How Do You Clean a Badly Stained Bathtub?

Nothing beats a long, relaxing soak in a hot bath after a tiresome day; however, if your bathtub isn’t clean, you’re likely to be more stressed. Bathtubs are prone to mildew, soap scum, grime, and stubborn stains caused by rust or hard water.

There are different bathtub material types, including ceramic, fiberglass, porcelain, acrylic, stone resin, copper, cast iron, and cultured marble. The first step in cleaning an old stained bathtub is to understand what material your bathtub is made of because each material requires a different cleaning procedure.

Read on to understand the various cleaning procedures for the different bathtub materials. Then, you can jump straight to your bathtub material.

What Kind of Bathtub Material is the Easiest to Keep Clean?

Choosing a material for your bathtub is not a simple task because you most likely won’t find everything you need in one material. However, if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-clean tub, you should consider one made from fiberglass.

In addition to finding a bathtub that’s easy to clean, you can also consider the following when choosing the material for your tub:

Affordability of the material
If the material is prone to mold and mildew
The material’s resistance to cracks and chips
Luxurious aesthetic
The material’s ability to retain heat well

How Do I Know What Material My Bathtub Is?

Understanding what your bathtub is made of helps you come up with a unique cleaning procedure for it. It can also give you an idea of how much load your floor carries and clarify how far you should go with any planned bathroom renovations.

Here is how you can determine what material your bathtub is made of so that you can design effective cleaning procedures:

Press On the Side of Your Bathtub

If you press on the side of your bathtub and there’s some give, then it might be made of fiberglass or acrylic. These two materials are strong enough for everyday use; however, they will loosen slightly when under pressure.

On the other hand, if your bathtub has no give at all, then it might be made from enamel-coated steel or cast iron.

Inspect the Bathtub for Any Damage

Inspecting your bathtub to assess any damages might help you know the material that it’s made of. For example, if you have a porcelain-coated steel bathtub, it might not have cracked; however, it’s susceptible to chipping if a heavy object falls on it.

Check this too: How to Unclog a Toilet

If your tub has any scratches or cracks, it might be made from acrylic or fiberglass. Additionally, if you have a colored bathtub that is faded on the bottom, it might be made from fiberglass.

Use a Magnet

You can use a magnet to know what material your bathtub is made of. If you hold a strong magnet near the bathtub’s wall, it should stick if the tub is made of cast iron or steel. If the magnet doesn’t stick, then your tub might be made of acrylic or fiberglass.

Find Any Extra Supports

Cast iron tubs are very heavy and usually require a lot of extra support beneath them. You can remove an access panel around your bathtub to establish if it has additional supports. Depending on your home’s foundation setup, you could also check the basement below the tub or crawl space.

Once you establish what your bathtub is made of, you design a suitable cleaning routine that will ensure your tab is sparkling.

How to Clean a Fiberglass Bathtub

A fiberglass bathtub is easy to maintain; however, you should be very careful when cleaning it because it is prone to scratches if you use the wrong cleaning tools or products. It would help if you cleaned your fiberglass bathtub regularly to keep it shining and sanitary.

When cleaning your fiberglass tub, you can use ordinary household cleaning products because they are least likely to irritate your skin or cause any respiratory complications. Here is how you can clean a fiberglass bathtub:

What You Need

Baking soda
Vinegar
Sponge or microfiber cloth
Liquid dishwashing soap
Water
Spray bottle
Soft bristle brush
Lemons
Hydrogen peroxide

How to General Clean a Fiberglass Bathtub

Using vinegar and baking soda is one of the easiest ways of cleaning your fiberglass tub every week. Whether the bathtub has stains, mildew, or soap scum, this method can eliminate all of them quickly. Here is how to do it:

Wet the entire bathtub.
Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub.
Leave the baking soda in the bathtub for at least 5 minutes.
Create a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the baking powder-filled bathtub. There should be fizzing.
After fizzing stops, use a microfiber cloth to spread the mixture over every area of the bathtub using circular motions.
Allow the mixture to sit for at least thirty minutes; however, you can let it sit for longer if there are a lot of stains.
Fill a cup with water and rinse the bathtub thoroughly.

