Ways to Deep Clean Your Tub for Bathtub Day
If there was ever one day that needed to be celebrated at least once a year (if not once a week!) it's Bathtub Day! While these fixtures in our house probably don't get a lot of praise or attention, we really don't know where we would be without them. Our day's typically begin and end in the bathroom and when showing homes in Colorado Springs our clients are usually interested in the bathroom, and we love when we see a unique tub! Without further ado, here are a few things to keep in mind on Bathtub Day about this important fixture in your home.
History of Bathtubs
Before indoor plumbing was invented, bathtubs - like chamber pots and washbowls - were moveable features in a home. Many times they were made from copper or zinc. They were not generally installed in homes as a permanent feature until the latter 19th century when running water started becoming more common in homes. Indoor plumbing hit the market in the 1930's, and only spread throughout the country from then - thank goodness!
Cleaning Your Bathtub
There are many different finishes for a bathtub, some are fairly common, and others - while striking - are not as common. Here are a few ways you can treat these finishes and care for them over the years.
Porcelain Tubs & Metal Tubs
Cast iron tubs coated in porcelain were extremely popular in older homes and are now starting to make a comeback because of their vintage charm. Of course, after years of use, sometimes they tend to be dingy and stained. Here are a few things to keep on hand so you can keep your porcelain tub, or sink, sparkling!
Fiberglass & Acrylic Tubs
The key to keeping your fiberglass and acrylic tubs looking like new is to wipe them out after each use with a soft cloth or squeegee. You won't want to ever use any abrasive cleaners on your tub because it will scratch the surface and cause it to wear out faster. You can get away with using baking soda, just use soft circular motions, and don't press too hard. Only use this method when you have a really tough stain.
Tile Tubs
When you shower or bathe in your tub, soap, dirt, and even skin cells slough off and leave behind a microscopic film on the walls and sides. This is why it's so important to clean your tubs on a regular basis. First, you'll spray the tile down with an all purpose cleaner and turn on the shower, cranking the hot water until steam builds. Leave it for about five minutes, and then turn the water off, shut the door and let the steam and cleaner continue working for about 20 minutes. Finally, wipe it all down with a clean cloth. You can minimize the water marks on ceramic tile by applying a coat of car wax once a year, and also applying a sealant to your grout as the bottle directs.
Wood Tubs
If you have a wood bathtub in your home, you are in possession of a unique feature. Wood does tend to darken over the years, but that is not a bad thing. You can car for it with gentle soap and a soft cloth. Avoid any kind of abrasive when cleaning, whether in the tool or the product. You can give it a light coat of teak oil four times a per year to help keep it looking its finest.
Caring for Your Home Before, During, and After You Own It
The MacGuire Team loves nothing more than finding you a home that you can enjoy and live in forever - as well as clean! From the floors to the bathtubs, sometimes a home can have a lot to clean, but it's all worth it when you can look around at your new Colorado Springs home and admire how beautiful it is. Are you looking to relocate to Colorado Springs? Our team would love to help you find a home! Visit our website to view some of the featured listings or give us a call at 719-536-4324 to learn more!
Mike@BuyWithMike.com
History of BathtubsBefore indoor plumbing was invented, bathtubs - like chamber pots and washbowls - were moveable features in a home. Many times they were made from copper or zinc. They were not generally installed in homes as a permanent feature until the latter 19th century when running water started becoming more common in homes. Indoor plumbing hit the market in the 1930's, and only spread throughout the country from then - thank goodness!
Cleaning Your Bathtub
There are many different finishes for a bathtub, some are fairly common, and others - while striking - are not as common. Here are a few ways you can treat these finishes and care for them over the years.
Porcelain Tubs & Metal Tubs
Cast iron tubs coated in porcelain were extremely popular in older homes and are now starting to make a comeback because of their vintage charm. Of course, after years of use, sometimes they tend to be dingy and stained. Here are a few things to keep on hand so you can keep your porcelain tub, or sink, sparkling!
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Ammonia
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Oil
- Table Salt
- Lemon
For weekly cleaning, you can use hot water and soap to scrub the bathtub surface. If you want to do a deep clean every month, you can put some warm water into a bucket and add 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of ammonia. If you have tough stains, cover them with salt and sprinkle a lemon over them, then add a little elbow grease.
Fiberglass & Acrylic Tubs
The key to keeping your fiberglass and acrylic tubs looking like new is to wipe them out after each use with a soft cloth or squeegee. You won't want to ever use any abrasive cleaners on your tub because it will scratch the surface and cause it to wear out faster. You can get away with using baking soda, just use soft circular motions, and don't press too hard. Only use this method when you have a really tough stain.
Tile TubsWhen you shower or bathe in your tub, soap, dirt, and even skin cells slough off and leave behind a microscopic film on the walls and sides. This is why it's so important to clean your tubs on a regular basis. First, you'll spray the tile down with an all purpose cleaner and turn on the shower, cranking the hot water until steam builds. Leave it for about five minutes, and then turn the water off, shut the door and let the steam and cleaner continue working for about 20 minutes. Finally, wipe it all down with a clean cloth. You can minimize the water marks on ceramic tile by applying a coat of car wax once a year, and also applying a sealant to your grout as the bottle directs.
Wood TubsIf you have a wood bathtub in your home, you are in possession of a unique feature. Wood does tend to darken over the years, but that is not a bad thing. You can car for it with gentle soap and a soft cloth. Avoid any kind of abrasive when cleaning, whether in the tool or the product. You can give it a light coat of teak oil four times a per year to help keep it looking its finest.
The MacGuire Team loves nothing more than finding you a home that you can enjoy and live in forever - as well as clean! From the floors to the bathtubs, sometimes a home can have a lot to clean, but it's all worth it when you can look around at your new Colorado Springs home and admire how beautiful it is. Are you looking to relocate to Colorado Springs? Our team would love to help you find a home! Visit our website to view some of the featured listings or give us a call at 719-536-4324 to learn more!
Mike MacGuire
Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent
The MacGuire Team
6760 Corporate Dr
Ste 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719-536-4324 or 719-660-6793
Mike@BuyWithMike.com
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