How to put shine back into bathtub

Question

My bathtub is old and has lost some of the shine (probably due to soap scum build-up and lack of cleaning.) Is there any to get it back to the original shine without refinishing the entire tub?

Bink · Answer

There is a recipe using oven cleaner.  It is so easy it is silly.  Google it.  Good luck

512181 · Answer

I have had good luck using Gel Gloss. It is in a pink container and can be found at Home Depot or Lowes. I don't think the aerosol can works as well. Amazon also carries the product. Sometimes you can try car wax too. Of course it might make bottom too slippery, so you may need a mat.

Tina · Answer

I use a magic eraser and my tub looks like new

Mikkigirl · Answer

Bar Keepers Friend - they have  many different cleaning products now, but I use the good ole powder cleaner.

Jennie Lee · Answer

I assume it's enameled steel? Tina is right about the Magic Eraser. If you've got hard water stains, or what's on there still won't come off, use cleaning vinegar.

Melly · Answer

If the tub has been cleaned with abrasive cleaners in the past, before non-abrasive cleaners became popular, then the finish may be permanently etched and/or damaged. I lived with a tub that had been scoured within an inch of its life. Nothing I used on it could restore the shine. And it was always a pain to clean.

Jhmarie · Answer

I also use the Barkeepers Friend Powder on my 40 year old tub. It does not make it shiny new, but it does remove the soap scum if it has built up too much and it removes scratches and makes it nice and white. Good old Comet powder works too when the build up is not too bad.

Barbara · Answer

If the finish has been damaged your best bet and your least expensive bet is probably to paint it

CharLee Williams · Answer

zopp tub and tile restorer

Pam Walker · Answer

LOWE's .. tub enamel. Instructions are on it. Hope this helps. :)

Johnchip · Answer

If it is the enamel (baked on ceramic finish) is worn off, and maybe a nice shape or fancy tub, the only real way to renew it is have it professionally refinished. If it is a builtin, replace it. There are some new DIY refinishing products out there now I have not used, but may be worth your while looking at, but most jobs I have seen done DIY on ceramic looks it. Most of all the job lies in the prep and the curing times being done by manufacturers 'exact' product directions. (Most people cut corners on that, substitute products, and the result show it)

Drgoodie · Answer

These reviews are very helpful - on the Zap product mentioned. A lot of one-stars, but some other products mentioned and said available at Walgreen for $10 instead of online $20. Ish. http://www.amazon.com/Zap-Professional-Restorer-calcium-buildup/product-reviews/B004PEDPY0

Rvs · Answer

On the bath tub for just the shine, you would not want it on the bottom unless you have an anti slip mat but if you use Avon original skin so soft and rub it in, it will leave a nice shine. I use it on my kitchen sink about once a month for a fresh renewal.

Pat Ruge · Answer

It is unclear to me as to what surface you are dealing with. If you are dealing with a fiberglass then best you use 'barkeep' cleaner to clean and reduce any scum and dulling surface. If, however, you are dealing with porcelain, you might begin with BarKeep cleaner and if that does not work, then consider some epoxy product which after cleaning, will product a shiny and 'permanent' solution. DIY solutions are available. Of course, nothing is 'permanent', but it may delay the lifetime of your stay. Replacement is always an option, so you must weigh your option. 1.) Clean to your satisfaction 2.) Fix, by DIY epoxy solution or 3.) Replace with all new. $$ is always a consideration. Choose wisely.

Teresa · Answer

I love a product barkeepers friend. I have use it on so many thing and my tub worked well. I have a mechanic for a husband and the grease he can get into a tub is bad it makes the soap scum show up. It worked so well on my old tub we are not changing the tub out. https://www.barkeepersfriend.com/

Kew5153057 · Answer

Heat 1 cup of Heinz cleaning vinegar, add1 cup of blue (has to be blue) dawn and spray on surface. Let sit for one hour...scrub and rinse. Works like magic.

Meemoo · Answer

The white Vinegar and Dawn cleaned up my 45 yr old bath tubs beautifully.  Took some scrubbing with a scrubby but it was worth the effort.  Read somewhere on web to use liquid shower soap rather than bar soap to avoid the soap scum build up.

Carole · Answer

Dawn and vinegar is the only thing I use.  If I do get soap scum build-up, I use Mr. Clean eraser  for bathrooms with the Dawn / vinegar.  Use 1 to 1 ratio.

Nancy · Answer

There is a product that goes on like a thin white paste. When it dries you buff with clean cloth and it really shines. Protects surface also. Sort of like a car wax.

Damaris Canela · Answer

I used from Dollar tree a carpet cleaner and your bath tub looks like new. I clean the hold bathroom with it. Tried it's only cost a dollar.

Joan Weissgerber · Answer

I dilute Grease Lightning w/50% water in a spray bottle and it cleans up soap scum quickly. If really thick, Mr. clean magic eraser and some elbow grease with the Grease Lightning should do the trick for you. Rinse with white vinegar & water solution.

Barbara · Answer

I used the white vinegar and regular dish soap (we had Ivory liquid dish detergent), it works like a charm. I did purchase the green 'scrubbies' from the Dollar Tree, used all three in the package, (my teen daughter NEVER cleans her bathtub!). Careful of the liquid soaps, many have formaldehyde as a preservative and it is considered a poison.

Linda · Answer

I scrubbed mine and then used baby oil to shine it. Works on shower doors too!

Cathy · Answer

Kaboom spray cleaner and magic eraser. It will take a lot of elbow grease the first time......but after that it's a breeze...

Todeen2 · Answer

I used silver polish to make it shine, after cleaning it with vinegar.

Ducky · Answer

After you scrub And rinse, Spray on window  cleaner.  Just a spray like windex . Wipe with towel. shines like crazy. and is not slippery.

Ranger · Answer

I have a very old bath too and every month, I pour 5 or 10 litres (depending on deals at the time) of bleach into cold water in the bath - filling the bath to the brim. I let it soak for as long as possible (all day, over night, a weekend away, whatever). Once emptied, I swill the bath again with some detergent on my cloth with the cold tap running. Then I DRY IT. One of our modern living actions is that we wash the bath but never dry it, something my great-grandmother swore by. Works well for me. ps While soaking the bath, I often throw in dish cloths and tea towels to remove the greasy element they get.

Donna1121 · Answer

I used CLR straight from the bottle. Left it on for about 30 minutes, then used scrub brush. It took all the old soap scum etc. off, and now it looks like new!

Mar3393727 · Answer

Avon Skin So Soft on a damp cloth. Gets the are clean & smells wonderful.

Marilyn · Answer

Clean it well with a paste made of borax and lemon juice, make sure to rise well. Dry with a towel and then use car wax. I would do a couple coats of wax first time out.

How to put shine back into bathtub

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How to put shine back into bathtub

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