How do I remove tub stains?

Rowena Shisbey
by Rowena Shisbey

We have an old house with old bath tubs. My biggest problem is getting the tubs clean. I’ve searched the internet and tried all the suggestions but I can’t seem to remove the stains. I’m thinking that these stains maybe permanent. Your thought would be appreciated .

Corner of the tub near the drain

  12 answers
  • S. Cherry S. Cherry on Mar 02, 2019

    Coca Cola works on rust stains

  • Linda Linda on Mar 02, 2019

    Have you tried Bar Keepers Friend? https://amzn.to/2GTPusb

  • Peggy Weber Peggy Weber on Mar 02, 2019

    i use the magic sponge

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Mar 02, 2019

    Hi Rowena,

    I've had good success using a paste of baking soda & water plus a spray bottle of equal parts of vinegar & water plus a few drops of Dawn. Scrub on the baking soda paste then spray with the vinegar mixture. Let it sit for a while then use a non-abrasive pad or an appropriate scrub brush before rinsing thoroughly. If it doesn't look any better, then it is possible that the old porcelain has worn away. Hopefully that's hasn't happened. Wishing you the best.

    • Lisa T Lisa T on Mar 03, 2019

      I agree with Linda! This is the best way to remove old stains, especially hard water stains due to lime or calcium buildup.

  • Lin Collier Lin Collier on Mar 02, 2019

    ZUD is good for removi g stains. It comes in a can , just like Comet, Ajax, etc. You should be able to find it in your local grocery store in the cleaning products section

  • Faye B Faye B on Mar 02, 2019

    Try Mr Clean magic erasure


  • Avra Avra on Mar 02, 2019

    Baking soda mix with lemon juice till a pasta. Let sit for a few minutes. Scrab and wash.

  • K Holladay K Holladay on Mar 02, 2019

    Zap Professional Restorer. Available on Amazon. Follow the instructions!

    I have cleaned porcelain bathroom fixtures from 1953, that people thought would need to be either ripped out and replaced, or professionally refinished.

    With care, also works well on acrylic bath/shower enclosures.

  • P P on Mar 03, 2019

    try Head & Shoulders shampoo - smear the shampoo on & leave it overnite. Our tub is circa 1947 & we accidentally spilled H&S & discovered a WAY cleaner spot the next morning!

  • William William on Mar 04, 2019

    Easy Off No Fume oven cleaner in the Blue can. works on enamel, porcelain, and fiberglass, If this doesn't work the stains are more likely discoloration and are permanent.

  • Renea Roberts Renea Roberts on Mar 05, 2019

    Clean and dry for 24hrs. Then take rustoleum spray paint and coat it. More than likely the tub needs to have a new coating put on which runs $300-450 bucks. So while you save up for that, take advantage of the spray paint. But the tub has to be free of any oils, dirt, soap scum. Good luck!!!!!