Chapter 4: How do I maintain my bathtub the proper and easy way?

Now that you successfully decided upon your dream bathtub, let us look to some ways that you can keep your bathtub in mint condition since its going to be around for a long, long time!

The Truth About Cleaning Your Bathtub

Often, people misunderstand how simple it is to clean their bathtubs and overthink about the complications related to this ‘maintenance chore stuff’. Did you know that getting your bathtub squeaky clean can in fact be as easy as 1, 2, 3 !

A general guideline to follow, would be:

1) Regular Maintenance (Everyday Measures)

Keep in mind, after you or any family member has utilised the tub, to make sure to give the entire a good rinse out.

After washing out all the soap, shampoo and bubbles from yourself and the tub, exit the bathtub and  allow the water to continue running. You should also ensure that the water runs clear, cleansing out all the soap suds and dirt particles. You may also want to use a dry paper towel to remove hair strands, to prevent the bathtub drain from clogging up in the long run.

2) Scrub Down Once-in-Awhile

With the above mentioned simple measures taken preceding your bath, you can save on even more efforts when giving your tub its rare once-in-awhile scrub down, and even cut down the amount of times you do so.

 

 

 

Let us address a common misconception most people have, find the right tools to properly clean your bathtub, and the most effective way to do so depending on the material your bathtub is made of.

The Common Misconception

Most people assume that soap and water are the two basic equipment enough to help keep their bathtubs clean. Well this may come as shock to some, but in fact the reaction between minerals in water and soap molecules are actually the cause of grime(soap scum) forming on the surface of our bathtubs. Hence, what is thought to help remove the existing dirt, ironically produces more work for the user to try and get rid off.

If you’ve tried using all sorts of household cleaners to remove bathtub grime to no avail, the reason lies within the cleaning products being slightly alkaline, that are usually used to target grease. Unfortunately, grime(soap scum) is also alkaline in nature, thus it renders cleaning household products a futile solution.

The Right Tools

Turn to naturally acidic vinegar: Mix it with equal parts warm water in a spray bottle, spritz the tub generously and leave on for 15 minutes. Scrub the surface with a soft sponge and rinse well. For an extra boost, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the sponge first.

 

 

Cleaning Agents vs. Bathtub Material

Sometimes trying to remove stubborn dirt from your bathtub can prove to be more of a challenge than it actually is. Being aware of the cleaning measures best suited for each specific bathtub material, can help to further lighten the burden of scrubbing out a tub and making it shine like brand new.

Material: Acrylic
Properties: Highly damage-resistant to stains, cracks, chipping, and colour-fading.
Prone to: Scratches

Material: Fibreglass (FRP)
Properties: Stain-resistant
Prone to: Scratches, cracks, discolouration over time

Material: Porcelain Enamel
Properties: Durable, can handle heavy abrasion
Prone to: Chipping which will cause the metal(steel or cast iron) beneath to be exposed and rust, discolouration
Cleaning Agents/ Products: Avoid Bleach.

 

Cleaning and Maintenance for your Jetted Bathtubs (Jacuzzis)

Flushing Your Jets with No Manual Maintenance Required

• Flush your whirlpool system twice a month or more, depending upon usage.
• Adjust the jets fully clockwise so there is no air induction.
• Fill the bath with warm water to a level 2″ above the highest jets, or leave water in the bath after using.
• Add 2 teaspoons of a low-foaming, powder automatic dishwashing detergent and 20 ounces of household bleach (5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to the water.
• Run the whirlpool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then shut off the whirlpool and drain the water.
• If desired, rinse baths surfaces with water.

Step 1: Fill the bathtub hot water, such that the jets are covered at least 2-3 inches.

Step 2: Add 1/2 Cup of Clorox Clean Up or Bleach for a Stronger Effect on your First Jet Cleanse

 

Step 3: Tun on the jets and let them run for about 10minutes

Soon after, you will be able to observe small black flakes floating on the water.

Once the 10minutes has passed, turn off the jets. You will be able to see pieces of gunk, and even trapped hair, once the water has settled.

Step 4: Drain the Bathtub and Rinse. You will see that sometimes the purged filth does not go away in one try.

Repeat Steps 1-3 again, till all the excess dirt is seen to be thoroughly cleared off.

Step 5: Fill the bathtub hot water again, still ensuring that the jets are covered at least 2-3 inches.

Add low-sudsing some soap, such that the bubbles form barely as depicted below. You may opt for a few drops of dishwashing soap, or few teaspoons of liquid washing machine soap.

 

Step 6: Turn on the jets and let them do their thing for 10minutes. After the time is up, you may rinse and drain out the water, just like in Step 4.

(If this is not your first time flushing out your jetted systems, or if you would like for a gentler approach as you are unsure about the amount of dirt that has gathered in your jets, you may choose to use low-sudsing soaps, as an alternative to the strong bleach options as mentioned in Step 2.)

 

Step 7: Rinse the bathtub with Cold Water. If there is still dirt being ejected by the system, you may want to repeat the flushing (steps 5 and 6), with cold water instead.

Step 8: Finally rinse out the tub a last time and clean it with a soft cleanser.

 

Follow these steps to get your jetted tub looking like a sparkly, brand-new one! Although by preference, you may also contact your Bathtub Specialist to have a look at bathtub should you not want to DIY yourself.