February 16, 2013

Cleaning Rusty Dishes

Rusty dishes?? Yes, rusty dishes. If you have well water you probably know what I mean. Anything white that you own turns orange. Your sinks, toilets, tubs, clothes, and even dishes. 

When we got married we didn't register for china, we're just not fancy people. So instead we registered for a nice white set of dishes from Crate & Barrel. Versatile and pretty they were sure to last us a long time. At least that's what I thought until we moved into our current house and they started turning orange :(

But the other night on a whim I tried washing them with something new and something magical happened...




They turned a gorgeous, bright white again!!!

These pictures don't even capture the amazing difference that there was. As I said I was doing this on a whim at night and when I saw the results I knew I should wait until daylight so I could take better pictures and share it here but I just couldn't help myself!!! It was like I was getting brand new dishes again and with my new open cabinetry and all of my dishes now on display this was even more of a big deal! 

So what is this magical cleaner that can make your rusty dishes like new again? Toilet bowl cleaner. The Works toilet bowl cleaner to be exact. 


I used it on my glass drinking glasses also and it took away the yellow tinge that they had! 

Now here's the important part. WASH YOUR DISHES THOROUGHLY AFTER USING THIS ON THEM. Any cleaner capable of cleaning away rust like that is obviously very strong and not to be ingested ever. So after rinsing them I then washed them all in the dishwasher as well. 

A couple more pointers: Wear rubber gloves while using this cleaner. Clean the dishes in your bathroom sink or bathtub. I did it in my stainless steel sink and it caused a little discoloration of the stainless steel. 

Still with all of that being said, I use this cleaner on my toilets and sinks and tub on a weekly basis. It is the only cleaner I've found that is capable of getting the yellow stains out!

If you don't have well water and don't have to fight the rust fight on a daily basis, well good for you! ;)


4 comments:

  1. That's the same stuff I use, because it's the only thing that gets the orange off my sinks and tub - but it's a very strong chemical and will burn your skin, so handle with care.

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    1. Yes definitely handle with care!! Rubber gloves are a must and washing the dishes THOROUGHLY afterwards is SO VERY IMPORTANT!! :) I don't plan on having to wash them again like this for years though :)

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  2. What a wonderful tip ~ I love when things work out like this! I found you through The Inspiration Board at Carolyn's Homework and would like to invite you to link up to my party, Project Inspire{d} ~ I hope to see you there!

    http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2013/02/project-inspired-week-2/

    Mary Beth

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  3. Yes...the problems with rust. I have been using a stainless steel scrubber on my dishes once a week and it takes the rust away. Works on the clear glasses too. It may leave scratch marks eventually....but after years of doing this....so far so good! I use The Works for my tub/shower and toilets too!

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