How to Remove Copper Stains from Baths and Showers

Reviewed by Bruna Coutinho

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

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Use equal quantities of cream of tartar and baking soda (bicarbonate of soda).^{[1]
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Spread the paste across the blue-green stain. Rub in well.^{[3]
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About half an hour should be sufficient time for it to do its cleaning job.^{[4]
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Check the stain to see how much has been removed. Repeat if needed.^{[5]
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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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How do I remove a copper stain from bath tile?

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You should try soaking it in lemon juice as the acid can remove copper rust.

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How do I clean an enamel claw tub?

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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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