How to Clean a Porcelain Tub
What is the best way to clean an old porcelain tub?
One of the harsher methods to spot clean a porcelain enamel tub is a paste, made from a combination of vinegar and baking soda. The baking soda is an abrasive, so be sure to mix it and dilute the paste well to keep from scratching the tub surface.
How long do porcelain bathtubs last?
How long will a porcelain tub last? A quality porcelain tub can last for about 20 years if it is well maintained.
Do porcelain tubs scratch easily?
Porcelain. The coating in the tubs are naturally resistant to scratching and cleaning is easy to maintain as a mild detergent or baking soda with warm water will usually knock out any tough stains in a porcelain bathtub.
How do you shine an old porcelain tub?
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1 tablespoon of baking soda in about a liter of hot water and use this on terry cloth to wash out your tub. You can add some essential oils for a boost of fragrance too.
What is the best cleaner for porcelain tubs?
Pour warm water into a bucket and mix ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of ammonia (While baking soda is slightly abrasive, it’s mild and generally safe to use on porcelain. The ammonia is great for cutting grease and removing soap scum buildup.)
How do you get stains out of a porcelain tub?
Treat stains with hydrogen peroxide OR baking soda and ammonia. You can soak the area with hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes before scrubbing it with your dish soap and water solution. Or, you can combine 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of ammonia and ¼ cup (55 g) of baking soda and use the paste to scrub away the stains.
How do I know if my tub is porcelain or enamel?
If not, a simple test can help you to determine whether your tub is made of enamel or porcelain: put a magnet on it. If it sticks, the tub is enameled metal; if not, it’s porcelain. If you have a porcelain tub, there’s a little $5 product you’ll be so glad you know about: A pumice scouring stick.
Does a magnet stick to a porcelain tub?
If your tub has no give at all, then it’s steel or cast iron. Hold a magnet up to the tub; does it attract? If it’s magnetic, then it’s an enameled surface, but if it’s not magnetic, it’s porcelain.
How do you clean a badly stained bathtub?
HOW TO REMOVE TOUGH STAINS
- Make a bathtub cleaner paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda (or cream of tartar).
- Rub the paste on the stain and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour, then wipe and rinse.
- If necessary, repeat until the stain is gone.
What is better porcelain or acrylic tubs?
Acrylic is generally a much more durable material when compared to porcelain. Although porcelain tubs have a much harder surface and are more resistant to scratches when compared to acrylic, the harder surface is much more susceptible to breaks and chipping from heavy impacts.
Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?
Acrylic tub – These tubs are created by heating and molding (vacuum forming) sheets of acrylic which are reinforced underneath with fiberglass. Since the material is non-porous it will not allow mold and mildew to build up. Color is solid through the acrylic so it won’t yellow like a fiberglass bathtub.
Is baking soda safe for acrylic tub?
The baking soda can clean mold, mildew, and soap scum. It’s also gentle to use on the acrylic tub.
Is it OK to use bleach on acrylic tub?
Many acrylic tub manufacturers warn against using bleach or other abrasive cleaners as this “may void the warranty” on your bathtub. So, no matter what type of cleaner you prefer, make sure to use a soft cloth or a squeegee to avoid damaging your tub’s finish.
How do you tell if a bathtub is fiberglass or acrylic?
Look around the tub’s edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic. Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.
Will baking soda scratch fiberglass tub?
Opt for non-abrasive cleaners such as dish and laundry detergents, household all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, or baking soda. Avoid abrasive cleaning products, such as scouring powders, since these can cause damage to your fiberglass bathtub or shower.
Will vinegar harm fiberglass tubs?
The vinegar disinfects and deodorizes, and the soap cuts through the dirt, water spots and soap scum. The nylon is slightly abrasive, so it will cut through the dirt and soap scum without scratching the fiberglass. Rinse the tub with fresh water.
How long will an acrylic tub last?
Unlike fiberglass, acrylic is an affordable and durable option for your bathtub, especially when combined with another strong foundational material, like a high-tech polymer. On average, acrylic tubs last around 10 to 15 years, significantly longer than a fiberglass tub.
Do acrylic tubs stain easily?
No, it will not; in fact, it’s a good mild scrubber for more stubborn stains. Sprinkle the wet interior of your tub with baking soda, spray it with water, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and gently scrub with a nonabrasive cloth or sponge.
Do acrylic tubs look cheap?
When it comes to options as far as pricing, color, size and shape are concerned, the acrylic bathtub is hard to match. This type of tub is relatively inexpensive and is lightweight enough to haul upstairs for a second-floor bathroom.
How long will a Kohler acrylic tub last?
They’re also lightweight, very durable, and require less maintenance, unlike other materials. Acrylic is most commonly used to form seats, headrests, whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs. Acrylic bathtubs are very easy to install and has a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Which bathtubs last the longest?
Cast iron tubs are made by pouring molten iron into a mold of the desired shape, then smoothing it and coating it with a thick layer of enamel. It’s probably the most durable tub available, and the finish is resistant to chipping, scratching and denting, as well as most types of chemicals.