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How to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod? | 8 Best Methods!

How To Remove Rust From Shower Rod
Written by Kai Michel
Last Update: August 10, 2023

Rusty shower curtain rods are very common. Mold and rust thrive in bathrooms due to the constant moisture.

Do you struggle with rust on your curtain rod? Don’t worry, this is common in many houses. You can remove rust in several ways.

Give these simple methods a try and see which one works for you!

How to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod?

Method 1: Use a mild acid

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Mild acid
  • Brush to apply it
  • Gloves
  • Old cloth

Step 2

Put on the gloves. Acid can burn the skin. Apply phosphoric acid to the rusted areas with a brush. Let it sit for a few minutes.

Step 3

Wipe off the acid with a clean cloth. The chemical reaction converts the rust into a compound that you can easily wipe away.

Step 4

Use another wet cloth to wipe away any lingering acid and rust.

Method 2: Use tin foil and cola

How to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod - Use tin foil and cola

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Coca-cola
  • Clean rag
  • Tinfoil

Step 2

Pour some fresh coke into a clean bowl.

Step 3

Soak the rag in the cola, then wipe over the rusty rod.

Step 4

Cut out some tinfoil and rib it over the curtain rod.

Step 5

Wipe the rod clean with a fresh rag and pat it dry.

Method 3:How to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod - Use aluminum foil

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • White vinegar
  • Aluminum foil
  • Clean cloth
  • Freshwater

Step 2

Cut the foil into squares to make it easier to use.

Step 3

Dip the foil into the white vinegar and fully submerge it.

Step 4

Place the foil over the rod and let it sit for a few minutes to dissolve the rust.

Step 5

Scrub the rod. The rust should come away easily.

Step 6

Wipe the shower rod with a clean wet cloth to remove the traces of vinegar. You can repeat these steps if needed.

You can use steel wool in this method if you don’t have any foil on hand.

Method 4: Use a commercial rust remover

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Good quality rust remover
  • Gloves
  • Clean cloth

Step 2

Put your gloves on. Apply the rust remover to the rusted parts of the rod. These cleaners contain oxalic acid that removes rust but can also harm the skin.

Step 3

The rust remover should sit on the rod for as long as the packet directions state.

Step 4

Use a clean wet cloth to wipe the rust remover off.

Method 5: Use sandpaper

How to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod - Use sandpaper

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Heavy grit sandpaper
  • Steel wool
  • Clean cloth

Step 2

Use heavy grit sandpaper to wrap around the shower curtain rod.

Step 3

Grind it back and forth over the rust.

Step 4

After rubbing for a few minutes, the rust will come away.

You can place the rod in a vice if you find that it moves too much when rubbing the paper across.

Method 6: Use a rust removal gel

How to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod - Use a rust removal gel

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Rust removal gel
  • Clean cloth

Step 2

Apply the rust removal gel thickly over the rust.

Step 3

Let the gel sit for a couple of hours.

Step 4

Rinse off and repeat if needed.

Method 7: Use vinegar

Use vinegar to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Soft cloth
  • Vinegar
  • Clean cloth
  • Salt

Step 2

Wet a soft cloth with vinegar.

Step 3

Rub the cloth over the rust.

Step 4

Add a layer of salt on top.

Step 5

Rub the salt and vinegar over the rust with your fingers.

Step 6

Wipe over with a wet cloth to remove any salt and vinegar. Repeat if needed.

Method 8: Use baking soda

Use Baking Soda to Remove Rust from a Shower Rod

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Water
  • Baking soda
  • Clean cloth
  • Scrubbing pad

Step 2

Apply water to the ruts on the curtain rod.

Step 3

Sprinkle baking soda onto the rust it should stick to the wet part.

Step 4

Wet the scrubber and rub over the rusted areas. Always keep the cloth wet so it doesn’t scratch the metal surfaces.

Step 5

When baking soda has dissolved, add more and keep scrubbing until the rust has gone.

Method 8: Use an anti-rust spray

Step 1

Gather the necessary tools –

  • Rust spray
  • Clean cloth

Step 2

Apply the rust spray to the surface as per instructions

Step 3

Wipe off afterward with a clean wet cloth.

What to do if there are large rust stains?

What to do if there are large rust stains?

When you spray WD-40  on rusted surfaces, the rust gets penetrated immediately.

Spray the surface with the large area nozzle liberally if you need to clean a large area. Scrub with an abrasive to eradicate the stain.

It may be necessary to reapply and repeat. The surface will become clean after removing the residue.

Why use rust-proof coating?

Rust-proof coating is guaranteed to prevent rust  for a long period. It can withstand different types of weather, moisture, and water. Surfaces suffering rust need to be directly coated with the treatment.

FAQs

1. Does a WD-40 remove rust?

Ans. The WD-40 Rust Remover removes rust quickly. Gently restores surfaces without chipping, scrubbing, or rubbing. WD-40 can sit overnight on the surface for large or stubborn rust.

2. What kind of shower rod does not rust?

Ans. You need to look for heavy-duty stainless steel. Many brands that supply stainless steel shower rods offer guarantees they won’t rust.

3. Can I wash a shower curtain?

Ans. Shower curtains can become dirty over time with soap scum and mildew. You can wash many shower curtains in the washing machine but check the tag first. If you can only hand wash, wipe it over with a clean cloth and a baking soda and water solution.

4. Does toothpaste remove rust?

Ans. Make a thick paste of toothpaste and baking soda together. The size of the rust stain will dictate the amount you need. An entire square inch of rust can be removed in one tablespoon of this mixture.

About the author

Kai Michel

Hello, this is Kai, addressing homeowners in need of some help with their home renovation projects. I’ve worked on numerous toilet repair projects over the years that incorporated a wide variety of tasks, from repair to renovation and maintenance. Besides acquiring a degree on the legal codes and procedures, I gathered vast insights into bathroom settings, toilets, showers, fittings, and other household appliances, fixtures, and components. This helps me guide my clients through their home improvement and interior development plans. Since maintenance is my area of expertise, I can assist people in all phases of the actual ‘improvement’ process. To get my messages even further, I contribute to this site through my blog posts. Check my content here for expert suggestions!

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