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Q&As since 1989


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HELP ON REMOVING TUB STAINS

I started cleaning the bath tub with a Brillo pad and instead of cleaning and removing the stains, it made it worse, now I can't seem to get anything out, what can anyone recommend, I need help ASAP, thanks.

Monica Rafiq
nursing aide - Berwyn, Illinois, U.S.
2003

? What's the tub made out of, and what kind of stain?

James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida

It sounds to me like you have a fiberglass (or possibly plastic) tub, as a typical porcelain coated cast iron tub wouldn't "rub-in" the stain with a Brillo pad. If this is so, a really good product for removing stains is "Goof Off" [on eBay or Amazon]. Comes in a spray bottle, or a bottle for pouring onto a rag.

With Goof Off and using a stiff bristle brush (nylon bristles NOT metal), you should be able to remove this (and pretty much any other) stain. After cleaning, wash down the area thoroughly with water.

Tom Beyreis
- Wheeling, Illinois, USA

Good old fashion lighter fluid works great at removing adhesive labels and grime in general. I won't allow "GoofOut" in my shop as it is too expensive, not that effective and much too odoriferous. Use Ronson lighter fluid for all your "GoofOut" jobs - its simply more palatable -environmentally and otherwise. For staining on non-glazed porcelain I would consider rubbing salt on it - lots of it with running water.

Good luck :^ )

Mr. Molder
Computers - Toronto, ON