How to Remove Common Stains From a Fiberglass Bathtub

Your fiberglass bathtub can have hard water and rust stains. Here is how you can deal with them:

Removing Hard Water Stains From a Fiberglass Bathtub

Cleaning hard water stains on the bottom and side of your bathtub can be quite challenging; however, it is not impossible. Follow this procedure if your fiberglass bathtub has hard water stains:

Wet the tub.
Sprinkle borax on the hard water stains.
Cut a lemon into halves.
Rub the lemons over the borax and let it sit for an hour or two.
Rinse the tub with clean water.
If any stains remain, sprinkle baking soda on a wet and soft bristle brush.
Add a drop of liquid dishwashing soap and scrub.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Tough Stains From Fiberglass Bathtub With a Textured Bottom

Do not worry if there are tough stains on the textured bottom of your bathtub. Here is how you can fix it:

Make a thick paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap.
Spread the resultant paste onto the bottom of your bathtub.
Let the paste sit for at least thirty minutes.
Scrub the tub in circular motions using a bristle brush.
Fill water into a cup and rinse the tub thoroughly.

How to Take Good Care of a Fiberglass Bathtub

Most homeowners prefer using fiberglass for their bathtubs because it’s economical and easy to clean. However, if you don’t clean it regularly, soap scum and rust are bound to form. Here are some tips to help you take good care of your fiberglass bathtub:

Wipe the tub down using a clean microfiber cloth after bathing. Wiping will help you avoid rust and soap scum build-up, especially if you have hard water.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool because they can cause scratches.
Only use recommended commercial cleaners and rinse them well. Additionally, check the product packaging on your chosen commercial cleaner to ensure that it is safe to use on fiberglass.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide on a colored fiberglass tub because it can fade.

How to Clean a Porcelain and Ceramic Bathtub

Porcelain tubs are elegant; however, they require careful attention to maintain their shine and elegance. A well-cleaned and cared for porcelain bathtub will look clean and new for several years. It is best to understand that not all cleaning materials are safe to use in your porcelain bathtub. Here is what you should know about cleaning your porcelain tub:

What to Avoid

Although you should clean your porcelain bathtub regularly to ensure that it maintains its shine, there are a few cleaning methods and materials that you should avoid. Porcelain tubs are susceptible to scratches; therefore, the chemicals used for cleaning should be non-abrasive.

Additionally, porcelain tends to be pretty absorbent; hence, it is best to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals because they can eat away the chemicals. Furthermore, exposing your porcelain tub to acidic cleaners over a long time can start to wear it out at the finish. However, you might not notice these effects until several months or years later.

The finish on a porcelain bathtub tends to get dull over time. When this happens, the enamel becomes less alkaline and acid resistant compared to newer bathtubs. The reduced resistance implies that your old bathtub becomes more susceptible to staining; hence, you should be careful to minimize the chances of staining by drying the sides and bottom of your tub using a soft and clean rag after each use.

It is also best to avoid using dyes in and around the tub, as it can leave traces of color behind. However, if you can’t avoid using colorants around the tub, always ensure that you have running water to minimize the chances of stains.

You should avoid some brushes and cleaners because they are harmful to your porcelain tub and cause chipping. The items to avoid include:

Steel wool
Scouring powder
Abrasive cleaners such as chlorine bleach or ammonia

The tools above can damage your tub’s finish making it look worse than before. Likewise, chlorine bleach can oxidize the iron on your tub’s finish, making it look not very interesting. Additionally, you should avoid using chlorine bleach if you cleaned your bathtub previously with ammonia-based cleaners. Finally, it is prudent to avoid using any of the two cleaners if you’re unsure of the tub’s history because mixing cleaning products can be hazardous.

What You Need to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub

A bucket
Warm water
Baking soda
Vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide
Salt
Dish soap
A non-abrasive sponge for scrubbing
Clean microfiber cloth
Juice of a half lemon
Recommended store-bought cleaner

How to General Clean a Porcelain Bathtub

Cleaning your porcelain bathtub regularly is crucial because it ensures that you don’t work very hard to remove stuck-on soap scum. Therefore, it is best to clean your tub at least twice every week. Here is how to do it:

Find a cleaner that’s safe for your tub. You can opt to buy from the store or make your own.
You can make your cleaner by adding a few tablespoons of dish soap into a gallon of hot water and then mixing the product.
If you opt for a store-bought cleaner, find one that is safe to use on porcelain enamel.
Wipe down the bathtub using your preferred cleaner and a soft sponge.
Rinse the cleaner off using freshwater.
When the tub is clean and rinsed, wipe the surfaces down using a soft and clean microfiber cloth to remove any standing water.

