(30 ml). Rinse your plate in warm water and use a sponge to apply the thick paste on the stains. Rub the mixture smoothly in circular motion until the stain/residue disappears.

What does vinegar do to porcelain?

Some household members will use vinegar to clean porcelain tiles. However, experts suggest this is not a good idea because vinegar has a high acidic content which can damage the quality of the porcelain.

What not to use on a porcelain tub?

A porcelain bathtub can be cleaned similarly to an acrylic bathtub, says Parnell. Be careful to avoid using abrasive tools or harsh chemicals like bleach, which can strip the surface layer.

How to remove brown stains in an enamel bath?

In order to clean your enamel bath a mixture of water and white vinegar will be sufficient. If there are tougher stains sprinkle a little baking soda followed by the vinegar and water solution. After applying the solution, leave to settle for a few minutes then wipe with a soft cloth to reveal the gleam.

Can you use a magic eraser on a porcelain tub?

Many homeowners ask if Magic Erasers® can be used on porcelain or if they will damage ceramic tile. The good news is that they can be safely used on ceramic tiles and porcelain, so you have nothing to worry about if you plan on using them this way.

How do I get brown stuff out of my bathtub?

For tough stains, first fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Allow this soaking mixture to stay for 15 minutes or more to loosen any mildew and scum. Then drain the water. Scatter baking soda or mild cleaning product throughout the tub and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes.

Can porcelain be permanently stained?

Preventing Stains and Scratches

While porcelain is resistant to scratches, etching and stains, these surfaces are not damage proof. Take care to avoid exposing porcelain to permanent inks or dyes, as these might not be removable.

How to remove brown stains from old china porcelain?

A peroxide soak works to clean up stained vintage china as I attested to in a previous post, “Out, Dang Spot, On My Vintage China,” but I have another product worth trying – denture cleaner. Using the two together, this cleaning episode is also dramatic and definitely worth sharing!

What is the best cleaner for porcelain bathtubs?

Dishwashing liquid works well as a regular cleaner for a porcelain bathtub, as does a DIY scum-fighting remover of vinegar, dish soap and cornstarch. If your tub has a tough stain, you can break out some cleaning screens—which are similar to lightweight sandpaper.

What cleans a badly stained bathtub?

Spray the bathtub stains with a half water/half vinegar solution. Let the vinegar sit for 20 minutes, then scrub the stains with a toothbrush. Retreat the hard water stains with vinegar and water and wait 20 minutes. Use a damp magic eraser to scrub any remaining stains using a swirling motion.

Does the pink stuff really work?

Does The Pink Stuff remove stains? If it's a quick answer you're looking for, then it's a resounding “yes” from us. From limescale in the tub to stained pans in the kitchen, The Pink Stuff showed excellent cleaning power.

Why do bathtubs turn brown?

Your tub may rust over time if it is made of iron or steel. Rust can cause staining and may even eat through the metal, causing holes. Rust stains are caused by iron deposits in the water that can come from old pipes or well water. You can prevent rust stains by using a rust-inhibiting bathtub cleaner.

How do you get brown stains out of enamel pots?

Sprinkle a damp dishcloth with a bit of dry baking soda and then scrub the area. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to lift the food without harming the enameled finish. Wet-scrub with baking soda. Add 2 cups water and ¼ cup baking soda to the pan, place it on the stovetop, and then heat until boiling.

Can you use bar keepers friend on enamel bath?

I Used Bar Keepers Friend to Clean My Enamel Tub — And You Have to See the After Photos. You could also use it on your enamel sink!

How to get stains out of an old porcelain tub?

For gentle weekly cleaning, look for store-bought cleansers that are marked “safe for porcelain enamel”, or make your own by mixing a few tablespoons of dishwashing soap with about a gallon of hot water. Use a rag or soft sponge to scrub the porcelain, and then rinse well with water.

How do I know if my tub is porcelain or enamel?

The easiest way to tell is to test a magnet on your bathtub. If it attracts, you most likely have an enamel bathtub as enamel bathtubs cover steel and iron bathtubs whereas porcelain covers a larger range of materials.

Is OxiClean bad for a bathtub?

Well, then you might choose OxiClean™ Bathroom Cleaner! This bleach-free cleaner can help brighten tubs, sinks, and more bathroom surfaces. It's ideal for removing grease and grime from bathtubs as well as chrome fixtures, glass, shower doors, and most bathroom surfaces.

How do you remove tough stains from porcelain?

Common household go-to's like bleach and hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean white porcelain, but the solution would need to sit covered in a layer of paper towels for 30 minutes to an hour.

Is baking soda and vinegar safe for porcelain?

White vinegar mixed with water can be used to clean porcelain tiles, as can a mixture of baking soda and water. Both of these natural cleaners are safe and effective on porcelain tiles and won't cause any damage or discolouration.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on porcelain?

Tougher Stains:

Hard scrubbing can damage porcelain. If Daily Cleaning does not remove the discoloration, the use of Hydrogen Peroxide can help remove the discoloration.

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