5 ways to clean a ceramic bathtub

The elegant look of ceramic enamel can enhance the design and functionality of a tub or shower, giving a clean shine to a non-porous, bacteria-resistant, hygienic finish. A well-maintained porcelain-lined bathtub will look clean and new for years to come. However, not all cleaning products can be used on enamel. There are some universal tips on how to clean a porcelain bathtub that you need to know before you start.

Before you clean

There are a few cleaning methods that are best avoided. Ceramic enamel is applied similar to glass and fused to cast iron construction, making it susceptible to dents or scratches. It should be cleaned in the same way as any glass surface or mirror. It can be scratched and damaged, so the chemicals used should be non-abrasive and chosen with care.

While the surface may be non-porous and smooth, it is still quite absorbent. Harsh cleaning chemicals can eat away at the enamel, and rough rags or scrapers can scratch the coating underneath. Exposure to acidic cleaning chemicals over an extended period of time can damage the finish. The effects of damage caused by chemicals may not be seen or noticed until months later.

Be careful not to use anything with dyes in or around the tub, as they can leave marks. Always keep clean water on hand if contact with dyes such as hair dye is unavoidable. It’s best not to leave rust or hard water on the surface for too long, as they can collect other dirt, build up, leave a residue and ruin the finish.

Another potential problem with ceramic finishes is that the finish can begin to dull. This is especially true for older tubs and showers because the enamel may not be as acid- and alkaline-resistant as newer tubs. This reduced resistance means that your older tub may be more susceptible to discoloration. You can reduce the likelihood of staining ceramic-coated bathroom fixtures by wiping the bottom and sides with a clean, soft cloth after each use and cleaning.

When you get ready to clean the tub, you need to be sure that you don’t scratch the ceramic coating. Some cleaners and brushes can cause damage to the material, such as:

• Scouring powder
• Abrasive cleaners such as ammonia or chlorine bleach.
• Steel sponge

These cleaners can damage the finish and make your tub even worse than it was to begin with. It’s best to avoid chlorine bleach-based cleaners because they can oxidize the iron in the enamel and make it dull. Chlorine bleach can potentially be toxic if the surface has been previously cleaned with ammonia-based cleaners, so it’s best to avoid using these cleaners unless you know what the tub was cleaned with before you. Mixing cleaning products can be dangerous, so always check what cleaning products you are using.

Regular cleaning

If you clean your bathtub or shower regularly, you won’t have to work as hard to rinse soap residue off the surface. In fact, you should try to develop the habit of cleaning your bathtub weekly. Easy cleaning is pretty simple.

First, you need to find a cleaning product that is safe for your tub. You can make them yourself or you can buy them at the store.

• If you choose to make the cleaner yourself, mix a few tablespoons of dishwashing detergent with hot water.
• For store-bought cleaners, look for cleaners that are labeled safe for ceramic enamel.

Then wipe down the tub with a rag or soft sponge using the cleaner of your choice. Do not use an abrasive, scouring sponge. Be sure to rinse the cleaner thoroughly with fresh water. After cleaning and rinsing, wipe surfaces with a soft, dry cloth to remove any residual water.

Targeted cleaning

If there are stubborn stains that won’t go away with regular cleaning, you can also use a cleaner based on table vinegar or lemon juice. The acid in these two natural cleaners is less abrasive than other chemical cleaners and can be just as effective. They can be applied directly to the surface or diluted with water before washing the tub. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down the entire tub, leaving it for a few minutes if necessary. Rinse thoroughly, making sure the acidic cleaner is rinsed off. Be careful that it doesn’t stay too long on the surface.

Rust stains

If you are trying to clean an old, neglected bathtub, you may have to worry about rust stains. Even when trying to get rid of rust, you need to be sure that you’re not using one of the potentially dangerous tools, such as a steel sponge.

Faced with stubborn stains, what can you do to get rid of rust? One of the toughest ways to clean a ceramic enameled bathtub is with a paste made from a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Baking soda is an abrasive, so be sure to mix it up and dilute the paste well to avoid scratching the surface of the tub. Apply it to the stain in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure as this can damage the finish. Allow the paste to dry, then rinse it off and wipe with a clean cloth. After cleaning, dry the area.

Lemon juice can also be useful against rust. If cleaning with lemon juice doesn’t solve the problem, there is another technique — cut a lemon and dip a piece in a tray of salt. Then apply the salt and lemon mixture to the rust stain as if it were a sponge. The salt will mix with the lemon juice and penetrate the stain to remove it. However, keep in mind that salt can scratch the coating if used too aggressively. Rinse thoroughly and wipe the area dry with a clean cloth.