A 10p hack removes unsightly rust from your towel rail – and the solution’s in your cupboard already, say Mrs Hinch fans
TOWEL rails are great are drying and keeping your belongings toasty for after your shower.
However, they are also highly susceptible to rust but a handy hack can help.
Posting on the Facebook group Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips, one fan asked for help restoring her towel rack to prime condition.
“I’ve got rust on my towel rail, does anyone know how I remove this please,” the cleaning enthusiast asked.
The homeowner included two close up pictures showing the rusted areas on her towel rack.
Towel racks are prone to rust because of the moisture that becomes trapped when drying items.
As well as placing damp towels on them, we also tend to splash water on our towel racks as we dry our hands.
But don’t worry, according to Mrs Hinch’s fans, a simple trick will remove rust instantly.
They shared their DIY hacks in the comments section, with one suggestion proving popular.
“Rub with tin foil,” suggested one helpful Facebook user.
“Rub with tin foil!! We had the same a long time ago and now all gone,” agreed another person.
“Another vote for tin foil,” commented a third cleaning fan.
You can pick up a roll of tin foil for just £1.33 from Asda, and you only need a small amount at a time.
Other Mrs Hinch fans recommended using a second kitchen staple to level up the hack.
“Tomato sauce and a rolled up ball of tin foil,” advised one Facebook user.
“Scrunched up tin foil and tomato ketchup,” agreed another commenter.
Tin foil works to remove rust through a chemical reaction called electrochemical oxidation.
More bathroom cleaning tips
Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.
1. Regular Maintenance
Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.
Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.
2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains
Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.
3. Cleaning the Toilet
Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.
4. Shower and Bath
Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.
Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Tiles and Grout
Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.
Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.
6. Mirrors and Glass
Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.
7. Floors
Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.
8. Trash and Laundry
Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours.
Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly.
9. Finishing Touches
Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom.
Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.
This causes the tin foil to lose electrons to the rust, which effectively reverses the oxidation process and turns the rust back into metal.
Ketchup can help with this process due to its acidic nature.
Containing vinegar and tomatoes, it helps dissolve the rust through a chemical reaction
The acids within tomatoes possess properties that break down the accumulation of grime and dirt.
This works in a similar way to vinegar, another popular DIY cleaning tool.