How to Remove Copper Stains from Baths and Showers

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Make-a-paste-of-tartar-and-baking-soda-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-paste-of-tartar-and-baking-soda-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Make-a-paste-of-tartar-and-baking-soda-Step-1.jpg\/aid1279115-v4-640px-Make-a-paste-of-tartar-and-baking-soda-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":427,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Spread-the-paste-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Spread-the-paste-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Spread-the-paste-Step-2.jpg\/aid1279115-v4-640px-Spread-the-paste-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":427,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Spread the paste across the blue-green stain . Rub in well. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Leave-the-paste-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Leave-the-paste-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Leave-the-paste-Step-3.jpg\/aid1279115-v4-640px-Leave-the-paste-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":426,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    About half an hour should be sufficient time for it to do its cleaning job. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Rinse-off-the-paste-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Rinse-off-the-paste-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Rinse-off-the-paste-Step-4.jpg\/aid1279115-v4-640px-Rinse-off-the-paste-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":640,"bigHeight":427,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check the stain to see how much has been removed. Repeat if needed. [5]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 23
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

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

      You Might Also Like

      The Best Cleaners to Remove Stains from Your Bathtub
      How to
      Clean a Jetted Tub
      2 Easy Ways to Wash a Rubber Bath Mat (And Keep It Clean)
      How to
      Make Your Toilet Smell Nice
      How to
      Clean a Toilet Bowl with Vinegar and Baking Soda
      How to
      Clean a Bathroom
      How to
      Easily Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom and Shower
      How to
      Naturally Clean Your Toilet Tank with Vinegar & Baking Soda
      How to
      Clean Hard Water Spots Off Windows
      How to
      Disinfect Something After Dropping It Into the Toilet
      How to
      Unclog a Toilet with Dish Soap
      How to
      Scrub Your Acrylic Bathtub and Keep It Clean
      How to
      Remove Limescale
      How to
      Clean a Bathtub Drain
      Advertisement

      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

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 108,594 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement