How to Clean a Shower That Has Turned Blue

How to Clean a Shower That Has Turned Blue
Written By
Meg Butler
Meg Butler
Published: Jan 6, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Toilet bowl cleaner with sodium bisulfate
  • Rubber gloves
  • Scrub brush
  • Sponge

The best way to clean up copper deposits is with a toilet bowl cleaner that contains sodium bisulfate, according to the Experimental Chemistry department at Western Oregon University. Unfortunately, the problem will keep coming back until you replace the offending pipes.

  1. Apply the toilet bowl cleaner to the blue area.

  2. Allow the cleaner to sit for the manufacturer-recommended amount of time, which is usually 15 minutes.

  3. Scrub the blue stain away with your scrub brush.

  4. Rinse the area clean by wiping with a sponge soaked in water.

  5. Repeat steps one through four as necessary.

  6. Towel or air dry.

Tips

If you do not have access to toilet bowl cleaner, try any strong acid such as undiluted white vinegar. It may take more soaking and scrubbing but the stain should eventually lift.

Warnings

It is best to have a plumber come check out the problem as soon as possible. Excessive amounts of copper in your drinking water can be toxic. Symptoms of excessive copper consumption include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset and dizziness.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Meg Butler

Based in Houston, Texas, Meg Butler is a professional farmer, house flipper and landscaper. When not busy learning about homes and appliances she's sharing that knowledge. Butler began blogging, editing and writing in 2000. Her work has…

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