Congratulations, you’ve come to appreciate the value in considering a refinished bathtub. You know that reglazing is a cost-efficient and long-lasting way to refurbish your old, damaged, or discolored bathtub. Once your existing finishes have been turned into art, it’s up to you to keep it looking sleek and new. You’ll need cleaning methods that work, but won’t damage your newly glazed bathtub.
First, we’ll highlight some cleaning methods you NEVER use on your refinished bathtub.
Cleaning Methods to Avoid
Abrasive Cleaners
Harsh and gritty cleaners can peel tub coating, encouraging discoloration and voiding your warranty.
Abrasive cleaners include:
- Rough sponges
- Steel wool pads
- Sponges with an abrasive layer
- Products containing bleach or ammonia
The list of abrasive cleaners also extends to “soft” abrasive creams, scouring pads, powdered cleansers (Comet, Ajax, etc.), household bleach, and products advertised as milder than powdered cleansers, but still contain bleach.
Power Washing
The force of power washing is too strong for tub coating to withstand. You should never attempt to power wash a reglazed surface, especially since it could lead to peeling and significant damage. Power washing your tub can void the warranty on a reglazing job.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning sounds like a good way to get rid of dirt and soap deposits, especially since it’s a non-abrasive cleaning method. But the risk of having steam penetrating through the tub coating is too high. When it seeps through cracks and underneath, it can quickly cause lasting damage to the coating.
What’s more, steam is not an effective cleaner. It is highly unlikely that you’ll get the job done using a household steam cleaner.
Preferred Cleaning Products
Liquid Non-Abrasives
Liquid non-abrasive cleaners work best for professional refinishing jobs. Tub coating consists of just a few layers of specialized paint, making it highly vulnerable to abrasive contact. You can scratch or nick it pretty easily if you’re not careful.
Even though gentle, non-abrasive cleaners can get the clean you wish to achieve. However, you must maintain cleaning your bath regularly in order to prevent staining from hard water deposits and soap scum.
The best way to clean and maintain your refinished bathtub is by sticking to a strict cleaning schedule. This allows you to efficiently get to all the stains using only non-abrasive cleaners.
What You’ll Need
- Clean water in a bucket or container
- Soft-bristle nylon brush/sponge/microfiber cloth
- Rag/soft towel
- Non-abrasive cleaner
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Rinse Tub
Pour warm water on the bathtub’s surface using a measuring cup or a bowl to help remove hair and soap residue. Be sure you rinse off the entire tub.
Apply the Cleaner to all Surfaces
Use a sponge to spread liquid cleaner evenly on the tub’s surface. Generously apply and spread the cleaner on all surfaces of the tub. Make sure to get an even coating on every inch of the bathtub.
Allow Cleaner to Sit for 5 Minutes
Letting the cleaner sit for about five minutes allows ample time for it to cut through all the oil and soap residue. Also, disinfectants and anti-bacterial take time to act, so it’s a good idea to allow cleaners adequate time to sanitize and disinfect properly.
Scrub Tub
If you have a standard bathtub, use a sponge or microfiber rag to scrub the entire surface of the tub. Use a soft-bristle nylon brush for tubs with a non-slip surface.
Don’t use sponges with scouring layers; stick to a standard cellulose sponge.
Rinse Tub
Thoroughly rinse the tub to remove all traces of cleaner. The cleaner is slippery, so you’ll want to get it all out to prevent accidents. If left on for too long, it can also damage the coating.
Dry Tub
Use a soft cloth or towel to wipe the tub dry. First, remove all traces of water, then use a dry cloth to buff the coating until it shines. This last step is not necessary every time you clean, but it’s a great way to maintain the shine.
Bathtub Maintenance Tips
- Avoid placing bath accessories with suction cups on your tub’s surface. Suction cups can scrape off the coating. In most cases, this can automatically void your warranty. If you use a non-slip mat when in the bathtub, remove it after use and hang it up to dry.
- Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your tub looking new and spotless. Once a week is enough, but you can do it more or less frequently, depending on how often you use your tub.
Conclusion
If you haven’t already, and you’re ready to update, elevate, or restore your bath in or around New York City, or to learn more about the plethora of ways refinishing and reglazing can save you time and money in your remodel, and be ready for use in just four hours, Supreme Bath Refinishing is a family operated, highly rated and reviewed company specializing in bathroom renovation for over twenty years. Join the 7,000 + happy customers and request a free quote for your home or business today!
