Looking through photos of beautiful homes online can often lead to one question – how do all of these bathtubs look so clean?! Cleaning a bathtub is a real chore and keeping it clean is another task entirely. If you want to make your bathtub look pristine and keep it looking that way easily, then check out these helpful solutions!
The first thing you need to decide is what type of cleanser you’ll be using. Most bathtubs can be treated effectively using a homemade paste from equal parts baking soda and equal parts water, but the exact type of finish for bathtubs can require more specific solutions. Porcelain tubs can be the biggest hassle to clean. A solution of warm vinegar mixed with Dawn and scrubbed with a tough pad is the best bet. Porcelain and enamel finishes are capable of handling solutions that have abrasive qualities, but an acrylic tub will scratch easily. Only use a non-abrasive solution on acrylic finishes!
Although acrylic finishes scratch easily, they’re the simplest surface when trying to remove stains. Simply use a mixture of 1/2 to 2/3rd dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of hot water. If that’s not strong enough then go with a mix of cream of tartar, hydrogen peroxide, and water. Test this out in a low-visibility area first! If all else fails, some people swear by regular old toothpaste! Enamel finishes can be cleaned using all the same methods, but you should know in advance that bleach will stain enamel! On the other hand, bleach is great for porcelain. However, it can still wear down the finish over time. Try the same methods as above for porcelain if you want to play it safe.
When it actually comes to cleaning the tub you’ll want to start at the edges. Work your way around until you have a good clean slate. Next it’s time to treat any of the stains. Don’t make the mistake of cleaning the stains right after applying your cleaning solution. Allow the solution to sit for at least half an hour before trying to scrub out any stains. Start from the top and work your way down with a soft-bristled brush (or nylon scrubber on acrylic). Then wipe down with a micro-fiber cloth!
Cleaning the tub is definitely hard work, but if you work smarter then you won’t work harder! Follow this advice and your tub will be sparkling clean in no time!
Read the full article here: 4 Secrets to a Shiny-Clean Bathtub