How to Spot Clean and Remove Common Stains on a Porcelain Bathtub

Sometimes regular cleaning will not eliminate some stains from your porcelain bathtub. You can opt to use a cleaner made from lemon juice or vinegar because the acid from these two cleaners is effective and less abrasive than other cleaners. Here are some pointers to get you started:

Cleaning Tough Stains

If you have tough stains on your porcelain bathtub:

Cover the stains with salt and squeeze the juice of half a lemon on top of it. Leave this mixture for about an hour.
Alternatively, you can use one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts baking soda on the stain for about thirty minutes.
Use a clean sponge or microfiber cloth to remove the salt and lemon juice mixture or the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture.
If the stains are still there, add more salt on them and a little more lemon juice. Let it sit for at least an hour and repeat the process above.

How to Clean Rust Spots

You might have to worry about rust spots if your porcelain tub is older or neglected. Rust spots might come off when doing your regular general cleaning; however, you might have to apply extra effort to eliminate some rust spots. Here is how to do it:

First, make a paste by mixing some vinegar and baking soda.
Apply the mixture to the stain in a circular motion. Don’t use too much pressure that might damage the finish.
Let the paste dry, rinse it, and then wipe it away using a clean cloth.

What Causes Common Stains on a Porcelain Bathtub?

Stains in your porcelain bathtub are quite an eyesore. Most of the stains in your bathtub are a result of mineral deposits left from hard water. The color of the stains can tell you the actual cause of the stains as below:

Reddish-brown stains: Iron mineral deposits
Black stains: Sulfur bacteria
Blue-green or rust-colored stains: Acidic water or low PH
Yellow stains: Accumulation of human oils

How to Keep a Porcelain Bathtub Sparkling Clean

It is not impossible to have a sparkling clean porcelain tub; after you finish the general cleaning, you can dab a light coat of lemon oil onto the sides of your bathtub using a clean rag. The lemon oil adds shine and acts as a barrier for your porcelain bathtub to help stop minor stains and soap suds.

Be careful not to put the lemon oil at the bottom of the tub, as it can make it slick and hazardous, especially when it’s wet.

How to Clean an Acrylic Bathtub

A clean acrylic bathtub can improve the beauty of your entire bathroom; however, a tiny stain on the bathtub can make it look dirty. This is because acrylic bathtubs collect mildew and mineral deposits when constantly exposed to water. However, cleaning the stains is pretty simple, but you have to do it carefully to avoid damaging the delicate material.

This is what you need to know if you’re cleaning a badly stained bathtub or if you’re just doing general cleaning for your acrylic tub:

What to Avoid

Acrylic is fragile; therefore, you can’t use the following when cleaning your bathtub:

Paint thinners
Steel wool
Acetone treatment

The above tools will damage the bathtub’s surface.

What You Need to Clean an Acrylic Bathtub

Baking soda
White vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide
Spray bottle
Microfiber cloth
Sponge

How to General Clean an Acrylic Bathtub With Vinegar

You might be tempted to use a commercial cleaner when cleaning your acrylic bathtub; however, before opting for one, you should ensure that it is recommended and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.

You can use white vinegar to clean your acrylic bathtub because it’s affordable, is a natural disinfectant, and can remove tough stains. Here is how to use it when cleaning an acrylic bathtub:

Fill a spray bottle with equal warm water and vinegar parts, and then mix the solution properly.
Spray the solution on the bathtub’s surface and leave it for about twenty minutes.
Use a microfiber cloth or a sponge to wipe off the surface.
Rinse the surface with clean water and wipe it dry using a clean microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Mild Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub

If you don’t clean your acrylic bathtub as often as you should, mild stains and dirt might settle on it. Here is how you can remove them from the bathtub:

Sprinkle some baking powder on the stained areas.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of water and vinegar, and spray it on the surface.
Let the mixture settle down for a few minutes until you see bubbles on the surface.
Use a sponge to scrub the stained area thoroughly until paste forms.
Leave the surface for at least twenty minutes.
Rinse the surface with clean water and wipe it off using a clean microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Tough Stains From Your Acrylic Bathtub

