How to Prevent Bathroom Light Fixtures From Rusting
Rust is a common problem for bathroom fixtures. It starts as a small spot and slowly spreads until it’s just too much to handle. As the cold winter months approach, ensuring that your bathroom light fixtures are in good condition is essential.
Rust can be a problem for many objects, but it’s especially problematic for bathroom light fixtures. It occurs when the metal starts to oxidize and corrode.
This is especially true because rusting can happen quickly and without warning. Luckily, you can do a few simple things to avoid this unpleasant occurrence. Read on to learn how to prevent bathroom light fixtures from rusting!
First, avoid using abrasive cleaners on the fixture itself or anything that comes in contact with it. This will cause scratches and abrasions, exacerbating any problems down the line.
What Causes Bathroom Light Fixtures to Rust?
Several things cause bathroom light fixtures to rust, from moisture from showers or baths to metals underneath the fixture being exposed to water. Often, homeowners may not notice this small leak for quite some time, and it can be an expensive mistake.
One solution is to replace the light fixture with one that does not rust easily, but a cheaper alternative is to prevent bathroom light fixtures from rusting.
Bathroom light fixtures are subject to rusting due to the proximity of water. Sometimes, especially in newer homes, they are made out of metal (typically steel or zinc), making them even more likely to corrode when humid.
The humidity is particularly problematic because it encourages mildew growth, and further worsens the problem. In addition, it only takes one small hole for water to find its way in and corrode metal (steel, zinc, copper) – once this happens, rusting can appear quickly.
You Can Check It Out to Remove Bathroom Light Cover
8 Ways on How to Prevent Bathroom Light Fixtures From Rusting:
Rust in bathroom light fixtures doesn’t have to be an inevitable problem. Here are ten ways to prevent rust in bathroom light fixtures.
1) Make Sure it’s Dry Before Closing the Door:
If you let water sit in the shower or tub without using it, the grout in your bathtub and tiles will start to break down. This will allow moisture to get into your light fixture. So, when you’re done with your shower, make sure you dry the tub and tile grout completely.
If moisture has been sitting on the walls and ceiling for a while, it will stay wet longer than if there’s no water left before shutting the door.
2) Use Shelf Liner:
A shelf liner is a great barrier between water and metal. You can apply shelf liner to the bottom or backside of your tub before you put in the new light fixture. If possible, add it to areas around faucets and showerheads to keep moisture from reaching the light fixtures.
3) Clean Regularly:
Keeping a clean bathroom is a must for preventing rust. Bathrooms should be cleaned at least once a week, but more often if many people or pets use them. Make sure to get in all the nooks and crannies where moisture can accumulate, such as around faucets and showerheads. When cleaning your light fixtures, use non-abrasive water and rust-resistant cleaner.
4) Install Shower Curtain:
You Can Check It Out to Remove Bathroom Light Cover
A shower curtain is an excellent way to keep moisture from reaching light fixtures if your bathroom doesn’t have a bathtub or shower. When you’re done with your shower, be sure to dry the curtain thoroughly before closing it.
5) Install Automatic Timer Shower Head:
An automatic showerhead can help reduce the amount of time water is left on in your bathroom, which means less moisture sitting around on surfaces for long periods. There are also low-flow showerheads with built-in timers that automatically shut off after a set period.
6) Replace Light Fixture:
If you have a shower curtain and regularly clean the bathroom but still have trouble with rusting light fixtures, your best option may be to replace the fixtures. Unfortunately, bathroom light fixtures are not meant to endure years of shower moisture without being damaged.
In most cases, it’s better to install new light fixtures a few times rather than wait until the rust has damaged several fixtures to the point where they need to be replaced all at once.
7) Open Window When Showering:
When you shower, an open window will help the bathroom stay well ventilated and also let moisture escape from your bathroom. If you don’t have an open window, consider installing a fan. Also, remove any standing water from the floor after taking a shower, towels, and other objects that might remain wet for some time.
8) Install Pull Chain:
If you prefer to take baths instead of showers but still want to prevent rust in your bathroom light fixtures, you can install a pull chain that will turn your light on and off when you enter or exit. This way, moisture won’t be left sitting in the light fixture for long periods.
Tips and Suggestions
1. Use glass cleaner on any glass surfaces in the bathroom (mirrors, windows) weekly or after each use if possible. This will help remove any oils or dirt that may be causing the rusting process to begin with.
2. Wipe down your bathtub and shower walls with household cleaners like vinegar and baking soda once every four months minimum to keep them clean and dry at all times, which will also help deter rusting from occurring in these areas of your bathroom as well.
3. If you have brass fixtures inside your bathroom, be sure to wipe them down with a dry cloth at least once every two months for the same benefits as stated above.
4. If a tile or linoleum floor are exposed to moisture by being near or under your tub/shower area, use an anti-slip mat inside your shower during bath times. This will help keep the moisture from getting to the floor, where rusting can occur over months and years of exposure.
5. For light fixtures, try using an electric dehumidifier inside your bathroom during bath times. These aren’t very expensive at any local hardware stores or other retail locations, and they can go a long way toward keeping your bathroom free of any moisture.
Conclusion:
When it comes to preventing rust on bathroom light fixtures, there are some things you can do. First, ensure you’re not putting too much pressure when cleaning any metal surface and that it’s dry before wiping off the residue with a clean cloth. A good way to avoid corrosion is by regularly washing your hands in hot water and drying them thoroughly after each bathroom use.
The article has provided some helpful tips for preventing bathroom light fixtures from rusting. Do you have any questions about how these work? Let us know! We are happy to answer any queries you may have. Stay tuned for more blog posts about preventing and removing rust!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
