Maintaining a clean and sparkling porcelain bathtub is not only essential for aesthetic reasons but also for ensuring a hygienic bathing space. However, the question often arises: How often should you clean a porcelain bathtub? Ignoring the dirt and grime accumulating in your tub not only affects its appearance but also makes the cleaning process more challenging. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of regular bathtub maintenance and unveil the secrets to turning a semiannual one-hour cleaning task into a quick and simple 10-minute routine every month.
The Consequences of Neglecting Your Porcelain Bathtub
Ignoring the cleanliness of your porcelain bathtub can lead to various issues. Soap scum, hard water stains, and mold can accumulate over time, creating an unsightly and unhygienic environment. Beyond the visual aspect, these contaminants can compromise the structural integrity of the tub and, if left unchecked, may even lead to more significant problems that require professional intervention. Therefore, regular cleaning is not just about aesthetics; it’s a crucial aspect of preventive maintenance.
Frequency Matters: How Often Should You Clean?
The frequency of cleaning your porcelain bathtub depends on several factors, including usage, water quality, and the presence of hard water in your area. As a general guideline, a monthly cleaning routine is recommended to prevent the buildup of stubborn stains and grime. However, if your bathtub sees heavy daily use, especially by multiple family members, you might consider a more frequent cleaning schedule – perhaps every two weeks.
The 10-Minute Monthly Routine: Simplifying the Process
Embarking on a monthly cleaning routine for your porcelain bathtub doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, with the right approach, you can transform it into a quick and simple 10-minute job. Start by gathering your cleaning supplies, including a non-abrasive cleaner suitable for porcelain, a soft sponge or cloth, and a squeegee.
Begin by wetting the entire surface of the bathtub with water. This helps loosen any loose dirt and prepares the surface for cleaning. Apply the non-abrasive cleaner evenly across the tub, focusing on areas with visible stains or soap scum. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes to penetrate and break down the grime.
Next, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface of the bathtub. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the porcelain. Pay extra attention to corners, edges, and any textured surfaces where dirt may accumulate. Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the tub, rinse it with clean water.
Finish the process by using a squeegee to remove excess water and prevent water spots. This not only enhances the tub’s shine but also contributes to a cleaner and more hygienic environment. With this streamlined approach, you can maintain a pristine porcelain bathtub without dedicating hours of your time.
Beyond the Tub: Extended Benefits of Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your porcelain bathtub offers benefits beyond the tub itself. Removing soap scum and preventing the buildup of grime can contribute to the overall cleanliness of your bathroom. Additionally, cleaner tub surfaces translate to less contamination of your grout and glass, reducing the frequency of cleaning these areas. By establishing a consistent cleaning routine, you create a healthier and more appealing bathing space.
Summary
The frequency at which you should clean your porcelain bathtub depends on various factors, but a monthly cleaning routine is a good starting point for most households. By dedicating just 10 minutes each month to this task, you can enjoy a sparkling, well-maintained bathtub while minimizing the risk of more significant issues down the line. Remember, a clean bathtub is not just about appearances – it’s a key aspect of preserving the hygiene and longevity of your bathroom space. So, the next time you wonder how often you should clean your porcelain bathtub, consider making it a monthly habit for a quick, efficient, and satisfying cleaning experience.
Need Bathtub & Shower Repairs and Refinishing in Glendale, AZ?
Welcome to A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.! Since 1975, we have been providing bathtub and shower refinishing services in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding areas. Working on all bathroom fixtures, our experts will repair your tubs, showers, and sinks. We specialize in repairing cracked fiberglass tubs. We will also refinish tubs, showers, sinks, tiles, and vanities. Our happy customers also know to call us for maintenance including caulking, installation, and replacement of all bathroom fixtures. Call us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs!
Whether it’s a pesky yellow stain on your glass shower or a crusty film of soap scum on your shower door, hard water stains can be tough to get rid of. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can tackle those pesky stains without resorting to harsh chemicals. These natural cleansers are sure to leave your shower looking like new again!
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and germs. White vinegar can be used to remove hard water stains from glass shower doors and faucet heads, as well as soap scum. It is an effective alternative to harsh chemicals and can be easily purchased at your local grocery store. If you have a showerhead that is soiled with mineral deposits, try wrapping it in a plastic bag and filling it with white vinegar. The acetic acid in the vinegar will break down the mineral deposit build-up. Leave it in the solution for up to 30 minutes.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great cleaning product and it can be used to remove pesky shower stains. It can be used as a mild abrasive, scouring agent and deodorizer to dissolve dirt, tackle odors, and cut through grime. All you have to do is combine a mixture of vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution and apply it to the stained area. Then you can wipe it clean with a cloth. And the best thing about baking soda is that it’s affordable and effective at many of its cleaning tricks.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic liquid that’s traditionally used to clean cuts and skin wounds. But the stuff is also useful for disinfecting, whitening and stain removal. You can use hydrogen peroxide on pretty much anything in your home, as long as you don’t use too strong of a concentration. And it’s safer than bleach, too! Mix a solution of baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide for a paste that will help get rid of pesky shower stains. Or spray it onto mildewy shower curtains, walls, and tile surfaces to kill the mold and mildew that’s built up there.
