How to Remove Yellow Stains in Bathtub? 11 Best DIY Ways

Do you want to get rid of unappealing yellow patches on the bathtub?

The yellow stains on your bathtub may be due to rust caused by different things; for example, when the water flows throw rusty pipes or if you have hard water, the residues of minerals are left behind on the surface.

Bathtub stains should be removed on time; otherwise, they won’t come out without using harsh chemicals.

Also, it will not look good. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to transform your yellow bathtub into a sparkling and spotless one. This article will discuss the 11 best DIY ways to remove yellow stains from your bathtub.

Why Do Yellow Stains Occur in Bathtubs?

Most homeowners get shocked when they see bathtub stains because they have cleaned it so many times.

But, you must understand that regular cleaning is not the only solution unless you find the source of the stain. The main causes of yellow bathtubs are as follows:

Hard Water

One of the major causes of bathtub stains is the hard water flowing through your bathroom pipes. If your area’s water is hard, it’s not easy to handle the yellow stains.

The buildup of different minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron causes them. In case of an excess amount of iron in your area’s water, the color of these stains will be slightly red.

These stains can be cleaned using the right product because continuously scrubbing them will be a difficult task for you and can also damage your bathtub.

Oil Residues

The residues of oils come as a surprise for most homeowners but are common. The bathroom products contain oils, such as soap, shampoo, and hair gel.

When you use these products in your bathtub, the buildup of oils causes stains with time. It’s a good idea to clean the bathtub after every use because most of the products contain oil. Make it a habit so that the problem does not worsen over time.

Existence of Tannins

Water in your area may contain tannins that do not make any issues but leave their stains behind. They are organic matters that have rotten with time.

It causes yellow water in your bathtub and makes an unpleasant odor. Avoiding them in water would be best because they can also discolor your laundry.

Water that contains tannins is not suitable for bathing also. If you want to check it, keep a glass of water overnight. If the water contains tannins, its color will not disappear, and nothing will fall to the bottom of the water.

Rusting

When water flows through rusty pipes, they also make a big issue. Most of the pipes in your bathroom are made of iron. If they start corrosion, it will mix with the water also.

This also changes the color of the water, and sometimes the water gets dark red. So, your bathtub can get yellow patches due to this type of water.

11 Effective Ways to Clean Bathtub Stains

There are many ways to clean your yellow-stained bathroom. However, it’s a good idea to identify the type of mineral that causes the stains.

Fortunately, many methods exist to remove these stains without spending much money. You can remove them using some household materials that are easily accessible to everyone.

1. White Vinegar

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Vinegar is a common material available in every kitchen for different dishes, but you can also use it as a most effective cleaning agent. Keep in mind that white vinegar is a bit different from regular vinegar.

It is a powerful acid that you can use to remove yellow stains on your bathtub. Mix an equal amount of water and vinegar, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. If the stains are very severe, you can use them undiluted.

Apply it to the affected areas thoroughly and leave it for some time, so the vinegar works on the stains. Use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to rub the bathtub.

If you think the stains have become so stubborn, you should apply the spray again and repeat the same steps until the stains fade away. Don’t leave vinegar solution on enamel or porcelain bathtubs for longer because it is harmful.

2. Baking Soda

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Baking soda is the best option which can be used as a bathtub stain remover. It is a material that is used for different purposes besides cooking projects.

You can mix it with hydrogen peroxide to make it more powerful. For minor stains, you can mix them with water. To make its solution with water, pour one part of baking soda with three parts of water into a bowl.

For stubborn stains, it’s better to use its paste. Pour some baking soda into a bowl and add water, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. Apply on the stains and leave it for half an hour. Now, scrub the yellow bathtub with a small toothbrush and rinse with water.

3. Lemon and Salt

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The mixture of lemon and salt can also be used as tub stain remover. The lemon juice contains natural acid that can cut through calcium or magnesium because these are bases. It also removes rust stains effectively.

Pour it on all the yellow stains and leave it for ten minutes. Now, sprinkle salt on all the affected areas to form a clumpy paste. Let them work on the stains for 2 – 3 hours.

Scrub the bathtub with a toothbrush in a circular motion until the stains disappear. You can also use a microfiber cloth if you don’t want to use a toothbrush. Now rinse the bathtub with clean water and this will remove yellow stains from your bath.

4. Cola

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Cola also effectively cleans the yellow stains on bathtubs because there is citric acid, which breaks down the rust.

Take a can of cola and fully saturate the affected area with it. Leave it overnight, and then scrub the bathtub with a small toothbrush. Rinse with clean water.

5. Chlorine

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Chlorine is a powerful chemical that is best for cleaning water in swimming pools. You can use it to remove stubborn yellow stains in a bathtub.

