How To Clean An Old Stained Enamel Bathtub

How to Clean an Old Stained Enamel Bathtub

Over time, enamel bathtubs can develop stains and discoloration. These stains can be caused by a variety of factors, including hard water, soap scum, and mildew. If you have an old stained enamel bathtub, don't despair! There are several things you can do to clean it and restore its original shine.

The first step is to identify the type of stain you have. There are three main types of stains: surface stains, rust stains, and mineral deposits.

Surface stains are the most common type of stain. They are caused by dirt, soap scum, and other organic matter. Surface stains can usually be removed with a mild abrasive cleaner, such as baking soda or Comet.
Rust stains are caused by iron in the water. Rust stains can be removed with a commercial rust remover or with a mixture of vinegar and salt.
Mineral deposits are caused by hard water. Mineral deposits can be removed with a commercial descaler or with a mixture of vinegar and water.

Once you have identified the type of stain you have, you can choose the best cleaning method. Here are some tips for cleaning an old stained enamel bathtub:

For surface stains:

Apply a mild abrasive cleaner to the stain and scrub with a sponge or brush.
Rinse the cleaner off with water.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the stain is removed.

For rust stains:

Apply a commercial rust remover to the stain and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Or, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of salt and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub the stain with a sponge or brush.
Rinse the cleaner off with water.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the stain is removed.

For mineral deposits:

Apply a commercial descaler to the stain and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Or, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub the stain with a sponge or brush.
Rinse the cleaner off with water.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until the stain is removed.

Once you have cleaned the stains from your enamel bathtub, you can prevent future stains by regularly cleaning it with a mild cleaner. You can also use a commercial bathtub cleaner to help keep your bathtub looking its best.