Cleaning fanatics are crazy about the latest cleaning trends and tips on the best chemicals to use for cleaning tasks. And with over 1,600,000 posts on #cleanok, there’s no doubting its popularity. Everyone wants to know how to clean better, from how to clean a bathtub has How to Clean Grout on Tiles.
However, these articles and recommendations can sometimes do more harm than good, ruining the very thing you're trying to clean. While bathtubs can be made from a variety of materials, depending on your particular tub, you may end up damaging your tub's coating if you use these cleaning tips to remove everyday grease and grime.
With this in mind, we called upon the expertise of Ryan McNicholl, Product Advisor at Direct spare partsto give us an overview of common cleaning products you should not use to clean your bathtub and the damage they can cause.
Avoid using these products to clean your bathtub
The bathroom is one of the rooms in your home that you should clean regularly. Although they are not visible to the naked eye, large amounts of bacteria are found in your bathroom. Germs can survive on surfaces for one to seven days, so regular cleaning can prevent them from spreading and causing an infection. A clean bathroom promotes relaxation. If you enjoy taking a long, relaxing bath, it is much easier to unwind if your environment is clean.
But you need to clean your bathtub the right way to avoid damaging its surface and causing more harm than good.
1. Bleach
Bleach is a basic household cleaning product, often used for deep cleaning because it is a disinfectant. Its active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, breaks down the proteins in microorganisms, killing common bacteria, fungi, and viruses. At home, we often use it to clean toilets and wipe down surfaces, and it can also be used to make white laundry shine.
However, while it may be tempting to clean your tub with this powerful disinfectant and whitener, be sure to Don't Make This Mistake When Cleaning with BleachMcNicholl says, “While effective at killing germs and providing the appearance of a deep clean, bleach can discolor and damage the surface of your tub over time, causing it to lose its original color. This is especially common in older tubs or those with specific finishes.”
2. Scouring powders
We have already mentioned that abrasive scouring powder is one of the Things You Should Never Use to Clean an Induction Hoband it should also be avoided when cleaning a bathtub.
“These products can scratch the surface of your tub, creating tiny cracks where bacteria can grow,” McNicholl says. “They can also erode your tub’s protective coating, leaving it dull, scratched, or even pitted. This can make it more vulnerable to stains and mold growth.”
Awareness how to get rid of mold in your bathroom can help, but it's best to prevent it from happening in the first place.
3. Magic erasers
Magic erasers are abrasive foaming cleaners used to remove stains from surfaces. However, McNicholl says, “While effective on some surfaces, they can scratch acrylic or porcelain bathtubs.”
He explains that acrylic surfaces can scratch, “creating tiny imperfections that can accumulate dirt and grime over time, making the tub more difficult to clean.”
The same goes for porcelain tubs: “While more durable than acrylic, porcelain can also be scratched by abrasive cleaners. This can dull the finish and make the tub more susceptible to stains.”
4. Commercial bathroom cleaners containing harsh chemicals
Commercial bathroom cleaners are not designed for household use and extreme caution should be exercised when using them.
“Many of these products contain ingredients that can be harmful to your tub and your health,” says McNicholl. “Always check the label for ingredients like chlorine, ammonia and strong acids.”
Repair the damage
If you've used any of the products mentioned above and noticed that your tub is scratched, McNicoll mentions that you may be able to buff or polish them to reduce their visibility.