This is the area I would pay particular attention to.
Blue-green deposits can sometimes develop when copper-containing components corrode. Copper corrosion products may be carried by leaking water and leave coloured marks on nearby surfaces.
However, the photographs alone cannot confirm that copper is responsible.
Check whether:
- The blue-green colour is concentrated around the base of the tap.
- The staining returns shortly after cleaning.
- The area remains damp when the tap has not been used.
- There is any sign of leaking beneath the basin.
If the staining keeps returning or the tap base stays wet, check for a small leak. Cleaning alone will not solve the problem if water is continually escaping from a fitting or pipe.
If you suspect a leak or corrosion, a plumber can inspect the tap connections and water supply.
Step 4: Deal With the Yellow Rings Around the Plughole
The yellowish rings around the waste fitting may be soap residue, mineral deposits, or staining associated with the metal fitting.
Try this gentle approach:
- Apply a small amount of washing-up liquid to a soft cloth.
- Wipe the stained ceramic around the plughole.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry the basin and inspect the marks.
If the yellow staining remains, use a compatible bathroom descaler only if the product is approved for both the basin and the waste fitting.
Avoid leaving acidic cleaners in contact with the metal for extended periods, as they may damage the finish.
Step 5: What If Nothing Removes the Blue Stains?
If you’ve already tried several cleaning products and the colour hasn’t changed, there are a few possibilities.
Mineral or corrosion deposits: These may require a treatment specifically suited to the material involved.
A damaged tap finish: If the chrome plating has deteriorated, the surface may no longer clean up properly.
Permanent staining or surface damage: The marks may have penetrated a damaged finish or become embedded in a surface that ordinary cleaning cannot restore.
If the tap’s chrome is pitted, peeling, or corroded, more scrubbing will not repair it. Replacing a damaged component may be the most effective long-term solution.
Step 6: Prevent the Stains From Returning
Once the basin is clean, a few simple habits can help:
- Wipe the tap base dry after use.
- Clean away soap residue regularly.
- Check for drips around the tap and plughole.
- Avoid leaving cleaning products on the chrome finish.
- Investigate recurring blue-green deposits rather than repeatedly covering them with cleaner.
If the marks repeatedly appear in the same place, identifying the source is more important than finding a stronger cleaning product.
My Recommendation
Based on your photos, I would focus first on the blue-green deposit around the tap base rather than trying another abrasive cleaner.
The staining could be related to copper corrosion or a leak, and that would explain why ordinary cleaning methods have not worked. It is also possible that the tap finish itself has deteriorated.
One Important Question
Does the blue-green stain come back after you’ve cleaned it, or has it been there for a long time and simply refuses to disappear?
If it keeps returning, I would be more suspicious of an ongoing leak or corrosion. If it has remained unchanged for months, the next step would be to determine whether it is a removable deposit or permanent surface damage.
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