How do I clean a bathtub that has always been stained and dirty?
by
Betty
+3
When the builders installed the bathtub, they tore our a paper that was on the inside of the tub and did not clean up the glue that was holding it down. Dust from building, installing sheet rock etc. got on the glue and I have never been able to get the bottom of the tub clean. We recently left water standing in it and it caused some rust looking spots that will not come up. I have tried Borax, Clorox and other cleaners and nothing will clean it. I don't want to replace it because it is built in with the walls and I cannot afford to replace the entire thing. Just want to know how to get the tub clean or refinished.
I hope someone can help me with this problem.
Thanks in advance.
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HI Betty,
If you still have glue on the bottom, try a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the glue and plastic scraper to remove it. If you're getting rust, it's possible that the finish has been scrubbed off. I've had success scrubbing with a paste of baking soda & water, letting it sit, then spraying with vinegar and scrub some more. Finally rinse with warm water so that all the vinegar goes through your pipes. That might work.
There are DIY kits available to refinish a bath tub, but they require a lot of prep and equipment that you might not have to do a successful job. If you don't do all of the prep, it won't last long and will end up a mess so please, please read all of the instructions before you make a decision. If the finish is truly worn off, it might actually cost you less to have it refinished by a professional. Try HomeAdvisor.com to find someone in your area or call locally. Wishing you the best!
https://dengarden.com/remodeling/A-Homeowner-Guide-on-How-to-Paint-a-Bathtub
What is the tub material (fiberglass, marble, porcelain, etc)?
You need a rust removing cleaner like CLR or LimeAway if it is rust. The glue may take an oily solvent. I use orange or lemon essential oils on sticky labels.
Miracle Method is refinishing my tub as i type. I have used Tub Epoxy paint on our Cultured marble tub (chocolate brown) but the professional can repair rusted out spots in a cast iron tub with fiber glass stuff. If yours is a new tub the rust might be from the dust and not the tub itself.
Is it too late to make the builder clean up their construction mess?It's worth a phone call.
Probably Fiborglass