If you fail to deal with mild stains on your bathtub, they will likely become tough ones, making it difficult to remove them. You can deal with tough stains on your acrylic bathtub using the following procedure:

Make a cleaning paste by mixing two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide. You can substitute baking soda with cream of tartar.
Apply the paste on the tough stains and let it sit for at least an hour.
Rub the surface using a sponge and wait for at least fifteen minutes.
Wipe off the paste and rinse the affected area with clean water.
Repeat the process if the stains are still visible.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub

If you have hard water in your home, you will most likely deal with hard water stains on your acrylic bathtub. Here is how you can deal with the problem:

Pour white vinegar into a bowl and dip paper towels into the bowl.
Place the wet paper towels directly over the stained areas.
Leave the paper towels for at least three hours and remove them.
Prepare a vinegar and baking soda paste and apply it to the stained areas.
Let the paste sit for a few minutes and rub the area using a sponge.
Wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth, and rinse the area thoroughly.

How to Take Good Care of an Acrylic Bathtub

You can keep the following points in mind if you want your acrylic bathtub to stay clean and shiny for longer:

Have a regular cleaning schedule to prevent mild stains from becoming tough stains.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners because they can scratch the tub’s surface.
Don’t mix cleaning chemicals if you don’t know enough about them because this practice can be pretty dangerous. Combining chemicals like chlorine bleach or ammonia can create toxic fumes, which might harm your skin or your respiratory system.
Wipe and rinse the surface thoroughly after using any cleaning product. This ensures that there’s no residue on the bathtub’s surface.
Lemon juice is an excellent substitute for vinegar if you run out of vinegar during the cleaning process.

How to Clean a Stone Resin Bathtub

Stone resin is one of the most hard-wearing surfaces globally because it’s made from a mixture of resins and minerals, which make it very durable. However, without proper and regular care, a stone resin bathtub could lose its appeal.

Stone resin bathtubs require consistent care to free them from scratches, marks, and other damages. Here is how you can care for your stone resin bathtub:

What You Need to Clean a Stone Resin Bathtub

Soapy water
Ammonia-based cleaner
Bleach
Sponge
Towel
Mild abrasive cream

Regular Cleaning of a Stone Resin Bathtub

Finding and maintaining a regular cleaning routine for your stone resin bathtub will ensure it looks its best for longer. Your tub doesn’t have to lose its shine after several uses; you can follow these simple steps to keep it looking new and clean:

Rinse and dry your bathtub’s surface with a clean towel after every use. This step prevents soap scum or minerals from accumulating on the tub’s surface, leaving it unappealing or discolored.
You can use ammonia-based cleaners’ soapy water or solid surface cleaners when cleaning your tub. These cleaners will remove most residue and dirt from your tub; however, you might need to use a more robust cleaner if any residue is still clinging to the bathtub.
The frequency of cleaning your bathtub will depend on its color or hue. Some colors might require frequent cleaning to maintain their original look. For example, if you have a darker color bath, it will make scratches more visible on the surface, compared to a lighter color.
You will also need to disinfect your bathtub regularly. You can do this by occasionally wiping the surface with a household bleach solution consisting of fifty parts water and one part bleach. Then, rinse the bathtub thoroughly and wipe it dry using a clean cloth.

It would help if you understood the type of surface that your stone resin bathtub has. Understanding this is crucial because frequent cleaning might result in the rising of gloss on the surface over time. The three popular types of finishes are:

Glossy
Semi-glossy
Matt

Your bath might not retain its finish; therefore, you might have to refurbish it. If you want to redo a matte finish, you will have to wipe it with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion and then rinse the surface and wipe it dry.

If you are dealing with a glossy or semi-glossy finish, you can refurbish it using a damp cloth or sponge with a mildly abrasive cream or cleanser paste. The products will help hide any visible scratches and produce a uniform gloss. If you want a higher gloss level, you might have to repeat the process severally.

Removing a Blotchy Appearance

Your new stone resin tub won’t stay perfect forever. Over time, you might notice that the tub’s surface is looking blotchy, while the other parts of the bathtub are smooth. The mottled look may be due to the drying of hard water on the surface, causing minerals and film build-up that is unappealing.

