Bathtubs can easily get very dirty if left unwashed for a long period of time. It doesn’t matter if you have the best bathtub designs; if the bathtub is dirty, it will never give you a good bathing experience. But then again, it must be impossible to keep up with the busy schedules and keep a spanking clean bathroom. Here are a few tips to help you keep your bathtub clean without scrubbing it in detail.
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Types of Tubs
Before you move on to cleaning bathtubs, it is imperative to know the type of tub you have so you can tend for it accordingly.
Porcelain Enamel:While this material can easily chip, it can also withstand a lot of abrasion. The chipping however may cause some rust to the metal body underneath. Keep in mind that for porcelain tubs, bleach must never be used.
Fiberglass:With fiberglass, you do not have to worry about staining. However, it can easily get scratched. It is also prone to cracking and may discolor over time.
Acrylic:Except for getting scratches, an acrylic tub can withstand discoloration, cracking, chipping as well as staining.
Simple Ways For Everyday Bathtub Cleaning
Here are simple ways in which you should clean your bathroom regularly to avoid major clean ups every now and then.
- Rinse
Always rinse your bathtub after taking a shower or a bath. Make sure no residue is left stuck to the walls. Ideally run the shower for about 30 seconds after you are done to make sure the tub cleans out nicely. You may be reaping the benefits of an Epsom salt bath but you won’t be doing yourself a favor if you do not rinse the bathtub for any salt residue that may damage the bathtub in the long run.
- Scrub
May be once or twice a month, clean your bathtub with a thick paste scrub. Pour some on the sponge instead of the bathtub. This will ensure a more efficient use of the product. You might want to turn the shower on a minute or two before you begin the scrubbing so any dirt stuck can come lose.
- Wipe
If you want to avoid those pesky water stains that are almost impossible to wash out, make sure you wipe the tub after the last shower of the day. You can either hang a washcloth close by to remember it or if you have the luxury to open the window and let the moisture out, do that.
Household Items Useful For Bathtub Cleaning
If you’re looking for some quick remedies, here are some household items that can make your bathtub cleaning process quite convenient.
White Vinegar:Right after you’ve taken a shower, spray from white vinegar on the bathtub. You do not have to buy an expensive brand, the cheapest will do. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it out with cold water. In case of bad stains, fill up the tub with hot water and add 3 cups of white vinegar to it. Let it sit for at least four hours. It should be easier to scrub the stain out afterwards. Vinegar will especially work well with porcelain bathtubs.
Baking Soda:Baking soda really helps scrub off gunk that has been stuck to the bathtub walls for a long time now. Make a paste out of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in 2:1 ratio. Apply it to areas that need it most and wait for at least minutes before getting down to the scrubbing. This one works best on enameled surfaces. It should also clear your drain when you rinse the paste out.
Cream of Tartar:This is another household item that when added with hydrogen peroxide can really take a stain off. Make a paste by adding some cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Make sure you add the latter very slowly, drop by drop. Once you have a thick paste, apply it on the stain and then let it dry. Scrape off the dried glop and you will see that it has removed the stain. You can use it on multiple stains at the same time and later enjoy a bath in a stain-free bathtub.
Salt:If you are disgusted by the yellow spotting all over the bathtub, this should be your go-to solution. Mix some salt into turpentine. Both should be in equal proportion. Once you have the mixture ready, slide on your rubber gloves and rub away the stains. The yellow-y layer will gradually start coming off. Rinse the bathtub after you are done cleaning and air the room so that all the strong smell escapes.
Shampoo:Last but not the least, a shampoo will fulfill your need for any detergent, especially if you’re in a hurry. It is also known to give a very good shine after you’re done which is ideal if you have guests coming in. Just pour some on the sponge and wash. It will really help clear all the soap scum and make your bathing experience most relaxing.
Other Common Bathtub Cleaning Issues
Apart from the above, there are many other issues that can easily be resolved at home, provided the situation isn’t that bad, but can cause a lot of discomfort. Here they are with their solutions.
Clogged Drain
Clogged drains are quite common. There are so many things that can clog the drain, for instance, hair, soap suds and even oil. Such things start amassing somewhere along the drain and subsequently, create drainage issues. This can be resolved by pouring baking soda first, followed by white vinegar in the drain in equal proportions, preferably half cup each. Let that sit for a while and then rinse it with scalding hot water.
Mildew
Mildew is most likely to set camp at caulking so make sure that you keep those areas dry and clean. If you spot some mold, you can easily use bleach to remove it. Spray some bleach on the affected area and leave it for around 15 minutes. Follow by scrubbing and the mold should have been cleaned. In case you have an enameled tub, you will have to recaulk since bleach will ruin the tub.