How to Clean a Reglazed or Refinished Bathtub

If you’ve had your porcelain or fiberglass bathtub refinished in Phoenix, AZ, you’ll know firsthand what a difference it can make. Instead of having to replace your bathtub due to stains, deposits or rusting, you get to keep your bathtub and have it look and feel good as new.

Even if you’re happy with the porcelain or fiberglass refinishing process, you’ll still want to clean your tub periodically. This can be tough, though, because you want to keep your tub looking nice without stripping off the finish that you’ve just had put on. Here are some tips on cleaning a reglazed or refinished bathtub.

Do not use abrasive cleaners

We’ll start with what to avoid: abrasive cleaners are too caustic to use on your new finished tub. This applies to cleaning products as well as cleaning application methods. For example, refrain from using steel wool, Scotch-Brite pads or sponges that have an abrasive layer. Chemicals to avoid include powdered cleansers like Comet, Ajax and Bar Keepers Friend, in addition to any products that contain bleach or ammonia.

Try softer, non-abrasive cleaners and sponges

You can use a soft sponge or Blue Scotch-Brite (non-scratch) pad to clean your refinished tub, and pair it with products like Lysol Tub and Tile Cleaner, 409 (make sure it doesn’t have bleach in it), Zep Shower, Tub and Tile Cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles, a DIY water and vinegar mixture and dish soap.

To prevent buildup of hard water stains and soap scum, you will want to clean your refinished porcelain or fiberglass tub often in Phoenix, AZ, so try to make it a habit.

How to clean your refinished tub

Now that you know what products to use and which to avoid, you should know how to actually clean your finished tub.

The first step is to rinse the tub with warm water to remove any surface level dirt or grime. You should then thoroughly coat the tub with an approved cleaning product and sponge as referenced above. Let the cleaner soak in for five minutes. You should then scrub the surface with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and completely rinse the tub when done. Using a microfiber cloth for drying can provide a nice finishing touch.

Waxing your tub

The same way that waxing your car can help protect its outer layer of finish, your refinished or reglazed porcelain or fiberglass tub could benefit from a coat of wax as well. Once your tub has been refinished, you should wait 30 days, and after cleaning the tub’s surface, apply a thin coat of urethane wax with a damp cloth. Turtle Wax 2001 works for this purpose. Wipe the wax away with a dry cotton towel and make sure not to over-buff. This process can be repeated every one to four months.

Call for an estimate today

Sometimes it’s just as important to know what not to do than what you should do when cleaning a refinished bathtub. For example, you should not steam clean or power wash a refinished or reglazed porcelain or fiberglass bathtub, as those methods could compromise its outer layer.

If your bathroom fixtures are looking grungy and you don’t want to go through the trouble of replacing them, give us a call at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., LLC in Phoenix, AZ. We’ve been in business for over 45 years, and we have the knowledge and experience to restore your bathroom to its original, dazzling state, all at a competitive price.