Removing Shower Stains

Have you ever noticed that there are times when it seems like your shower will attract stains for no reason at all? Commonly, the cause for this will lie in the water that you use in your shower. Believe it or not, your water itself can occasionally cause your shower to get stained. Removing shower stains such as this is quite easy to do. Here are few methods you can use when removing shower stains.

• Homebrew. This is definitely one of those times when a mixture of different cleaning agents will come in handy. Mix together 30% CLR, 10% vinegar, 20% Dawn dishwashing soap, and 40% water for a liquid cleanser, or forget the water, and mix in cornstarch for something more of a paste. Be careful when applying the paste, and be sure that you are wearing rubber gloves and you have proper ventilation. Don't use any plastic scrubbies when using this cleaner, since it can make a mess of them. Apply the paste, and allow it to sit for no more than five or ten minutes, and then scrub off.
• Baking soda. Create a paste out of water, and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stained areas and allow it to dry. Once the paste has completely dried, simply scrub off. You may have to repeat the process several times, and use a lot of elbow grease to get everything removed though.
• Test the water. If the water itself is creating the stains in your shower, then you will need to take another step. Take a sample of the water in to your county extension office, and have them test it. You will want them to take a look to see if the water is contaminated with red algae. If it is, then you will want to pour a gallon of bleach in your water heater, and allow it to work its way through the system. Be sure that you don't ingest any of the water though until the bleach has been purged.
• Filter the water. Another way to ensure that you don't have water that stains your shower is to make sure everything is filtered. Install a filter into your water heater, or have one attached to your water heater. After installation, be sure that you never remove the filter, unless you are doing periodic maintenance. You will also need to make sure that you do not have your exterior water system hooked up to the interior water system. There is a difference between potable (drinkable) water and the water you use outside, you can have your plumber verify that for you.