We have a black stain on the bottom of a procelain bathtub. We thought
that this stain was mildew but our old tried and true solution to
mildew in the bathroom (a solution of 20% liquid laundry bleach that
will eliminate mildew stains from tile grout, tub caulk, etc.) didn't
even faze it. Scrubbing doesn't affect it. The stain doesn't cover
the entire bottom of the tub evenly, rather it's somewhat mottled in
appearance. It's a little rough to the touch. We live in Springfield,
MO and have seen a tub in another home with this same type of stain and
those folks couldn't get it off either.

Does anyone have any idea how it can be removed.

HarryS wrote:
We have a black stain on the bottom of a procelain bathtub. We
thought that this stain was mildew but our old tried and true
solution to mildew in the bathroom (a solution of 20% liquid laundry
bleach that will eliminate mildew stains from tile grout, tub caulk,
etc.) didn't even faze it. Scrubbing doesn't affect it. The stain
doesn't cover the entire bottom of the tub evenly, rather it's
somewhat mottled in appearance. It's a little rough to the touch.
We live in Springfield, MO and have seen a tub in another home with
this same type of stain and those folks couldn't get it off either.

Does anyone have any idea how it can be removed.

How old is this bathtub? Did the stain appear gradually? Doesn't seem
likely but could it be that the porcelain has gone and you are seeing
the stained iron? If so, a mild acid such as those used in prepping
steel for painting should show you...

Tried a scouring cleanser? Steel wool?


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dadiOH
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HarryS wrote:
We have a black stain on the bottom of a procelain bathtub. We thought
that this stain was mildew but our old tried and true solution to
mildew in the bathroom (a solution of 20% liquid laundry bleach that
will eliminate mildew stains from tile grout, tub caulk, etc.) didn't
even faze it. Scrubbing doesn't affect it. The stain doesn't cover
the entire bottom of the tub evenly, rather it's somewhat mottled in
appearance. It's a little rough to the touch. We live in Springfield,
MO and have seen a tub in another home with this same type of stain and
those folks couldn't get it off either.

Does anyone have any idea how it can be removed.


I have something similar in shower stall - right where we normally
stand. I thought it was likely soil/oil/crud from dirty feet, but has
been really difficult to scrub off. Some comes off with 3m and
detergent, but it is tough. I've used a lot of CLR, but didn't
concentrate on the blob when I used it. Wonder if the glaze can wear a
bit, allowing dirt to stick harder?

On Fri, 07 Oct 2005 14:03:37 GMT, Norminn
wrote:



HarryS wrote:
We have a black stain on the bottom of a procelain bathtub. We thought
that this stain was mildew but our old tried and true solution to
mildew in the bathroom (a solution of 20% liquid laundry bleach that
will eliminate mildew stains from tile grout, tub caulk, etc.) didn't
even faze it. Scrubbing doesn't affect it. The stain doesn't cover
the entire bottom of the tub evenly, rather it's somewhat mottled in
appearance. It's a little rough to the touch. We live in Springfield,
MO and have seen a tub in another home with this same type of stain and
those folks couldn't get it off either.

Does anyone have any idea how it can be removed.

Toothpaste. With whitener. If that works on a small patch then
comet or borax or any other abrasive cleaner.




I have something similar in shower stall - right where we normally
stand. I thought it was likely soil/oil/crud from dirty feet, but has
been really difficult to scrub off. Some comes off with 3m and
detergent, but it is tough. I've used a lot of CLR, but didn't
concentrate on the blob when I used it. Wonder if the glaze can wear a
bit, allowing dirt to stick harder?

HarryS wrote:
We have a black stain on the bottom of a procelain bathtub. We
thought that this stain was mildew but our old tried and true
solution to mildew in the bathroom (a solution of 20% liquid laundry
bleach that will eliminate mildew stains from tile grout, tub caulk,
etc.) didn't even faze it. Scrubbing doesn't affect it. The stain
doesn't cover the entire bottom of the tub evenly, rather it's
somewhat mottled in appearance. It's a little rough to the touch.
We live in Springfield, MO and have seen a tub in another home with
this same type of stain and those folks couldn't get it off either.

Does anyone have any idea how it can be removed.

Unless the finish is worn (usually very old fixtures) it is likely the
result of the local water and maybe the water softener. Sulfur as I recall
reacts with several things to cause a black stain.

I don't know how to clean it, but IDing it is a good first step to
finding out how and how to prevent it in the future.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit