Nobody likes the idea of bathing in a filthy tub. Constant exposure to moisture, bacteria and mold creates dirt deposits on the walls that are not only unsightly but also unhygienic. Cleaning the tub diligently is the best way to keep dirt and grime from taking over, but sometimes you have to take the "hard way" to get rid of caked stains. Thankfully, you can use some household cleaning products and some "elbow grease".
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Acrylic bathtub
Step 1. Do not use abrasive chemicals
When you have to clean an acrylic tub, you can't use astringent powders like Ajax or Vim or harsh cleaners like bleach. Acrylic is a material that tends to get damaged often and these products could easily damage the finish.
It pays to start with the mildest cleanser you have available and then gradually choose other more aggressive ones if you don't get the desired results
Step 2. Spray the stains with vinegar
Distilled is a perfect natural cleaner, especially on smooth surfaces like acrylic that don't absorb dirt. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and keep it handy for routine bathroom cleaning; apply as much as you want on the area to be treated.
If you have lemon in the fridge, know that its juice is a valid alternative
Step 3. Let the vinegar work for 10-20 minutes
Meanwhile, the acid contained in the liquid breaks down mold, dirt and stains which you can then scrub off without difficulty; you may also notice that the halos dissolve and flow away on their own even before scrubbing.
- Give the vinegar plenty of time to work.
- If you have to deal with particularly difficult spots, pour a little baking soda on the vinegar-soaked surface.
Step 4. Scrub the stains off with a soft sponge
The yellow part of a normal dish sponge should be effective. Once the vinegar has done its job, you should be able to scrape the dirt off with very little effort; scrub in linear motions and continue treating stains until they fade.
You can also use special tools, such as "magic eraser" which is made from a porous melamine foam, which is very aggressive on dirt
Step 5. Rinse the inside of the tub
Open the tap for a few minutes and wash away the last traces of vinegar and dirt. If the bathtub has an adjustable hand shower, direct the flow to the surfaces you have just treated. Once cleaned, the tub must dry to prevent the bacteria responsible for the stains from proliferating again.
- Most stains are caused by germs creating a film-like residue as they build up.
- Leave the curtain open and turn on the bathroom fan to ensure a constant flow of air.
Method 2 of 3: Enameled Tub
Step 1. Make a first attempt with the vinegar
Although it is a natural cleaner, it is powerful enough to remove most stains as long as it is applied abundantly and given enough time to work. Spray the surface of the tub carefully, wait a few minutes, and then scrub with a sponge or stiff bristle brush. If you see areas that are still dirty, you can switch to more aggressive methods.
At a certain point it is no longer enough to add more and more doses of vinegar
Step 2. Use a bleach-free spray cleaner
Products such as Mastro Lindo Bagno, Smac or Amuchina are perfect for removing stains without damaging delicate surfaces. Since they contain more or less the same ingredients, they all work the same way; just make sure they are not bleach based which can severely weaken the enamel layer.
Purchase cleaners that have been approved for enamel bathroom surfaces. Check the label carefully before buying the cleaner to make sure it is exactly what you need
Step 3. Prepare a natural solution
If you're reluctant to buy commercial products, you can make a universal bathroom cleaner by mixing hot water, baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils in a spray bottle. All of these ingredients are widely available and safe to use, but when mixed they create a fairly potent solution. Spray the mixture on the dirty tub and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- If you can't find Castile soap, hydrogen peroxide is a good substitute.
- Essential oils such as tea tree or peppermint oils act as natural disinfectants.
Step 4. Let the solution sit for several minutes
Spray it on the surfaces and wait a bit; pay particular attention to very dirty and dark areas. The mixture should dissolve the stains almost immediately.
- The more you let the product act, the more effective its action.
- Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling chemicals.
Step 5. Gently scrub the surface
Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid leaving marks or streaks. Go over the stains with light circular movements; when finished, rinse off any residue and let the tub dry completely.
- If necessary, apply a little more cleanser; scrub and repeat the steps described above until the polish comes back clean.
- Using more abrasive products can damage the enamel finish.
Method 3 of 3: Ceramic Tank
Step 1. Get a pack of scouring powder
To get rid of the encrustations from the ceramic tank, you need to use something more aggressive. Take a powder like Ajax or Vim whose small particles are able to penetrate the now fixed stains and remove them.
- Powder cleaners contain chemicals known as surfactants that have mild abrasive properties. These characteristics make the products more effective against hardened and encrusted residues.
- Apply the cleanser in moderation. In most cases, one dose is sufficient for a thorough cleaning (read on the package the quantity that corresponds to a dose of the specific product you have chosen).
Step 2. Consider some natural alternatives
Difficult stains, such as rust and limescale stains, can be treated with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar. Mix the two ingredients until they have the consistency of a cake glaze and spread them directly on the stains. After 10 minutes, scrub the surface with a nylon brush or pumice stone until all traces of dirt are gone.
- Homemade blends, such as the one just described, are preferred by people who are aware of the effects of chemicals on Earth and the environment.
- Hydrogen peroxide helps treat age spots and whitens the tub finish.
Step 3. Spread the powdered cleanser on the area to be treated
In most cases, a small dose is sufficient; the powder alone does not adhere to the ceramic, but when mixed with a liquid it forms a spreadable paste.
Remember to carefully cover the bottom of the tank where mold accumulates, which could expose you to the risk of slipping
Step 4. Pour in enough water to make a paste
Spray the purified or tap water on the detergent; thanks to a little humidity, the powder takes on a dense and foamy consistency. Rub it on dirty areas and give it at least half an hour to work.
- You can also wet a clean sponge or cloth to use later to scrub the product until it thickens.
- Be careful not to overdo the water; if it is too diluted, the cleaner is not effective.
Step 5. Scrub the stains with a sturdy toothbrush
Ceramic is a hard, durable material and you can safely scrub it with an abrasive object without fear of scratching it. For best results, opt for a stiff bristle brush or pumice stone; Treat the area until the dark color is completely gone, then rinse the surface and let it dry before using the tub again.
- If you don't have a tub brush, you can use the green, abrasive side of a dish sponge.
- Never choose the steel wool scourer or other similar objects to scrub the ceramic tub; although it is a very scratch-resistant material, it can still be damaged by the steel wool.
Advice
- Make a commitment to regularly clean your bathtub (ideally every two weeks or so) that way, you don't have to spend too much time on thorough cleaning afterwards.
- Always choose a cleaner that is safe for the tub material.
- Regular shampoos are useful for removing light stains, as they are formulated to dissolve dirt and oil.
- Leave the door open while you work to allow fresh air to circulate in the bathroom.
- Keep a supply of cleaning products in the bathroom or in an adjacent room to always have them at hand.
- Purchase a long-handled brush to avoid straining to kneel or bend over while cleaning.
Warnings
- Aggressive chemicals can leave stains on synthetic materials such as acrylic; as these stains change the color of the finish, they are virtually impossible to remove.
- Do not mix different chemical cleaners, such as ammonia and bleach; this mixture releases caustic vapors that are dangerous by inhalation or by contact with the skin.
- Test the stain remover on a small, hidden area of the surface before spreading it all over the tub to make sure you don't spoil the finish.
