Most houses have only one problem if they are not very new or recently refurbished: the bathtub
will always be a tough nut to crack. The question is, how does one remove the very tough stains and which is
the best bathtub cleaner that works really well?
Tough stains in bathtubs can be a real headache to remove successfully. One thing for sure is
that everyone wants to see a sparkling bathtub. So whether the stains are from normal everyday use or from
some poor quality cleaners and bleaches, there are ways of dealing with the stubborn stains.
How to Select the Suitable Bathtub Cleaner
Most people are not even aware that there are different types of materials that go into the
making of bathtubs. This would explain why some end up spoiling or damaging their tubs instead of making them
shine clean. Most bathtubs are made up of porcelain, enamel and acrylic.
(1)Porcelain is tough and stone-like. It makes the most durable bathtubs. Porcelain is actually the
toughest material for bathtubs and so it can withstand abrasive powder, like the ones found in the market
today. It can be worked on using a scouring pad and scouring powder cleaners. The trick is to let the scouring powder rest upon it like paste and
clean it after a few hours. The use of a pumice stone might ruin the surface of your bathtub with scratches
even if a powder cleaner is added to it.
The oven cleaner has been recommended as a bathtub cleaner over years because it is easy to use
as a stain removing solution for porcelain tubs. It can cause fading in the colored tubs, though, and is a
bit too harsh to use with your plastic shower curtains.
(2) Enamel is another favorite material for use in bathtubs and is the one that is normally very
sensitive to harsh chemicals, drain cleaner or bleach. It tends to form ugly looking brown rust-like stains
when it is exposed to bleach or strong acid.
The thing to remember here is that bleach is not friendly to enamel tubs as they tend to react
almost instantly to give it an ugly brown stain which looks almost like rust-stains.
Mildew removers that have a bleach content of just 2% can also give you similar results of
staining if they overstay in the bathtub. So the trick is to look for mold or mildew removers that do not
contain any bleach.
Hydrogen Peroxide is the best way to remove stains, but remember to use the mild one which is
normally found at the drug store. You could pour it into a bowl and use a paint brush to apply it directly on
the stains. However, not all stains would quickly go away.
The best and highly recommended stain removers for bathtubs have a content of 2 parts baking
soda to one part hydrogen peroxide slurry, which is mixed into a paste and then applied on to the stain. It
is left to sit for between 30 to 60 minutes.
Another product that can work with hydrogen peroxide instead of baking soda is the cream of
tartar.
(3)The acrylic is the one that looks and feels more like plastic. This is why those who have
this type of bathtub should keep off the pumice stone for scrubbing off the stains and even stuff like the
harsh scouring powder, so you are advised to use them with extra care.