How can I get my old tub clean?

Question

My tub is really old, but not old enough to be galvanized. I'm not sure what the material is. But it holds dirt and scum and soap residue like you wouldn't believe! We also have hard water, so there's lots of calcium build-up. I've used abrasive cleansers, which work somewhat, but nothing seems to get it really clean. I also filled it with bleach water and drained it. No change. My fave cleaner is Bar Keepers Friend. It works great in the sinks. But I can't find anything that works on this tub!

Answer 1

the toilet bowl cleaner Works. put about an inch of water in the tub to help dilute it. On vinyl shower walls apply straight to it. the hard water brown rust will come right off and use a brush while you are wearing gloves to scrub lightly and then rinse. We used to have such hard water that if nothing was cleaned with in a week it turned such a dark rusty that nothing would clean it. CLR doesnt' touch it as it was like putting water on it. But depends on how bad of a case you have if it is barely a problem then you could use CLR

Answer 2

I am in the process of re-finishing an old clawfoot tub with an expensive two-part epoxy finish. The kit manufacture's instructions say to wash the tub three times with TSP, Tri-sodium Phosphate. It's widely available.

I cleaned my tub once and I could notice the difference but I wonder how much was due to my elbow grease and how much to the TSP. Then I moved on to re-grouting the tile.

Some of the other answers given to your questions have intrigued me. I am trying the dishwasher detergent. That is one I have not heard of. I have done the CLR and Lime away thing.

Good luck

Answer 3

To remove calcium deposits from the ring around my toilet, I use dry wall patching screen from the hardware store. I know that sounds weird, but it is amazing how well it works. It will not mar the procelin. Our cleaners at work use it on our sinks and around the faucets. It should remove the calcium form your tub. You really don't have to scrub very hard. It's not intensive work. Try it.

Answer 4

i have a tub over 50 years old and had the same dilemma , it would not come clean and stay that way , not even a little bit . one of my coworkers suggested dish washer detergent , just put it in the tub make a fine film with it and let it set for half an hour . scrub with a good sponge that has a scratchy side and rinse , i couldn't believe how nice it looks . i use it to clean everything now .

Answer 5

lye cleansing soap, vinegar, advise eco-friendly - and each so often some ceramic tubs, the ceramic has worn truly skinny and it has a lifeless gray sheen or maybe black streaking and this is as clean because it is going to get. There are ceramic resurfacers and that's truly useful to evaluate that because you have bleached it nicely and no that that's sanitary.

Answer 6

Have you tried vinegar. After you clean it
rinse it with equal parts water and vinegar
to help with the hard water and calcium
build up.

Answer 7

CLR, Mr Clean Magic Eraser or Kaboom will work.

Answer 8

Try ZUD. It works great on porcelein tubs and toilets.
You can find it in a local hardware store.

Answer 9

I have used Mr Clean's magic eraser on my tub.....that thing is amazing! It removed all stains easily..... try it !

Answer 10

Don't laugh but you have to pour pee on it (fresh urine) and let it soak then spray windex on it and it will break apart with a gentle rub with a towel.