Taking a soothing bath is one of the best ways to de-stress and relax after a demanding day. Tubs, however, are known for accumulating grime, mildew, and filth over time and such moisture and rust-related stains have a lasting impact. Making the bathtub part of the regular cleaning procedure is key to keeping it looking brand new. How to clean a bathtub? Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts.
It is common knowledge that cleaning bathtubs may be challenging and time-consuming, but it is well worth the effort when the reward is a relaxing dip in a pristine tub afterward. This article will discuss the various cleaning techniques and tools needed to clean bathtubs of different types. With the correct information and guidelines, people can clean their bathtubs on their own. How a tub is cleaned will also depend on the materials with which the tub is made.
Essentials For Bathtub Cleaning
- Cleaning bucket
- Dish soap (for bathtubs that demand mild cleaning)
- Baking soda
- Cloth
- Hand towel
- Scrubbing brush
- Sponge
- Cleansing agents
- Bleach in spray bottles (for molds, etc)
General Cleaning
Bathtubs attract soap scum, dirt, mold, and mildew as well as difficult stains. The bathroom can feel unclean as a whole if the tub is soiled and grimy. Baking soda works best for bathtub cleaning. It can remove even the toughest stains and bathtub rings and is a non-toxic cleaning product.
Best Cleaners For Bathtub
1. Vinegar with Baking Soda
For all-purpose cleaning, vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution. It can be used on tough stains on the tub itself or even mixed with baking soda to assist in cleaning the drain. When used alone, vinegar can be applied directly on tough stains, or diluted with water for general cleaning.
2. Bleach with Baking Soda
Bathrooms have long been cleaned with bleach. This is due to its capacity to eradicate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens as well as fungus, mold, and mildew. The tub should first be rinsed with warm water. Mix one gallon of water and 1/2 cup of bleach in a big bucket. The bathtub should be cleaned with the solution using a soft towel. Give the bleach at least five minutes to sit. After rinsing the tub with cold water, dry it off with a dry towel. To get rid of thick soap scum and built-up residue, apply a mixture made with baking soda and a little bleach. After 15 minutes, use a cleaning brush to gently scrub the tub in a circular motion while softly moistening the paste with water to remove any remaining paste. Dry off after rinsing the bath with cool water.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide with Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide works well as a disinfectant and stain remover. To form a paste, combine Hydrogen Peroxide with baking soda or cream of Tartar (best for removing stains) in the ratio 1:2. Scrub the stains and then let the paste rest. After 30 minutes, rinse the tub.
How To Clean A Stained Bathtub:
The following steps might help:
Step 1: Fill a bucket with hot water and pour it in the tub or directly pour the required amount into the bath tub.
Step 2: Put baking soda or any other alternative cleanser on the surface of the bathtub.
Step 3: Take a bucket of hot water and add 2 tablespoons of dish soap to it.
Step 4: Soak a sponge/rough scrubber/nylon brush in the soapy water.
Step 5: Scrub the surface of the bathtub surface.
Step 6: For distinctively dirty spots use extra baking soda/cleaner directly on the spot or the sponge and then scrub.
Step 7: After completing the process, rinse off the dirty water. Pat and dry.
Bathtub Cleaning Process According To The Tub Material
It is important to keep in mind that every bathtub is unique. The tub’s construction materials will influence which technique and cleaning tools are to be used. For example, the cleaning procedures for porcelain or painted stainless steel tub will differ from those for a fiberglass tub. Let’s now look into how a bathtub should be cleaned depending on its making.
How to clean an Acrylic Bathtub
Today, acrylic bathtubs are frequently utilized because of their adaptability, durability, variety, and affordability. A vacuum-formed acrylic sheet is joined with fiberglass to create an acrylic tub. They have a non-porous surface which in the event of damage, can be mended to some extent.
How to clean?
When cleaning a bathtub made of acrylic plastic, users must exercise extra caution. Acrylic plastic is vulnerable to damage from chemicals and abrasive substances.
- Fill the bathtub with warm water and soak it before the user starts cleaning it.
- Apply a little amount of baby shampoo (mild shampoo) on a damp rag or piece of cloth and rub the bathtub’s surface in circular motions.
- Rinse the rag frequently to avoid soap build-up. Repeat the process of rinsing and wiping off the bathtub’s surface until it is spotless.
- Use a rag to apply a layer of automotive wax to the bathtub’s surface once the area has dried and been cleaned. Similar to waxing a car, evenly distribute the wax across the bathtub’s surface.
- Allow the area to dry for a few minutes before polishing the bathtub’s surface with a clean cotton ball.
How to clean a Fiberglass Bathtub
A less expensive option for bathtubs is fiberglass tubs. Due to fiberglass’s inferior durability compared to other materials, they don’t last as long. Exercise caution when washing the fiberglass bathtub as the exterior could easily crack or scrape.
How to clean?
- Mix baking soda and dish soap in hot water to create a paste. Keeping adding more baking soda until the paste is thick enough to be applied.
- Apply the mixture to the bathtub with a sponge and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- After half an hour, scrub the bathtub properly.
- Use cold water to rinse the fiberglass bathtub, then use a paper towel to absorb any remaining water.
How to clean an Enameled Cast Iron Bathtub
Enameled Cast Iron Bathtub is a very durable but heavy bathtub – which, as its name suggests, is made of enameled cast iron. This bathtub is comparatively on the higher end, but is more long-lasting. The thick enamel coating prevents the tub from unwanted scratches and chipping issues.
How to clean?
- Mix baking soda and warm water to make a thick paste.
- Apply it on the stains.
- Let the mixture rest on the stains for 30 minutes.
- Then, scrub the area with a sponge or a scrubber.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
- For tougher stains try using TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleansing agent.
- Apply the TSP cleaner diluted in hot water on the unwanted spots and let it sit, before gently scrubbing it off and rinsing it with water.
How to clean Bathtubs made of Cast Polymers
These bathtubs are made out of a conglomeration of natural stones which are molded with resins and polymeric minerals in order to structure it into a solid surface. However, people opting for this kind of tub, should keep in mind that these bathtubs need proper maintenance at frequent regular intervals for they can lose their shine even due to the slightest scratches. It is always a good idea to keep away from abrasive cleaning agents while trying to clean a Cast Polymer Bathtub.
How to clean?
- Use a mild cleaning soap or detergent.
- Mix vinegar and water in equal proportions and spray it on targeted areas before scrubbing lightly.
- Rinse off with water after the scrubbing is done.
Do not Forget to Clean the Bathtub Drain
At least once every week, flush the drain in the bathtub with hot water. By doing this, collection inside pipes that can cause clogs will be avoided. The user may also pour a cup of vinegar down the drain. After 30 minutes, rinse twice with 2 liters of boiling water.
Dos & Don’ts for Bathtub Cleaning
- Clean the entire bathtub rather than just focusing on the stained areas.
- Let disinfectants sit on the tub surface for at least 15 minutes.
- Try to find and erase any breeding corner for molds, blight or mildews.
- When handling chemicals, it’s imperative to wear latex gloves to protect the hands. Additionally, make sure the space is well-ventilated.
- Use of steel wool or other highly abrasive scouring powders or brushes may eventually cause the surface of the bathtub to be scratched.
- Avoid leaving soaps or shampoos on the surface of the bathtub as it might result in staining. Also, long term harm (such as cracks on the surface) can be caused due to the chemicals present in them.
Conclusion
The bathtub’s original shine and quality can be restored with the help of these cleaning suggestions. Make sure to follow the methods correctly and with the right cleaning agents, depending on the tub type.