You can remove the film using this procedure:

Get a damp cloth or sponge and mild abrasive cream.
Pour the cream onto the damp cloth or sponge and rub over the affected area with small circular motions. The motions should start from the front to the back and then side to side. You should ensure that you’ve overlapped the circles until you cover the entire area.
Rinse the surface thoroughly using clean water.
Wipe the entire surface completely dry when you’re done.
Repeat the process if blotchiness remains. You might have to apply more pressure on the cleaning material to remove the blotchiness altogether.

Removing Minor Cuts and Scratches

Stone surfaces are renewable; therefore, you don’t need to worry about scratches and minor cuts on your bathtub’s surfaces. However, you can deal with minor cuts and scratches easily by following these steps:

Use the cleaning instructions for cleaning a blotchy appearance and ensure there isn’t any film left on the surface. Any film left on the surface may clog the abrasive pads needed for this cleaning procedure.
Do not dry the surface; ensure that it’s wet and get a sponge scourer. Use the scourer to rub the surface lightly. Ensure that the rubbing is light because pressing too hard can lead to deeper scratches.
Continue rubbing over the scratches using a straight-line motion and occasionally switching the method to rubbing ninety degrees. You should also rinse the scouring pad frequently to remove any accumulated residue.
Ensure all the scratches are removed.
Rinse the surface using clean water and dry it thoroughly. When done with rinsing, check if the rubbed area blends correctly with the other parts of the surface.
The cleaned area might not be a perfect match with the other areas; therefore, if need be, you can repeat the process and rub over a larger area to ensure that the parts blend well.

Preventing Heat Damage on Your Stone Resin Bathtub

Although stone is heat resistant, you should minimize any direct heat exposure if you want to protect the stone surface of the bathtub. For example, it would help if you didn’t place any heating products directly on the tub’s surface, such as hair straighteners or tongs.

You shouldn’t also place strong chemicals on your tub’s surface. If you are decorating or undertaking any DIY projects, you must ensure that the bathtub is covered to avoid chemical damage. Strong surface cleaners and paint can cause permanent damage to your tub; however, if you encounter a spill, ensure that you wash the surface with clean water immediately.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Bathtub

A cast iron bathtub is luxurious, timeless, and sophisticated. So you might always be tempted to jump into the tub unless it gets dirty.

A cast-iron surface is very durable; however, it’s susceptible to scratches and chips. Keeping your tub clean is the best way to maintain its classy look and ensure that you enjoy it for several years. Here is how to do it:

What to Avoid

Using the wrong products to clean your cast iron tub will degrade the surface and permanently damage it. Here is what you should avoid when cleaning your cast iron bathtub:

Acidic Products

You shouldn’t use acidic products on the enamel surface of your cast iron bathtub. Acidic bathroom cleaning products might degrade the enamel. Degradation might discolor the enamel and make it feel unpleasant to touch.

Abrasive Cleaners

You should avoid using abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or scouring powder on your cast iron bathtub. These abrasives can damage the finish leading to the damaged enamel collecting grime, dirt, and hard-water deposits over time.

Additionally, scuffing your bathtub while cleaning it could lead to deep scratches; this might eventually require refinishing.

What You Need to Clean a Cast Iron Bathtub

Soft sponge
Soft towel or cloth
Non-abrasive soap or cleaner
Hot water
Vinegar
Baking soda
Bristle brush

General Cleaning of a Cast-Iron Bathtub

It is best to quickly clean and dry down your cast iron bathtub after bathing. Wiping soap build-up with a damp cloth when the tub is still warm will prevent soap-ring from becoming a problem. In addition, drying the tub after use will increase the chances of it staying mildew and mold-free in the long run.

You can also follow these steps during your regular cleaning of the bathtub:

Heat the bathtub’s walls before cleaning to make it easier for the removal of grime and dirt. Fill your bathtub with three or four inches of hot water. Ensure that you splash water on the tub’s walls. Drain the water after a few minutes, and the walls will be warm and ready to clean.
Mix a gallon of hot water with at least two tablespoons of soap or a non-abrasive cleaner.
Gently scrub the bathtub’s surface using a soft cloth or sponge.
Rinse the tub thoroughly using hot water, and ensure that no cleaner or soap residue is left behind.
Use a soft cloth or towel to dry the bathtub’s surface.

