How to Remove Copper Stains from Baths and Showers

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

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

1
Make up a paste. Use equal quantities of cream of tartar and baking soda (bicarbonate of soda).^{[1]
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2
Spread the paste across the blue-green stain. Rub in well.^{[3]
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3
Leave the paste to work on the stain. About half an hour should be sufficient time for it to do its cleaning job.^{[4]
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4
Rinse off the paste. Check the stain to see how much has been removed. Repeat if needed.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

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.
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.
Question

How do I solve a pH problem that causes copper stains?

Community Answer

Acid neutralizer added to your water system. I have also added a water softener to my system.