Rust stains in bath, is there anything to be done?

[Greenstone]

The bathroom in our new house is a bit awful but we don't have the funds to do anything other than cosmetic stuff right now. Everything was professionally cleaned before we moved in and I was hoping the cleaners would have found a way to get rid of the rust stains but it hasn't happened. Is there any way to shift or cover these or will we be looking a them for years?

[PigletJohn]

get a bottle of Jenolite liquid rust remover from a motorists toyshop like Halfords.

Not any of the other rust treatments, which generally just turn it black.

I expect it is quite a thin smudge of rust, so try rubbing it with a bit of kitchen roll dampened with the Jenolite. It is a strong acid so you must wear rubber or plastic gloves. Wash off any drips or splashed with water immediately. Don't wait till you've finished. Read the warning instructions.

If it needs more time, you can pour a little into an eggcup and use a small paintbrush to keep brushing it on, or else moisten kitchen roll in a saucer and flop it onto the surface where it will cling until it dries out. Do not use a metal container or metal tools.

Do not put the brush or kitchen roll into the bottle, always pour a bit out and use that. Do not return it to the bottle. If you have children in the house guard it carefully and dispose of when you have done the job. It will eat holes in skin or eyeballs.

If it is an iron bath with vitreous enamel it might cause damage, so consult the ?Vitreous Enamel Manufacturer's Association? (unsure of name)

[Greenstone]

Wow you're a star PigletJohn - thank you so much for that. Will definitely give it a go and report back

[trixymalixy]

I had success using salt and lemon juice. I just poured a pile of salt over the stain and then poured some lemon juice over it until it was a paste then left overnight. It took a couple of goes but worked eventually.

[Greenstone]

I'll give that a go trixy as haven't been to halfords yet. Thanks for the tip!

[Lasize]

Don't paint it with gloss paint. Repeatedly. Over many many years. [Thanks previous owner...]