What kind of bathtub is it?
clawfoot old tub.
Specifically for a ceramic tub--also, what's the best way to KEEP it clean?
I dont think anything beats Ajax
Comet is usually a really bad idea on ceramic... it's porous and the abrasives wear away at the out layers, making it much easier to stain. Unfortunately, I have the same problem with my porceline sink.
is there a difference between ajax and comet? Andrew , what do you use if comet is bad on ceramic?
If the tub is dirty just in the bottom, you can fill the tub with hot water (the hotter the better) and add bleach. Let it sit overnight. Come to think of it, you can do the same with the sides by filling the tub fuller and adding more bleach. Bleach works better than anything else I have ever used. Worked great in my clawfoot; even after the finish was redone.
I just read that you can use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains... just don't spray it. But I think the grey at the bottom of the tub isn't a stain, it's just where the ceramic has been worn down.
Doesn't bleach eat away the finish as well?
in terms of the best way of keeping it clean: make sure to rinse it after you bathe or shower. that'll cut down on the accumulation of gunk.
I use soft scrub w/ bleach. squirt it in the tub, spread it around with a brush so that it's evenly distributed, then wait a few minutes to let the bleach go to town.
Then scrub like crazy and rinse away...you should probably wear a respirator and maybe gloves since bleach isn't so good for you, but it really works.
Bleach does not hurt the finish unless you have a fabric tub. You know your mother, Andrew. I not only know the BEST way to clean, but I know the EASIEST way. If you let bleach do the work, you won't have to use elbow grease!
Here's a link where people talk about bleach actually STAINING a clawfoot tub: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf409112.tip.html
I'd recommend peroxide
I'd go non-toxic, then you can soak happily in in afterward: borax or baking soda with lemon juice or vin.
You definetly want to avoid any abrasives on the tub. With old ceramic, once it gets stained there is not much you can do.
Sorry, guys! Bleach has always worked for me. Guess I was just lucky!
if you hate the environment, you can use tilex. that stuff works like a charm. also, don't get it on any clothes you care about. and i think the bleach trick may work with baking soda too.
this is great! Thank you all. I'll start with teh baking soda trick and if that doesn't work, try the bleach.
I soaked my tub in hot water and bleach last night, but today I worried about my feet because of the residue! next question--how about a clogged drain?
your clogged drain is probably due to long hair (if you live with women). one way to clean it is actually w/your hands if you don't mind reaching in you can probably get a good deal of it out. If not, a plumber snake can get it out. And if you live in a rental, this is the kind of thing you can/should get your landlord to pay a professional plumber to do.
after they extract a gerbil-sized blob of hair (fun) you should buy a little plastic drain cover from the hardware store and that will trap the hair before it gets in there.
What is amazing and works with scrubing on ceramic is pumice. I took a tub that had been outside for awhile, but had a great size and shape, and with pumice it literally looked all sparkly and new.
Put diluted bleach in a spray bottle and spray it once a day after your shower/bath. After a few days/weeks the tub will be clean. Then just use daily shower cleaner spray (a little less harsh-smelling than bleach) to maintain the cleanliness afterward.
If the bottom of the tub is gray...did we determine that it is OK to soak it in bleach? What kind of residue does it leave and can THAT be washed away? Is it dangerous to put an inch of straight chlorox bleach in the tub rather than diluting it and leaving it overnight??
OxyClean
Use unbent wire clothes hanger (hook pointing down to grab hair) to remove disusting hair clogs - cheaper than plumber. And then get the plastic drain re:occ; and use always. Every time I shower, I find some hair collected there.
Hydrogen perox. usually best for removing blood from fabric. NEVER put undiluted bleach on or in anything.) I occasionally use it, diluted, to remove coffee and tea stains in white ceramic mugs. But then soap and warm water and rinse a lot.
Also check to see whether your water is soft or hard. Hard water will cause calcium residue and staining, also..I am constantly removing lumps of calcium from bottom of tea kettle, inside of shower heads and the ends of faucets that unscrew, and from Humidifyer filter.
Try spraying with a solution of white vinegar and water after you shower for a week. Bleach is effective, but fumes are toxic…Vinegar solution should get rid of hard water stains on wall tile, but grimy tub stains are still tough to clean safely… I’m open to suggestions!
I have a ceramic tub and I clean it with a Brillo Pad. You can purchase a whole box at the Dollar General Store for $1.00. It comes spotless every time!!! I wet the rub, scrub sides and bottom and rinse. It comes white as new!!!
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