Cleaning and Maintaining a Freestanding Bathtub – Best Practices in 2024

As a proud owner of a beautiful freestanding bathtub, chances are you want to keep it looking its best. After all, you’ve invested in a modern bathroom retreat, and you’re going to want to soak up all of the enjoyment you possibly can. Fortunately, cleaning and maintaining a freestanding bathtub isn’t difficult.

For starters, with its smooth, non-porous surface, a stone resin freestanding tub naturally keeps calcium deposits and general grime from settling in. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll never need to clean your new bathtub. Use this guide to get up to speed on basic cleaning and maintenance and to make sure that you use the right cleaners and don’t inadvertently damage the bathtub’s surface. We’ve also included some instructions for repairing stubborn stains, scratches, and damaged surfaces.

With just a few simple cleaning tasks, your new freestanding bathtub and its gorgeous finish will retain its beauty for years to come.

The Do’s and Don’t of Cleaning a Freestanding Bathtub

DO expect some construction debris. Contractors don’t always leave a new installation in pristine condition. If your contractor properly cleaned the tub, great! If not, a mild detergent will likely do the trick for most construction debris. Denatured alcohol or a nonabrasive cleaner should work on more stubborn debris. If plaster, dried caulk, or some other substance remains on the surface, try to remove it gently with a sharpened wooden stick. Avoid using sharp metal tools as they can scratch the tub’s surface.

DO wipe your bathtub with a soft cloth after each use. It takes just a moment, prevents unsightly water spots, and keeps it sparkling clean between uses. Regular wiping also helps to maintain the finish and prolong the lifespan of your tub.

DO remove dust and dry dirt with a soft, damp cloth. If the tub hasn’t been in use for a while, a quick damp wipe, followed by drying with a soft dry cloth, will quickly bring back the bathtub’s luster. This simple routine also prevents dust from settling into harder-to-clean areas.

DO continue using your regular personal hygiene products and cosmetics. These won’t harm your bathtub. However, it’s always good to rinse the tub after use to avoid any potential build-up over time.

DO rinse off your bathtub after using bath oils. This will help prevent unwanted grime and sediments from settling in your tub. A quick rinse can save you from tougher cleaning tasks later on.

DO set a regular cleaning schedule. Now that your tub is ready for day-to-day use, it’s also time for you to establish a cleaning routine. It doesn’t matter which day of the week you pick to clean your freestanding bathtub; just pick one and commit to it. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of soap scum and keeps your tub looking new.

DO determine your finish. Your stone resin freestanding tub will have either a semi-gloss or matte finish. Make sure you specify which finish you have because, while the necessary cleaning instructions are similar, there is one key difference you need to be aware of: matte finishes can tolerate mildly abrasive cream cleansers, while semi-gloss finishes cannot. Never use a gritty or abrasive cleaner on a semi-gloss freestanding bathtub. Knowing your finish helps you choose the right products and avoid accidental damage.

DO use the appropriate cleaners and tools for your tub’s finish. As unique as your freestanding tub is, it doesn’t necessarily require special cleaning products. Many everyday household nonabrasive cleaning products are acceptable, including those listed below. To clean a freestanding bathtub with a semi-gloss finish, use a mild cleanser such as Mr. Clean, Fantastik, or mild dishwashing detergent like Ivory Liquid. Never use abrasive cleaners, pads, or cream cleansers with grit. To clean a freestanding bathtub with a matte finish, use a mild cleanser such as Mr. Clean or Fantastik. As noted above, a mildly abrasive cleanser such as Comet Soft Cleanser or Soft Scrub may be used on matte finishes to tackle more stubborn stains. We suggest using these sparingly and infrequently. Using the right products ensures your tub remains in great condition.

DO follow the cleaning product’s manufacturer’s instructions and precautions — and read your labels. For example, if you have a freestanding acrylic bathtub, make sure the product label states that the product is safe for cleaning acrylic. Always test a new cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t harm your tub’s finish.

DO rinse and dry the freestanding tub thoroughly after cleaning. Rinse the cleaning residue away and wipe the tub down with a soft cloth so that your next bath is free of unwanted detergents and cleaning chemicals. This step also prevents water spots and streaks from forming on the surface.

The Don’ts

DON’T use acidic cleaners as they will corrode the stone resin. This includes vinegar, which is commonly used in DIY household cleaning solutions. Always opt for pH-neutral cleaners that are specifically designed for stone resin to protect the tub’s integrity.

DON’T use any harsh chemicals or petroleum-based products such as paint thinners or solvents. These could damage the surface, leaving your bathtub looking uneven, dull, and lifeless. Other substances to avoid include gasoline, kerosene, nail polish, nail polish remover, wintergreen oil, pine oil, dry cleaning solution, and so on. Even brief contact with these substances can cause irreversible damage, so store them away from your bathroom.

