How to Remove Copper Stains from Baths and Showers

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If your local water has a high copper content, it can leave blue-green stains on the shower and/or bath areas. Another cause of this staining may be that your water has a low pH and is eroding your copper plumbing. If you have copper plumbing and you notice blue-green stains you should look into more permanent solutions to solving the copper corrosion problem, or else you may end up with multiple, pin-hole sized leaks throughout your plumbing. In the meantime, here is what to do to remove these marks.

Steps

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  1. Use equal quantities of cream of tartar and baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). [1] Add a little water to mix into a smooth paste. [2]
  2. Spread the paste across the blue-green stain . Rub in well. [3]
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  3. About half an hour should be sufficient time for it to do its cleaning job. [4]
  4. Check the stain to see how much has been removed. Repeat if needed. [5]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I remove copper stains from porcelain?
    Bruna Coutinho
    Cleaning Expert
    Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor.
    Bruna Coutinho
    Cleaning Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can use some bar keepers friend, a sponge or cloth, and some water. Start by sprinkling a small amount of bar keepers friend directly onto the porcelain and gently scrub the area with a damp cloth or sponge. Then, rinse and wipe the area to remove any residue and prevent water spots.
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  • Question
    How do I remove a copper stain from bath tile?
    Community Answer
    You should try soaking it in lemon juice as the acid can remove copper rust.
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  • Question
    How do I clean an enamel claw tub?
    Community Answer
    Soak a non-abrasive sponge in the baking soda/ammonia solution. Dip the sponge in the solution, scrub, and repeat until you're satisfied. Rinse well. After rinsing, wipe thoroughly with a clean rag or the baking soda will leave a white film behind.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Cream of tartar
      • Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
      • Water
      • Rinsing cloth, or just splash water on the paste to remove

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/house-home/housekeeping/how-to-clean-with-cream-of-tartar
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-grout/
      3. ↑ https://www.plumbingsupply.com/getting-rid-of-blue-green-water-stains.html
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-bathtub/
      5. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-grout-138432
      6. https://www.cleanipedia.com/ph/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-remove-hard-water-stains-from-the-shower.html

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