Make your tub sparkle with a thorough cleaning: the steps to follow- depending on the material its made from
Much like any other bathroom fixture, the bathtub requires regular and thorough cleaning. When the moment arrives to remove the accumulated dirt, it's time to get hands-on and ensure it regains its original sparkle. By utilizing a range of products, including common household items, and adopting some smart practices, you can ensure that your cleaning efforts yield long-lasting results.
So, every time you indulge in a relaxing soak in the bath, you can revel in the satisfaction of knowing your it is in pristine condition!
How to clean an acrylic bathtub
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An acrylic bathtub is a bathtub formed by vacuum sheets of acrylic, which is then reinforced with fiberglass. Acrylic, a commonly used material, comes with a drawback. Excessive use of harsh chemical products - often found in bathroom cleaning products - can lead to a loss of shine in the bathtub, giving it an aged and worn appearance.
To address this issue, you can try some DIY solutions:
- Thoroughly scrub the bathtub using hydrogen peroxide, possibly mixed with baking soda in areas with stubborn grime that's hard to remove. Allow it to sit for approximately fifteen minutes before rinsing away.
- Alternatively, create a foam by mixing lemon juice with a bit of baking soda, applying it with a sponge. Always wait at least ten minutes before rinsing off.
- Finally, dissolve citric acid in hot water and use it as a cleaning spray, adding a drop of dish soap or Marseille soap. Follow the same application process as the method described above.
How to clean porcelain or fiberglass bathtubs
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For these types of bathtubs, you can apply the above-mentioned remedies. However, considering that they are made from materials that can tolerate slightly stronger chemical agents, using commercially available deep-cleaning products is also an option.
Alternatively, another effective cleaning solution for porcelain and fiberglass tubs is white vinegar.
- For porcelain tubs, use a mixture of water and vinegar in equal parts.
- For fiberglass tubs, it's advisable to dilute the vinegar a bit more: one part vinegar to two parts water.
Spray the mixture thoroughly over the entire tub, wait a maximum of 20 minutes, then scrub clean using just a drop of dish soap or Marseille soap on a sponge. Rinse thoroughly, and the tub will be restored to its original condition.
And what if there's mold?
The quickest way to eliminate mold is to use bleach. Do this while protecting your hands and face/nose, and ensure proper ventilation of the room. If you prefer not to use bleach, hydrogen peroxide is a suitable alternative.
- If using bleach, dilute it with water (at least in equal parts, but also consider one-third bleach to two-thirds water) and leave this in contact with the mold for 15-30 minutes.
- If using hydrogen peroxide, you can pour 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the mold and wait at least 10 minutes before rinsing off.
To ensure that these liquids stay in contact with the surface to be cleaned, use old, clean rags soaked in the chosen liquid.
Ready to restore your bathtub to its original condition?