Bathtub Cleaning and Maintenance

Who did it?

Regardless of the fact that none of the kids will own up to putting the nasty chip in your new acrylic clawfoot, you've got to fix it before your wife gets back in town or she's going to have an embolism.  Or perhaps you've found the perfect tub for your renovated bathroom save some unsightly scrapes.  Save yourself some cash and the trouble of  hiring a specialist - procure yourself a bath tub repair kit. 

There are dozens of these on the internet, and most offer guarantees so there is little risk.  If you have a unique color, you may have to hunt around until you find a bath tub repair kit that can match a color swatch that you send them.  Otherwise, most products will provide tints to closely estimate the natural color of your tub.  Once you acquire the kit, get to work, the instructions are simple. 

One more chance

In the unlikely and unfortunate event that a patch will not adhere to your tub, there is an option.  Electrostatic painting covers your tub in a thick coat of adherent, non-slip paint.  It will cost around 300 dollars for an average-size tub.  Well worth it if you've spent a month or more looking at your otherwise perfect tub.  Take this measure only as a last resort, as the surface is not quite as durable as you'd like.  The new paint will not tolerate abrasive sponges or cleaners well.

Something you should already know

Daily shower cleaners are a boon to those prone to overlook cleaning duties.  Before you start using one (any will do), give your bath and tile a good once over with a traditional tub and tile cleaner.  Some bottles will tell you that simply spraying a good amount on tough shower stains will eventually lift them.  Eventually is a conveniently ambiguous term. 

Commence with the lazy man method only on a clean shower and one of the more bothersome cleaning tasks will be taken care of.  Handy homemakers recommend a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water for a chemical-free adaptation.  Unless you are allergic, it hardly seems worth the effort.  Most of these products are under 4 dollars and have refill bottles available for less.

More information on bath tubs