Deep -Cleaning Tough Cast Iron Bathtub Stains

Vinegar and baking soda, everyday household products, can remove tough stains from your cast-iron tub. Here is how to use the two products during deep cleaning:

Dampen a soft sponge with white vinegar. You can do this by pouring the vinegar onto the sponge while holding it over the bathtub. Then, apply the vinegar directly to the bathtub, replenishing where necessary. Using a sponge to apply vinegar on the tub prevents it from running down the drain and reduces the risk of it not covering all surfaces.
Let the vinegar sit for at least five minutes to give it time to lift stains from the tub’s surface.
Sprinkle some baking soda on the bathtub and sponge and wait for the vinegar to foam. The foaming will loosen any mineral deposits, making it easier to remove them with a sponge. You can scrub with the bristle brush if the stains are adamant.
Rinse the bathtub using warm water. Continue scrubbing as you rinse to remove any leftover grime, dirt, or stains.
You can repeat the process if the hard stains do not go away.
Dry the bathtub using a soft towel or cloth to prevent streaking and spotting. Additionally, your bathtub will remain brighter and cleaner if you wipe it after cleaning and every use.

Removing Scratches and Enamel Chips From a Cast Iron Bathtub

You might have lingering chips and scratches in the enamel even after removing stains from your cast iron bathtub. The good news is that the chips and scratches can always be repaired and filled in if you apply the correct touch-up strategies.

You can repair minor scratches and chips using an inexpensive touch-up solution available online. However, you should match the paint’s color with the bathtub’s color to avoid an uneven surface tone when the paint dries.

It is essential to remove any damaged paint or flaking from the damaged area before repainting it. If you need to remove a lot of paint, you should use a new straight razor blade and hold the blade nearly flat against the surface. After this, you should proceed to clean the area to ensure that you’ve removed tiny bits of the chips.

Complete the preparation process by sanding down any existing imperfections. You can use 600-grit wet-dry sandpaper during this process. The procedure is essential because existing chips or flakes can get trapped in the drying paint, making it look unappealing and uneven.

How to Clean a Cultured Marble Bathtub

Marble has been used as a building tool for centuries, from building kitchens, showers, and statues. However, you might be wondering what cultured marble is and whether the marble in your home is even cultured.

Cultured marble comprises particles of stones, resins, and different particles. It’s usually made with 75% marble dust and 25% resin, and the resultant product is quite a complex polymer, which isn’t as porous as the natural marble stone. However, the process of creating cultured marble gives it patterns and colors that appear to be natural.

Although cultured marble is more durable than regular marble, it still requires a lot of care to keep it clean and in pristine condition. You should also use proper cleaning products and tools to prevent staining and stripping your cultured marble tub with its shiny gel coating. Here is how you can clean your cultured marble bathtub:

What to Avoid

It is best to avoid any abrasive pads or cleaners when cleaning your cultured marble tub. Avoid the following:

Steel wool
A scrubbing pad
The rough side of a sponge.

The above cleaning products can scratch your bathtub’s surface and damage the seal on your cultured marble. Additionally, avoid any acidic cleaners because they can damage this tough and beautiful stone.

What You Need to Clean a Cultured Marble Bathtub

Water
White vinegar
Marble cleaner and polish
Soft cloths
Hydrogen peroxide
Ammonia
Baking soda
Rubber gloves

General Cleaning of Your Cultured Marble Bathtub

Regular cleaning of your cultured marble bathtub is essential if you want it to remain in excellent condition. Cleaning your tub regularly helps prevent dirt, stains, and soap scum from settling into the marble. Additionally, you should also prevent water stains when showering by cleaning around the shower base.

Removing Hard Water Stains From a Cultured Marble Bathtub

Hard water stains can be a big problem in your home, depending on the minerals in the water. Here is how to clean a cultured marble bathtub that has hard water stains:

First, moisten a soft cloth with white vinegar.
Lay the cloth on top of the hard water stains. If the stains are many, you can moisten two or more clothes with vinegar, depending on the stains.
Allow the vinegar to sit for at least four hours.
Remove the cloth and rinse with cold water.
Repeat the process as necessary to remove all hard water stains.

Restoring a bathtub filled with hard water stains is not difficult; however, you will need patience and appropriate products.

