The Blues and Chemically Challenged

[2yax2go]

Not me. The shower stall floor has a blue stain from a toilet bowl cleaner or what is in porta a johns. The liquid sat in the bottom of the shower under a platform and was concealed from sight. The other day after I removed the platform there was a puddle of dark blue chemical sitting there. I soaked up the fluid with some paper towels and dried it off. I first tried some all purpose cleaning fluid and nothing happened. I have since tried a c-l-r type product and also bleach with no results. So before we go and spend a lot of time and money tiring all sorts of products we come here to the experts for options and possible answers.
Thanks Josie’s other half.

[Robin G]

hmmmmm, Have you tried soft scrub? I would use SOFT SCRUB brand versus off brand. Don't scrub! Just put it on, let it sit and see if if bleaches it out.



The one and only time I bought an off brand toilet bowl cleaner it did the same thing to my toilet seat. When I squirted it out into the bowl I got some on the seat and I left it while letting the cleaner soak and clean the toilet bowl. I was shocked it stained stained the seat. Honestly I don't remember ever getting the stain off the seat. I think I finally broke down and bought a new toilet seat.

[Mike Morrison]

Couple of things I would consider trying: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a fiberglass cleaner/wax (although it could make your shower floor a bit slippery )

[Cyndi B.]

The dreaded blue slop over. As I recall it goes away with each cleaning as it does when you get it on your hands. OOOh! I have learned it is better to have it in the black tank then in the bowl of the toilet while in motion.

[Ray N]

Put the platform back in.

[Donna D.]

I just Googled for an answer and came up with these:
1) Bleach AND Magic Eraser together.
2) Soak rag(s) in bleach, lay on stain, cover with plastic to hold in fumes, etc. check in an hour
3) Hydrogen Peroxide.

I'd try: Bar Keeper's Friend or a cleaner/wax (like Gel Gloss) .... then REMOVE the wax so the floor isn't slippery.

Frankly, I like Ray's suggestion the best. This may be a stain that only time will lighten.

Let us know what works!

[2yax2go]

We will keep trying the normal household remedies and continue our search for the answer if there is one. The other thought was to get some blue stain and do a tie-dye type look on the bottom. As you might imagine that went over very well with Josie (Not) even though she's a child of the sixties.

The platform is also another challenge but will keep for new thread/repair.

[Carol H]

My first try would be 3M restore and wax - works well at taking off all the stains I have challenged it with.

[cpaharley2008]

A piece of indoor/outdoor carpet cut to fit. Allows water to drain but keeps your feet off the floor bottom.

[Mike Price]

CAUTION!!!!
Frequently, people carelessly mix different cleaning chemicals and generate poison gases....chlorine gas, phosgene gas, ?.

Mike

[2yax2go]

Thanks, folks for the ideas. (as well as the caveat about mixing chems...fortunately the mister is savvy to that and nothing is done without opening the door and windows just in case...the area is also well washed down before the next application.)

Thus far the only reaction has been to turn a spot pink after letting liquid dishwasher soap soak on a portion of the floor.

I could end up with tie-died after all. (snort)

A call to a local shop specializing in commercial cleaning products netted nada.

It may just end up being one of those things we learn to live with. We've considered blocks of that dry-deck stuff just to keep the slip factor down.

The only real challenge to nothing in the floor is that I am barely over 5 feet tall...it's sorta like watching one of your kids on the john feet swinging in the breeze, yanno? Mister oth is nearly 6 feet...no worries there.

One thing fershure is that it will NOT be stopping us from taking Li'l Scamp on the road as soon as our schedule allows.

[Bobbie Mayer]

Contact the maker of the original cleaning product and ask them what to use.

[ScottG]

I had the same problem when a tank deodorizer pack was left in the shower and got wet. I am only saying what worked for me. The works toilet bowl cleaner i found at big lots. put on some rubber gloves and glasses and put it on a rag and wipe it on the stain,wipe with a dry rag then rinse with water and baking soda. I am only saying this worked for me on the same problem. Don't put the bowl cleaner on the stain wipe it with a rag. Don't get this stuff in your eyes and open the place up the fumes will get to you.

[Robin G]

Originally Posted by ScottG

I am only saying this worked for me on the same problem. Don't put the bowl cleaner on the stain wipe it with a rag. Don't get this stuff in your eyes and open the place up the fumes will get to you.

That might work cause that is the only product that I believe could dissolve concrete!

It's wicked stuff, especially the fumes so as Scott suggested get air flow going before you even put it on the rag. Whew!

[Raz]

I would try Oxalic acid. I've used it to remove (bleach out) the stains from an old bath tub (rust, etc.) and the black marks water will make on old wood furniture usually around nail holes. It is only available from a pharmacist as it is a poison. Comes in a small plastic bottle. White crystals. I dissolve a small amount in water. Say 1/2 tsp to 1 tbs water. Brush it on and let it sit awhile. Occurs naturally in rhubarb leaves. I believe it is also an ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend. Good luck, Raz

[Roger C H]

You could change your attitude. Look at it as a decorative swoosh like on those big motor homes. From the picture, I think it looks sort of cool!

OTOH, you could stain the rest of the surface and have a blue shower stall.

If you must get it up, I would try Bon Ami. It is a cleanser that doesn't scratch.

[Roger C H]

I emailed Thetford since they make "The Blue Stuff" and here is the answer I received:

Per our chemist:

"They can use a powder bleach (Clorox 2) and water paste on the fiberglass shower stall. Use a small brush to get the paste into the groves and let it set a few minutes and rinse away. It may take a few applications if the stain has spread deep into the fibers. Please be sure that the stall is clean and no ammonia has been used for at least the last 24 hours."

Thanks,

Darlene
Consumer Service
Thetford Corp/Norcold Inc

There you go from the horse's mouth so to speak.

Note on title: I remembered a song, "Blues Stay Away From My Door." It turns out it is an album:
http://www.answers.com/topic/blues-s...y-from-my-door

[2yax2go]

Thanks, Roger...that was very kind of you to go to the trouble.

I'll pick up some Clorox 2 next trip to the grocer's and we'll give it a try. If it takes a few applications that will be fine.

Who knows I may get used to it over time, eh? Maybe to a tie-dye effect on the whole thing reliving my hippie days. (smirk)

We're also thinking about getting some of that Dry Deck stuff to put in there so I don't slip and fall climbing on to the jon if that floor happens to be wet (I'm barely over 5')

J of J & C

[Donna D.]

You're the MAN Roger