Enhance Your Bathroom By Removing Old Bathtub Stains
Want an easy bathroom improvement? Try cleaning the tub. If your once-white bathtub now looks tricolored, take heart. There are many different ways to get your tub sparkling and remove stains from an old bathtub. Many stains can be easily removed as long as you don’t have dirt etched in the porcelain. In most cases, you can remove dirt and stains. Additionally, by preventing your bathtub from accumulating unsightly dirt and grime build-up, you’ll keep your bathtub looking shiny and clean on a regular basis.
Figure Out What You’re Looking At
If you plan on cleaning up an old bathtub, start by determining what kinds of stains exist. You can do this by looking for tell-tale signs of lime, rust or scum. If you see stains that appear a brownish-red color, you’re most likely dealing with rust. The powdery, white or blue-green tinted film is most likely lime scale. The dirty or filmy ring around your tub is probably soap scum. You can remove each using different cleaners and methods, so it helps to know what you need to remove from the beginning.
Figure out What Kind of Tub You Have
Different tubs can withstand different types of cleaners based on the type of material used. Porcelain tubs tend to fare the best with all types of cleansers because, like stone, it can withstand abrasion and strong chemicals. Enamel tubs tend to need a little more babying when it comes to cleaning. They do withstand milder cleansers but high-acid drain cleaners and bleaches will leave rust-colored stains on an enamel tub. Acrylics are the most common types and look a lot like plastic. These tubs don’t withstand abrasion well, and abrasive cleansers or cleaning materials like steel wool will leave unattractive scratches.
Types of Cleaners and What They Do
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CLR
This is a commercial cleaner formulated to remove calcium, lime and rust deposits. While very effective for stain and build-up removal, it’s not too friendly with the human body. To use, just spray and wipe. Make sure to have adequate ventilation and remember to wear gloves.
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Westley’s Bleche-Wite
This is a commercial degreaser originally designed for use on automotive tires. It works well for removing the oil and build-up typically found in bathtub rings. You can purchase this cleaner in any auto store, and it’s available at some discount stores as well.
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Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
This is a commercial cleaning product made for everyday use around the home. This handy helper picks up dirt and stains from just about any surface and can work effectively on bathtubs too.
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Vinegar, Flour and Hydrogen Peroxide
This is a chemical-free cleaner made from common household ingredients. To make and use this cleanser, combine 4 tablespoons each of the flour and vinegar with 8 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Put this mixture on your bathtub stains and leave it there for a few hours. Scrub the stained areas and then rinse them clean.