Cleaning a cast iron bath can be intimidating, but it is really easy with the right tools and know-how.
Not only are these instructions going to help you clean your bathtub without any hassle, but they will also save you money.
These tips will ensure that your cast iron tub remains to look great for years to come.
Method 1: Clean Off Calcium Deposits with Vinegar or CLR
Place one cup of vinegar inside the tub and fill it with hot water.
Let it sit for an hour, then scrub off deposits with a soft cloth or sponge. You can also use CLR (Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover). If you are using this product, do not mix it with any other cleaners, as this could produce harmful fumes.
Shake well before spraying onto the surface to be cleaned. Let it stand for five minutes, then wipe clean.
Be sure to ventilate the area by opening windows/doors while cleaning because these chemicals give off strong fumes that may irritate your eyes and throat if inhaled too much.
Your bathtub should now look brand new again.
Method 2: Clean Your Tub with Dish Soap and Bicarbonate of Soda
Mix a solution of one cup of hot water, one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and three tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda.
Pour the mixture into the bathtub, and then scrub it clean with a sponge or brush.
You can also use this mixture to remove rust stains from metal surfaces around your bathroom, such as faucets and toilet seats.
Rinse all suds away before they have time to dry on the cleaned surface so that no residue is left behind. Your cast iron bathtub should look great again in no time.
In addition to these steps, you may want to consider using TSP (trisodium phosphate) for even better results if there are still any spots that you need to remove.
TSP is a strong cleaner that should be handled with caution as it can irritate your skin and eyes (wear protective gloves, goggles, etc.). Make sure to rinse well after cleaning.
Finish by wiping down the entire outside area around the tub before allowing it to dry completely.
Method 3: Remove Stubborn Stains by Scrubbing Them Down with Soap and Water
Soak a sponge in water and cover it with dish soap. Scrub the stains until they break up (this may take some elbow grease). Rinse away all the suds once you have finished.
You can also use an old toothbrush to get into small spaces that are harder to reach around your tub’s edges or taps.
Cleaning off stubborn, set-in rust stains is no easy task, but it will be well worth it when you see how great your bathtub looks afterwards.
If this doesn’t do the trick, consider using TSP again as described above for even better results.
You need to give time for the ingredients in each cleaning solution to work their magic before rinsing them off. Leaving behind any residue could lead to discolouration and/or mould.
Method 4: Apply Petroleum Jelly to the Rim of the Tub After Cleaning for Protection Against Rusting
Make sure to get the “petroleum jelly” kind of petroleum jelly, not any other type of grease or oil.
Rub some on with your finger in a thin layer. You can also use paper towels to rub it onto the surface but make sure that you do this gently to scratch the tub’s finish.
Applying protective coatings and sealing up all areas where water could potentially seep into is important for protecting your cast iron bathtub from corrosion (rust).
If rust does start forming, then it will be much more difficult or even impossible altogether to clean off. However, there are products out there made specifically for removing rust stains if they ever become an issue.
Method 5: Clean the Tub With Water and Dish Soap
Fill your bathtub with hot water until it would be deep enough for you to sit in.
Add one teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent (don’t use too much, or suds will form).
Use a sponge or brush to scrub any remaining stains until they come off completely. Make sure not to leave behind any suds once finished.
You can also try using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar if this does not do the trick. See below for more details on how best to mix these ingredients together.
How to Maintain a Cast Iron Bath
Tricks like covering up all areas where rust could potentially form are important because letting them go unattended could lead to big problems down the line.
If there is a spill or some other type of accident in your cast iron bathtub, you should clean the area as soon as possible. Otherwise, all types of bacteria and/or mould could start growing, leading to a whole lot more work for yourself.
Make sure not to use any abrasive cleaners when cleaning off tough stains because these chemicals can scratch through enamel over time. If this happens, rust spots will be able to form much easier & faster than before (if they ever do).
Conclusion
Cleaning a cast iron bathtub can be intimidating, but you will know how to clean your tub quickly and easily with this article.
Not only will you save time and money by using tips like those listed above, but they also make sure to help extend your bathtub’s life as well because no damage is done during cleaning (no scratches or stains left behind).
When everything has been cleaned, simply treat it with some protective oil or wax for added protection from water spots and soap scum in the future. Your bathtub will look new again in no time.
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