Shower rods made of steel, copper, chrome, or other metals often get rusty due to the warm and moist conditions in the bathroom. This can make for an ugly scene with the brown rust messing up the clean look of your bathroom. The good news is that the fixes are quite straightforward as shown below.
Cut aluminum foil into small pieces (3” by 3”) then dip them in white vinegar. Gently scrub the rod with the pieces to remove rust from the shower rod. The rust is removed with the scrubbing since aluminum takes oxygen from the iron oxide (rust). Coat the shower rod with car wax to prevent rusting.
One great solution to rust on shower rods is getting a shower rod that is rust-proof such as the BRIOFOX Shower Curtain Rod. This rod is made of stainless steel which doesn’t rust as easily as the other materials in wet conditions. It’s also easy to install and doesn’t need drilling which may damage the walls.
How to remove rust from shower rod
Some of the methods to use in removing rust from showers rods include the following:
Aluminum foil
For this procedure, you need aluminum foil, a dry piece of cloth, and water or white vinegar.
Since aluminum has a higher affinity for oxygen than iron, it removes rust (iron oxide) by taking the oxygen from iron and leaving the clean iron metal. It forms aluminum oxide in the process. Basically, the rust moves from the iron to the aluminum foil.
Here’s how to remove rust from shower rods:
- Clean the shower rod: Wipe the shower rod with a cloth dipped in water to remove any dirt or soap from the rod.
- Cut aluminum foil into sizable pieces: Cut the aluminum foil into square pieces (3×3 inches) which are easier and more economical to use.
- Dip the aluminum pieces in white vinegar: Place a few pieces of the aluminum foil into a bowl of white vinegar. Make sure they’re fully submerged into the white vinegar. Vinegar is better than water since it dissolves the rust as you scrub the rod and can also be used to clean shower doors.
- Scrub the shower rod: Take a piece of the vinegar-soaked aluminum foil then use it to gently scrub the shower rod until you’re satisfied with the results. If the rust covers a large spot, sand it off with 320-grit sandpaper to remove the rust.
- Wipe the shower rod clean: After scrubbing the shower rod, wipe it clean with a wet piece of cloth to remove any loose pieces of rust. If the results aren’t satisfactory, repeat the above steps.
If you don’t have aluminum foil, you can use steel wool with the same procedure like the one above. This method also applies to curtain hooks and other rusty fixtures in the shower.
Cola and tinfoil
Cola and tinfoil make for a great combination that can be used to clean your shower rods as follows:
- Pour some cola in a bowl.
- Dip in it a clean rag then use it to wipe the rusty rod.
- Cut a piece of tinfoil then use it to wipe down the shower rod.
- Rinse the rod with clean water then pat it dry.
The carbonic acid in the cola breaks down the iron oxide (rust) to remove it from the chrome or other metal.
Cleaning agents
Make a paste with a cleaning agent such as Bar Keeper’s Friend and water then use it to scrub the rusty shower rod. Rinse it afterward.
Other cleaners such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust) remover also work well for removing rust from most metal surfaces in the shower. These cleaners also play important roles when it comes to cleaning the whole shower panel since they can be used on many different surfaces.
You can use the methods above to clean a showerhead especially the outside parts when they’re rusty.
How to prevent rust in shower rods and hooks
While cleaning your shower curtain rods is a great idea, keeping them rust-free is even better since it saves you the pain of occasional cleaning.
Apply a coat of car wax on the shower rod to prevent it from rusting. The car wax prevents moisture and air from accessing the rod and causing rust.
Besides this, you can prevent rust in shower rods and other fixtures by choosing stainless steel fixtures since stainless steel doesn’t rust. As per the EPA, keeping surfaces dry prevents rust in general.
Best Rust Proof Shower Curtain Rod
If you’re tired of cleaning rust off your shower rods, you can go for one of the following rust proof shower rods:
1. BRIOFOX Shower Curtain Rods (Stainless Steel)
The BRIOFOX Stainless Steel Shower Curtain Rods are the very best when it comes to resisting rust in the shower. The manufacturer guarantees at least 5 years of non-corrosion which is longer than most other rods will manage in the wet conditions of the shower.
They’re easy to install as they don’t need any drilling of the wall or other structures in your bathroom. With a maximum load of 30 lbs., you can be sure that these curtain rods will stay in place even when towels and other items are hung from them.
I have two of these rods in my bathroom and, a year after I bought them, they still look great. They take a few minutes to unpack and install with the unique wall attachment system keeping your wall clean. It fits shower openings from 43 to 73 inches without cutting.
2. TEECK Shower Curtain Rod, 304 Stainless Steel
The TEECK Shower Curtain Rod is made of high-quality 304 stainless steel which is one of the best qualities of stainless steel. This steel doesn’t rust, is non-slip, and is easy to clean. You don’t need tools to install it and neither do you need to spray it before use.
You can adjust the curtain rod for a shower opening from 40 to 73 inches without cutting the rod. I love the fact that it holds up to a weight of 22 pounds which is more than your towel or other temporary items would weigh in the shower.
Having bought two sets of this curtain rod and with all the bathrooms having curtain rods, I used the extra rod in my kitchen since you can use it on balconies, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms as you please. It’s also available in 5 colors namely black, bronze, chrome, nickel, and white.
3. Zenna Home NeverRust Rustproof Aluminum Tension Mount Curved Shower Rod
The Zenna Home NeverRust, as its name suggests, will never rust in the wet conditions in the shower. It’s made of aluminum and bronze which are light and strong materials. Both are highly resistant to rusting and are coated to further reduce the likelihood of rusting.
This shower curtain rod is curved to one side to provide more elbow room while you take a shower. Besides that, it has tension rods that ensure it firmly attaches to the wall. I found it quite easy to install and it remains in place even with heavy curtains hanging on it.
Installing this curtain rod is a quick exercise taking a few minutes. You don’t need tools or drilling which may damage the wall. My favorite feature, however, remains to be the curved shape which provides more room for a shower without necessarily needing more space on the wall. This allows it to fit shower openings between 50 and 72 inches with no cutting needed. It’s available in oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, and satin nickel colors.
With any one of these rust-proof shower rods, you won’t need to worry about removing rut from them since they won’t have any. They’re quite affordable and provide a great experience for your shower sessions. Most of them can also be used in other areas such as the kitchen or balcony.