DON’T use abrasive cleaners. They will scratch and dull the surface of your freestanding bathtub. The rule of thumb is this: rub the cleaner; if it feels gritty, don’t use it. The one exception is that you may use a mildly abrasive cleaner on the occasional stubborn stain if your tub has a stone resin matte finish. Always rinse thoroughly after using any cleaner to prevent residue build-up.

DON’T use harsh cleaning cloths, metal scrubbers, razor blades, or other sharp materials that might scratch the surface. This applies to most bathtubs, but it is especially important when your freestanding bathtub is your pride and joy. Why risk damaging it? Instead, use soft sponges or cloths designed for delicate surfaces to keep your tub in pristine condition.

Maintaining Your Freestanding Bathtub

Most freestanding tubs can be cleaned with common household cleaning products as noted above, but what about routine maintenance and minor repairs? Fortunately, the general maintenance requirements of stand alone tubs are relatively simple. Below are a few maintenance tasks you’ll likely need to do periodically.

Remove hair from the drain.

If you or a family member has long hair, it doesn’t take long for the drain to become clogged. Use wooden chopsticks to gently pry the hair loose and pull it from the drain.

Remove light scratches and restore dulled areas.

Use a gentle, nongritty automotive cleaning compound such as 3M Extra Cut Compound to gently buff light scratches away and restore dull surface areas.

Remove slight stains.

Many stains will disappear after a 10-minute soak using a 1 part bleach to 10 parts water solution.

Remove stubborn stains, scratches, scuffs, smudges, and damaged surfaces.

Fine sandpaper can quickly remove the tougher stains and scratches your tub may eventually get. For older freestanding bathtubs, sandpaper can bring back its luster.

1. Start by removing dirt and dust from the surface with water.
2. Sand lightly in small, circular motions with 800-grit sandpaper.
3. Repeat with finer 1200-grit sandpaper, using the same small, circular motions until the surface is smooth.
4. Dry the bathtub with a towel.
5. If your bathtub has a semi-gloss finish, use a soft cloth and polishing compound for automobiles, such as 3M Extra Cut Compound, to polish the finish.

Clean oil, paint, grease, or ink stains.

These tough stains can be removed with rubbing alcohol. Make sure to rinse and dry with a clean, soft cloth after stain removal.

Pay attention to water heater maintenance.

If you notice rust, sediment, or greasy substances, your water heater may need to be drained. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to drain and flush your water heater, and then clean your freestanding bathtub as noted above.

Keep your freestanding bathtub manufacturer’s information handy.

For example, Badeloft USA will provide its customers with an emergency repair kit upon request to repair break-off accidents. For more extensive repairs, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Final Tips for Keeping Your Freestanding Bathtub Close to New

Keeping your freestanding bathtub clean and well-maintained requires more than just regular cleaning. By paying attention to the details and taking a few preventative measures, you can ensure your tub stays in excellent condition and continues to be a beautiful focal point in your bathroom. Here are some additional tips to consider.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Stick to pH-neutral or mild cleaners specifically designed for your tub’s material. Harsh chemicals can degrade the surface over time, leading to dullness or even cracks.

Prevent Soap Scum Build-Up

Regularly rinse your bathtub after each use, especially if you use bar soap, which tends to leave more residue than liquid soap. This simple habit can prevent the formation of soap scum.

Use a Bathtub Mat

Consider using a non-slip bathtub mat to protect the bottom surface of the tub from scratches caused by bath toys, bottles, or other hard objects. Ensure the mat is non-abrasive and doesn’t leave marks.

Maintain Proper Ventilation

After using the bathtub, make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mold or mildew, which can accumulate in damp areas, especially around the tub’s edges.

Check for Leaks

Periodically inspect the area around the base of the tub for any signs of leaks or water damage. Promptly addressing leaks can prevent more significant issues, such as mold or structural damage to your bathroom floor.

Polish the Tub Regularly

For tubs with a semi-gloss finish, polishing the surface with a soft cloth and an appropriate polishing compound can help maintain the tub’s shine and reduce the appearance of minor scratches.

Protect the Surface from Extreme Temperatures

Avoid exposing your bathtub to extremely hot or cold water, which can cause thermal shock and lead to cracks or surface damage. Gradually adjust the water temperature to avoid stressing the material.

Use a Water Softener if Necessary

If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener. Hard water can leave mineral deposits on the tub’s surface, which may require more frequent and rigorous cleaning.

By following these tips and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can keep your freestanding bathtub looking as good as new for years to come. A little extra care goes a long way in preserving the beauty and functionality of your tub, ensuring that it remains a luxurious and relaxing feature in your home. Remember, proper maintenance not only enhances the tub’s appearance but also extends its lifespan, providing you with a pristine bathing experience every ti

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