Removing Everyday Stains From a Cultured Marble Tub

The best way of ensuring that your cultured marble bathtub remains clean is by dealing with everyday stains. Here is how you can do it:

Soak a soft cloth with hydrogen peroxide if you’re dealing with dark stains.
Lay the wet cloth on top of the stain and let it sit overnight.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
If the stain remains, deal with it by making the following mixture in a bucket:
½ cup ammonia
¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup vinegar
8 cups hot water
Let the mixture foam, and then use a sponge or soft cloth to apply the mixture to the stains.
Allow the mixture to sit for at least five minutes.
Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water.

Additional Tips to Help You Care For Your Cultured Marble Bathtub

Your cultured marble bathtub can last for a long time if you take care of it well. Here are some additional tips to help you care for your bathtub:

The fumes arising from cleaning chemicals can harm your cultured marble tub; therefore, ensure that you have proper ventilation in your bathroom whenever you’re using chemicals in there.
If you opt for commercial cleaners, ensure that you only use those approved for bathtub cleaning. Additionally, your cleaner should be alkaline with a very high PH.
Do not focus on visible stains only. For example, there might be hidden stains on the side and inside the bathtub, which might be loaded with germs; therefore, clean the entire surface thoroughly.

Your shower curtain should be the required length because a longer one might attract dampness and become a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. Additionally, ensure that your cultured marble bathtub is clean and dry at all times to keep off mildew and mold.

Engage in weekly cleaning of your bathtub to prevent mold and germ breeding.
Wipe your bathtub with a soft clean cloth after using a bathtub cleaner. This helps to remove any remnants from your tub.

How to Clean a Copper Bathtub

A copper bathtub is gorgeous, luxurious and makes your bathroom stand out, giving it a rustic traditional quality. Although copper tubs tend to be a bit expensive, they can last for a long time if you take good care of them.

Even though copper bathtubs are expensive, cleaning and maintaining them is a simple task that doesn’t require expensive products. Here is how you can do it:

What to Avoid

When cleaning your copper tub, you should avoid using disinfectants or abrasive cleaners because they can wear away the lacquer finish. When the finish wears away, it will expose the copper to air, eventually darkening the patina finish.

What You Need When Cleaning a Copper Bathtub

Mild soap or detergent
A pair of gloves
A soft cloth
Warm water

When you have all of the cleaning items above, ensure that you wear a pair of gloves before you begin cleaning, especially if you’re using detergent because it can be harmful to your skin. You can skip the gloves if you’re only using a mild soap.

General Cleaning of a Copper Bathtub

You need to clean your copper tub as often as possible to help it remain new. Here is how to do it:

Wipe around the inside surface of the tub with a soft cloth and mild soap or detergent. Ensure that you cover the entire area.
Rinse the bathtub thoroughly using clean water to eliminate any excess residue or soap.

How to Deal With Mineral Deposits

Occasionally, you might get film on the surface of your copper tub due to mineral deposits build-up. You will notice film more often if you live where the water has high mineral content. You can deal with the issue of mineral deposits by doing the following:

Dry the bathtub’s surface thoroughly after every use, ensuring that it’s completely smooth and dry.
You can try waxing the copper bathtub’s surface; waxing not only prevents scratches but also helps in preventing mineral deposits from forming on the tub. If you’ve waxed your bathtub, you might notice that beads of water form on it. When they disappear, it might be time to give your tub another wax coat.

However, you should understand that waxing won’t be a regular task.

How to Deal With Scratches on Your Copper Bathtub

Copper scratches easily, and the moment you try dealing with one, another one might pop elsewhere. It is best to appreciate the scratches because they add to your tub’s rustic feel and give it a unique character when paired with other dents. The scratches will eventually blend into the surface because copper changes appearance over time.

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If you want to prevent scratches, you should consider waxing your tub at least once every twenty to thirty days. Additionally, waxing might extend the life of your copper bathtub.

Additional Tips to Help You Care For Your Copper Bathtub

Regular cleaning of your copper tub is essential; however, you should also follow these tips if you want your copper tub to look fabulous for longer:

Only use mild detergent or soap when cleaning your tub because other cleaning products might damage the tub’s surface. Degreasers, corrosive cleaners, acid-based cleaners, and ammonia can cause irreparable damage to your tub.
Use a soft cloth only to wipe the tub. Brushes and steel wool can scratch the bathtub’s surface.
When taking a bath, only add substances suitable for use in a copper bathtub into the water. For instance, you should never add lemon to your bathwater.

Whether you’re cleaning a badly stained bathtub or a disgusting old bathtub, you can get it back to its original state by following the steps above.