Stained tub grey. HELP!
+14
Hi scrubbed my tub with SOS steel wool pad and it left this grey stain. I’m not sure what type of tub I have but I did the magnet test and my magnet stuck to it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it, if it can give fixed? I was thinking of using Oxyclean or baking soda. Thanks!!
You may have scrubbed through the porcelain. If so, you will need to resurface the tub...sorry.
Why don't you just call the sos people and ask them I am sure they have answered this question before and should be knowledgeable in that area. Here is their contact info for the internation steel wool folks:
https://steelwooldirect.com/contact-us/
You must have an older cast iron porcelain tub. It may be that over time this tub as aged and it's starting to look like this. It can be resurfaced. Hard to tell from this picture.
It kind of looks like the metal of the steel wool stuck to old adhesive from old slip proof stickers?? Don't ever use something as abrasive as steel wool on any surface tub. Will scuff up sheen or ruin the finish. You definitely have a cast iron tub which in my opinion is the best tub to have. If it is adhesive try using Goo Gone. Let it work then scrape off with a plastic tool like an old credit card, plastic putty knife or spatula. Clean with Clorox Soft Scrub and a scrubby. I hope this works. If not don't be too quick to "resurface". On cast iron that is just epoxy paint and it only last a few years. Must be very gentle with it, once scratched will peel. Definitely will not be able to scrub it again. Good luck. I hope it's only old adhesive.
Because of the weird pattern, I'm thinking Kelli is probably right. If Goo Gone doesn't work, you can try just about anything else that will dissolve adhesive. Nail polish remover may work. Blot on and see if the spot reacts. But, yes, be gentle with this tub. Try as many options as you can before you think about resurfacing. And remember, it's cosmetic. The tub IS clean.
Try rubbing alcohol on gooey stuff, it's safe for most surfaces. Nail polish remover can damage some surfaces.
I agree with above statements, don't use steel wool soap pads like SOS on bathtubs.
It looks like you exposed a pattern, is it smooth or is there texture to it? If you can feel anything that seems like it can be removed, I would try something like Goo Gone and see if that lifts it. Put some Goo Gone on a rag, such as a microfiber cloth and see what happens when you apply it. If there is an adhesive, it should take it up. If not then graduate your technique to something stronger, like and old store card and Goo Gone. Hopefully this will work and you will have the grid pattern out.
I would buy the soft Barkeepers friend and use a sponge. Let it sit a few minutes, and scrub off with a sponge.
Hi! I would try a Soft Scrub product, Bon Ami powder cleaner or Bartender's Friend. If you have no access to those products right now, try a paste of the Oxiclean or baking soda that you mentioned. Good luck and stay well!
try a magic sponge
Hello there,
Sorry, I might be going to give bad news, Sounds and looks as though you have taken of the Enamel which was obviously a little thin. This will need to be re-Enamelled, or if a temp fix is required - painted! There are resurfacers out there, but not sure if they come to you or you have to arrange for them to pick it up! Best wishes.
Unfortunately, it appears the finish is damaged. But there's good news- it can be fixed. Here's how I did it: https://bachelorettepadflip.com/2020/02/18/restoring-a-vintage-bathtub/
Try a Mr. Clean magic eraser. I use them to clean our tubs and they work great.
White Vinegar & blue Dawn 50/50 pour in the bottom and let sit.
Wet & Forget Shower might help over time.
What it could be is that part of the finish has been removed. In that case, it might need to be re glazed.
Made the same mistake with a steel wool scrubber and sos pad, took me forever to find a way to get it out. I used bleach, kaboom, Mr. Clean, alcohol, nail polish remover, vinegar and baking soda. Nothing worked so I decided to use 120 grit sandpaper and it came off pretty quick. I swear I'll never make that mistake again, such a pain.
This just happened to me. I used Ajax with bleach and the tub is white again!
I think it will have to be a new Bath or a Reconditioned bath you are going to need, as you have taken the enamel off! Maaybe you can get your bath re-coated? Ask at Bath store!