Rub-a-dub-dub, there's Dektol stains in my tub

rcam72 · May 18, 2012

Does anyone know how to get dektol stains out of enamel?
Some dektol dripped off the tongs onto the floor of my tub. It washed away at first but when the tub dried, there were dark spots. I tried scrubbing with regular cleanser and it didn't work.
This is a first for me. Until now the stuff rinsed right into the drain with no problems.

Thanks,
Raul

Newt_on_Swings · May 18, 2012

Raul,

I'd try some bleach first, if that doesn't get it then maybe a cleanser with a bit of abrasive to try and scuff out the top most stained layer.

removed account4 · May 18, 2012

this thread might be helpful:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
if you search ---> chemical stains trays <--- you find almost 10 years of stuff !

i wouldn't bother with the sulphuric and hydrochloric acids or dichromate
use household bleach 1:10 and a 30min soak will remove your stains.

good luck !
john

Neal · May 18, 2012

Dear Paul,

As noted above, combine household bleach and time. A rag or paper towel will help keep the area wet.

Neal Wydra

NormanV · May 18, 2012

A few spots? I once used dishcleaner in my bath tub to clean all my dishes. When I pulled the plug I found that it had removed all the enamel from the bath. Taking a bath after that felt like sitting on sandpaper, at least it was non-slip!

mikebarger · May 18, 2012

Use Clorox bleach, not the cheap stuff.

jeffreyg · May 18, 2012

We used Bar Keepers Friend cleaner to clean stains from a ceramic cook top. That might work.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

RH Designs · May 18, 2012

I can't offer any suggestions but don't use anything acidic on enamel!

rjbuzzclick · May 18, 2012

Comet Cleanser?

dangobot · May 18, 2012

I'd second the bar keepers friend. that stuff is miraculous. it's amazing what it will take off without scratching. I used it to clean a stainless cooktop of burned-on stains and it left no scratches at all. I use it all the time on my porcelain sink and the finish is still glossy. I'd try that before bleach. the bleach seems to eventually damage the porcelain.

rcam72 · May 19, 2012

NormanV said:
A few spots? I once used dishcleaner in my bath tub to clean all my dishes. When I pulled the plug I found that it had removed all the enamel from the bath. Taking a bath after that felt like sitting on sandpaper, at least it was non-slip!

You must have been really pressed for time doing the dishes in the bath. At least your feet should be callous free. I hear some chicks dig that.

Thanks everybody for all the suggestions. I'll try the bar keepers friend first and then go with the bleach. The scouring powder is a last resort since I'd rather not scuff the finish on the tub.

Raul

Newt_on_Swings · May 19, 2012

Lol doing dishes while in the bath! How can you ever let guests eat off of them again!

rcam72 · May 20, 2012

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I had some Bon Ami and got them out with that.

Raul

seadrive · Jul 25, 2012

I used Bar Keepers Friend just this afternoon, to clean the stains left in my developer tray by Bromophen. Worked great!

Before trying Bromophen with MG Warmtone paper, I'd been using Formulary BW-65, which doesn't seem to stain the tray, no matter how long you let it sit. Both BW-65 and Bromophen contain phenidone, but Bromo contains hydroquinone, and BW-65 does not.

Is it the hydroquinone that stains the tray?

Andre Noble · Jul 25, 2012

Rub a dub dub, get some Comet and scrub.

Rub-a-dub-dub, there's Dektol stains in my tub

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