I was out of town for a week, and my housesitter left a can of pet food in the white enameled kitchen sink. The rust ring it left is proving very difficult to remove. I used lots of scrubbing, and a product called "CLR" to almost no avail. The stain has lightened a bit, but is still there.

I have just recently replumbed the sink- from the wall up: new angle stops, filtration, disposal, icemaker line, dishwasher line, fixtures, etc., and would hate to now have to replace the sink itself, which I really like.

Haven't tried steel wool for fear of damageing the sink further. Any technique hints or tips on alternate products for use?

Thanks.

-Todd.

fredg

Hi,
Some suggest trying distilled white vinegar. Pour it on the stain, full strength, and let it stay wet from the vinegar for the day, pouring more on when it dries. But, it isn't as strong as the CLR.
Try the CLR again, but let it soak for an hour, full strength.
If that doesn't work, then clean off the area with soap and water. Let dry, then pour a little Clorox Bleach on it, and keep it wet with full strength bleach for about 4 or 5 hours, if needed. This might bleach out the stain, turning it white again like the rest of the sink.

labman

Don't waste you time on bleach. It works by oxidizing organic materials. Rust is iron oxide. You needs something stronger, maybe oxalic acid if you can find it. Some radiator cleaners have it. You could try naval jelly too. With either one, give it time to work. You are right to avoid the steel wool. The rust must be down in the pores of the porcelain. You would have to remove the glossy surface with the steel wool.

PMENT

Hey, thanks for both replies.

I'll try the CLR again. I was using it exactly as directed (under two minutes total application) before.

If that's a no-go, I'll get some oxalic acid.

I'll post the dramatic results. Stay tuned.

-Todd.

fredg

Hi,
The oxalic acid crystals should be available from some drug stores.

PMENT

The application of CLR, full strength, for far longer than the label suggests, has removed the offending ring, and my sink is once again as shiny and white as the Brady Bunch.

Thanks for the help!

-todd.