Wear a mask, goggles, and gloves before using any chemicals. Pour chlorine on the affected areas and wait for ten minutes. Then, take a small toothbrush and scrub it well. Use clean water to rinse it.

Read the instructions with its label carefully before using it.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

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Hydrogen peroxide is effective in cleaning stained bathtubs. It cuts through the dirt and makes your bathtub spotless. Pour hydrogen peroxide on the stained areas and leave it for 15 minutes.

Now, use a toothbrush to scrub the area and rinse with water to remove the residues. Remember, hydrogen peroxide comes in different concentrations in the market. You must select the one that is safe to use, and it’s good to read the label with the products.

7. Toothpaste

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Toothpaste also works in cleaning bathtub stains. Yellow patches made by rust can be cleaned effectively with this product. Apply it to all the bathtub stains, so they are completely covered with it. Leave it for a while so that the toothpaste ingredients work with it.

Now, scrub the area using a small toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. Use clean water to rinse the area. Add some baking soda to the paste and apply it to the affected area for more stubborn stains. You can repeat the process as required and rinse.

8. Cream of Tartar

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Tartar can also be used as a tub stain remover. To use it, you have to make a paste by mixing cream of tartar with hydrogen oxide, and you will get a thick consistency.

Apply this paste to the yellow stains and leave it for ten minutes. Now take a soft brush and thoroughly scrub all the bathtub spaces in a circular motion. If required, you can repeat the same steps. At last, rinse the bathtub and wipe with a clean towel to make it shiny.

9. Ammonia

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Ammonia works best in removing tub stains. It is a powerful chemical, so you must protect yourself before using it and use it in small quantities.

For one gallon of water, mix one tablespoon of ammonia in it and apply the mixture to the yellow bathtub. For more stubborn stains, mix 35% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia and apply it to the affected areas.

When you pour the solution, bubbling will occur. When this process stops, scrub the area thoroughly and rinse with clean water.

10. Toilet Cleaner

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A toilet cleaner is an effective solution to remove yellow stains in the bathtub if you use it after each use. This cleaner is made with strong disinfectants that remove stains from different things around the house.

Manufacturers make this product with safe ingredients that don’t damage the bathtub’s surface and all the other accessories and clean the area effectively. Spray the cleaner on the bathtub and wait for several minutes. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse.

It’s also recommended to read the instructions written on its label and follow them.

11. Air Circulation and Sun Exposure

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It’s good to install an exhaust fan so that air circulates through the bathroom, and stains don’t get a chance to occur. Well-ventilation is also helpful in removing unpleasant odors, dirt, and dust.

If you expose your bathroom to sunlight, stains will not happen because it keeps the moisture dry. It also prevents the growth of germs and bacteria, thus keeping the atmosphere of the bathroom clean and germ-free.

Tips to Prevent Yellow Stains on Bathtub

You can try the following tips that help in preventing yellow stains on a bathtub.

Clean the Bathtub after Each Use

When you use the bathtub, clean it as soon as possible, so it does not become yellow. If you make it a habit, you will eliminate these stains from building up.

Add Water Softener for Hard Water

If you live in an area with hard water, purchase a high-quality water softener to fix the issue. Depending on the volume of the water, add some water softener. If you use it correctly, it will save a lot of time and money for you.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Yellow Stains Occur in a Bathtub?

Yellow stains occur for several reasons, such as hard water, bathroom water pipes rust, oily products, and many more.

How to Whiten a Yellow Bathtub Again?

Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Apply it to the stained area and wait 10 – 15 minutes before rubbing. Scrub with a soft brush and use clean water to rinse off.

How to Clean Stubborn Stains from a Bathtub?

Mix two parts of the vinegar and one part of the water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to the stained areas. Wait for a few minutes and use a toothbrush to scrub the area. Now, rinse with water.

How to Whiten a Yellow Plastic Again?

Peroxide can be used to whiten a yellowed plastic. Pour it into a container and soak the plastic in the solution. Place the container in the sunlight for a while so that stains fade away. Now scrub and rinse.

How to Whiten a Porcelain Tub Again?

Make a solution of hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing soap, and water. Pour this solution on all the stained areas and leave for a few minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush and rinse with clean water.

Final Thoughts

There are a number of different reasons that make the bathtub have unpleasant yellow stains. It’s a good idea to find the causes of these stains before cleaning them. Fortunately, removing yellow patches from the bathtub is pretty easy, and you can make it spotless and sparkling in a few effective steps.

It’s a good practice to clean the bathtub after using it. This way, the stains will not become hardened, and their cleaning will be easy. Don’t leave acidic cleaners on your bathtub for a long time, and avoid using oily products.