Clean the bathtub. This is a chore that seems like a lot, usually because in any bathroom, the bathtub itself appears huge. It also seems to require a lot of scrubbing and bending, and often twists itself into some odd pose. While cleaning your bathtub will never be completely painless, there are a few tricks you can use to make it easier to clean and keep it shining for longer.
Before you start cleaning, you need to know the type of finish of the bathtub. Most bathtub finishes are porcelain, enamel, acrylic, or fiberglass. If the surface looks like plastic, then it is one of the latter two. If your bathtub is made of more unusual materials, such as stone or copper, consult the bathtub manufacturer for cleaning instructions.
1. Choice of Detergent
There are a lot of cleaners on the market as well as popular homemade solutions. A paste made by mixing equal parts baking soda and water is suitable for any type of bathtub, especially for soap scums.
In addition to this, the surface treatment of the bathtub will also affect the effect of your use. For porcelain surfaces, which are by far the toughest, you have more options, including vinegar-based solutions. Lynn Blair-Broeker, one of the owners of What Needs Done, a housekeeping company in Cedar Falls, Iowa, says, “We try to keep nasty chemical products to a minimum. “A mixture of warm vinegar and a little Dawn along with a scrubbing pad does a great job of removing bath soap scum. I also found that microfiber rags and water work on the tub not too dirty. ”
Gary Uhl, director of education for Standard Brands USA, says that if you choose a commercial cleaner, the first step is to read the label carefully, as even some seemingly mild lotion-like cleaners can be abrasive. For porcelain and enamel finishes, a cleaner with mild abrasive ingredients will do. Acrylic bathtubs are prone to scratches, and you should only use things that don’t wear them out at all.
2. Dyeing
Acrylic acid. Acrylic surface treatment stands out in this regard because it is inherently stain-resistant. If you do have a stain on the surface of acrylic or fiberglass, you can treat it with 1/2 to 2/3 cup of clear dish soap mixed with 2 cups of hot water. If the strength is not enough, try a paste made with cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide or baking soda and water, but test it in a low-visibility area first. There are also those who swear by the use of inexpensive plain white toothpaste (without whitening agents or added features) to treat stains.
Enamel. Enamel finishes are also more fragile, and bleach can stain them. Instead, try the same solution as the acrylic finish above.
Porcelain. For porcelain pots, bleach has been the preferred stain remover for many years, but eventually it wears down the surface. Instead, start with baking soda and an aqueous solution. Dishwashing liquids are great for removing soap stains. If the stain is caused by hard water, mix vinegar and water and spray it on the stain. For rust, you may need to use a commercial rust remover.
If none of these apply to the porcelain surface, the next step will be pumice, magic eraser, or commercial stain remover. Start with the option with the least amount of wear to reduce the wear and tear of the finish. Some stains, especially those on old bathtubs with a worn or damaged surface, may never go away. In this case, re-glazing may be an option.
Note: Never mix bleach and ammonia.
3. Bathtub Cleaning Tips
Once you’ve decided to use a cleaner, it’s time to face the bath. Start by removing everything from the edges so you have a clean slate.
Next, dispose of all the stains. Then apply the cleaner of your choice, applying the paste in circular motions or spraying the cleaner all over the surface, starting at the edge of the tub, working along the sides and ending at the bottom.
The next step is simple. Meg Roberts, president of Molly Maid, said that most people make the mistake of cleaning immediately after using cleaners and any stain treatments instead of giving them time to work. “We put too much hard work into it,” she said, noting that Molly Maid employees spray wet surfaces, such as tubs and sinks, and then turn to cleaning the room’s dry surfaces. It may take them half an hour to come back to clean the tub. You can follow that schedule or follow Roberts’ advice to spend the next hour playing with your dog, going for a walk, or just relaxing.
Once the cleaner is in effect, scrub the sides and bottom of the tub starting from the top and working down. To minimize wear and tear, choose a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Other options include a soft-bristled brush or one of the long-handled shower and bath scrubbers, designed to reduce pressure on the back.
If you have an acrylic bathtub, use a nylon cloth or scrub so you won’t scratch the surface. “Researchers have found that even paper towels can scratch plastic surfaces,” your said. An old toothbrush is a convenient way to clean around gutters and other tight surfaces.
The next step is to rinse the tub thoroughly, either with a shower nozzle or with a bucket of clean water. This practice, often overlooked, is essential, your said. He points out that while leaving the cleaner for an hour is fine, leaving it for a week can permanently damage the surface of the bathtub. He also recommends cleaning the shower door to remove excess spray from the detergent.
Finally, dry the tub thoroughly with a soft cloth (microfiber works well) to make it sparkle. Roberts says this step doesn’t take long and is key to creating the perfect look.
4. Precautionary Measures
Perhaps the most important step in having a clean tub is what you do after cleaning to minimize future problems, especially the soapy scum that will always be there. All experts agree that wiping down the tub after each use and letting it dry goes a long way in keeping the tub aesthetically pleasing and minimizing cleaning time. Blair Brock has another piece of advice that’s easy to implement. “Once the cleaning is done,” she says, “we recommend homeowners switch to shower gel.” The talcum powder in the soap creates scum. If they don’t feel like making the change, we encourage the use of hard soaps. ”