Cleaning every room of one’s house takes special products, a significant amount of time, and the patience that is necessary to get it all done correctly. At A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass, we frequently hear questions from our customers about which nonabrasive supplies they should use or how they can get rid of soap scum and bacteria. One of the most common questions that we get is whether there are any special sponges that they should use to clean out a porcelain bathtub.
Porcelain Bathtubs Require Gentle Cleaning
It is absolutely the case that porcelain bathtubs provide a sleek design and look to one’s bathroom, but it is also true that they require a very gentle cleaning process to retain their beauty and value.
Bathtubs capture dirt within them, and this dirt needs to be removed to keep it clean. A great way to do so is to take a combination of warm water, ammonia, and baking soda in a bucket with a gentle washrag or sponge, and wipe down the entire tub with that combination of materials.
You should scrub the tub in full to make sure you eliminate all the dirt and grime that may cause you some issues, and then you can rinse it all out completely so that you know for sure that your tub has been completely cleaned out just the way that you would expect it to be. This is a process, but it is one that you need to go through if you are going to get serious about cleaning your porcelain tub.
Do They Make Special Sponges for Porcelain Tubs?
Yes, you can get special sponges to use on your porcelain tub if you wish to do so. These sponges are gentler on the tub than some of the mass market sponges you can find in any random store. That being said, you should be pretty safe to use virtually any kind of sponge as long as you are careful about how hard you scrub on your porcelain tub.
It is often the case that you will need to take a considerable amount of time to clean your tub and don’t risk damaging the porcelain at the same time. You can accomplish both of these goals if you are just extremely careful about how you scrub down the tub. Don’t take unnecessary risks with it, and you should be just fine. If you use a great sponge specifically designed for a porcelain tub, then you should be set up to handle the mission of getting your tub cleaned out just the way you need it to be. Make sure you look for the kind of sponge that can keep your tub clean without risking the chance of tearing anything up.
You can keep your tub safe, but only when you take the steps necessary to get it done.
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.
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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.
So, you’ve recently restored your porcelain or fiberglass bathtub—congratulations! Now that it’s looking fresh and new, we bet you want to keep it that way. Professional bathtub refinishing can add years to your tub’s lifespan, especially if you care for it properly.
Here’s how to take the best care of your “new” tub so that it stays looking clean and restored for years to come. If you have any questions, be sure to ask A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.—we’re the experts on bathtub maintenance in Phoenix, AZ:
Wait for the curing period to conclude: Your bathtub refinishing will include a curing period, during which the refinished covering will have the opportunity to fully set. It takes about 90 days to cure completely, although you’ll be able to use your tub within 48 to 72 hours of the refinishing process.
Clean and caulk the faucet: Keeping errant moisture away from your tub ensures that you won’t have to deal with water damage or erosion. Check the caulking every month or so to make sure there are no problems developing.
Scrub with gentle cleaners only: Liquid soap or body wash is one of the gentlest ways to clean your tub—simply scrub and rinse away for a clean, fresh tub. You can also ask your tub refinishing team what kind of cleaners they suggest. As a general rule, stay away from abrasive soaps, brushes and cleaning tools. They will scratch the shiny new finish and make it harder for you to maintain your tub’s new finish.
Wax every one to three months: Much like your car, your bathtub needs to be waxed—and you can even use car wax to do it. About a week after your tub is refinished, wax it for the first time. Then wait a month and do it again in order to keep the finish looking brand-new. Simply take auto wax and apply it according to the directions, buff with a soft cloth and rinse away. Be sure to buff gently, as you don’t want to scratch the finish with too much elbow grease.
Repair chips right away: If you notice chips in your finish, repair them before they get worse—you can either have a professional come repair them, or get a porcelain repair kit from the hardware store. As a general rule, the bigger the chip, the more likely you’ll want a pro to handle the repairs, unless you don’t care whether it looks good (but if you’ve just had your tub refinished, we suspect attractiveness is on your mind).
Avoid suction cups: Non-slip bathmats and other items with suction cups are great to keep you from slipping, but hot water can react with the suction cups and damage your tub’s finish. Avoid using these in your tub.
Keep surfaces dry: Finally, wipe down your tub after using so the surfaces remain dry, and never leave washcloths or sponges lying in the tub.
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. performs bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ—call us today to get started with an appointment.
