How to whiten an old bath at home

The bath is a kind of mirror at home. She immediately speaks of neatness or, conversely, sloppy owners. In addition, this container simply must be clean, because not only adult family members, but also small children wash it. And it’s very disappointing when even the newly acquired bath becomes dirty, unsightly, with drips and stains. Then an important task arises: how to clean it to a shine, and do it at home? Today we will try to understand this problem from all sides.

The main sources of pollution bath

First you need to figure out why the bath is soiled. What factors underlie this problem, and how do they have such a negative impact? So where does the dirt in the bath come from?

1. Plaque of organic particles. The most common source of pollution of a snow-white surface. When a person washes, not only dirt, but also the upper layer of the epidermis leaves his body. Basically, it disappears in the drain hole with water, but some of it settles in the bath. Time after time, this plaque becomes thicker, its color darkens, and the result is unsightly gray instead of pristine radiant whiteness.
2. Soapy coating. This problem is more complicated. When you wash yourself, bathe your children or clean different things in the bath, a soapy foam forms. In fact, it is a variety of chemical compounds. Some of them, again, are washed off with water, while the other not only settles in a rough gray coating, but also eats deep into the surface, thereby gradually destroying it.
3. Water structure. It is known that this fluid, although it looks the same everywhere, is different in its internal filling. Hard water is a problem in many regions. This means that it contains a large percentage of additional suspension, which also settles on the walls of the bath. As a result, a dark coating forms, sometimes almost saturated black, various smudges and stains.
4. Plain rust. Where does it come from in the bath? Everything is simple, from pipes that are internally composed of iron elements. Gradually, upon contact with water, rust forms, which subsequently settles on the bath with unsightly stains. There is one more reason. Often in the water itself there is an increased content of iron, which causes the appearance of disgusting yellowness on the walls of the tank.
5. The age of the bath. If you have it old, then there is nothing surprising that its entire surface is already dotted with the smallest cracks, and sometimes even chips. All kinds of dirt is clogged in them, particles invisible to the eye, elements are suspended in water. As a result, the bathtub looks very ugly, and it’s rather difficult to clean it.

In each case, it is necessary to determine the cause of contamination in order to effectively solve the problem. For example, to get rid of plaque of simple organic particles, it is only necessary after each washing to gently wipe the surface of the container with a soft sponge. Sometimes a bath needs to be washed with special chemicals. It is enough to arrange such procedures at least once a week so that the surface always has a radiant, elegant look. But still, these measures are not always enough. Sometimes you have to resort to other methods. We will talk about them below.

Basic bath cleaners

So, so that the bath shines again, you can choose one of the following methods. In general, there are quite a lot of them, but they all come down to several groups:

• Folk methods tested by time and by more than one generation;
• Chemicals from the corresponding department of any store;
• Mixes prepared with your own hands (these are also fairly well-known recipes).

Before you begin, carefully read the following notes. Firstly, everything that will be described below applies exclusively to cast-iron or steel enameled bathtubs. If you have an acrylic model at home, then this is a much more delicate thing, and only a special product, or citric acid dissolved in water, is suitable for it. Any more aggressive substance will instantly save your capacity not only from plaque, but also from a beautiful surface.

Secondly, when opting for chemical cleaners, be sure to focus only on those that come in the form of gels, pastes, creams, in other words, do not contain an abrasive component. It can easily scratch the surface of the enamel, which will create only additional problems.

Thirdly, again to avoid damage, do not use hard brushes. And in no case do not take as a solution to the problem means released for cleaning toilets and sinks. These substances are too aggressive, so they can destroy the surface of the bath in a short time.

Well, and fourthly, do not forget about yourself. It is recommended to approach the matter, armed with special protective gloves, as well as opening the bathroom. Remember that no one has yet canceled the harm to health from inhaling harmful fumes.

Well, now - specifically about work.

Various means: effective and safe

Even before the invention of newfangled and ultramodern cleaning products, bathtubs existed, and people somehow knew how to quickly and beautifully clean them of various types of contaminants. In fact, the range of home chemicals was not so wide, but it acted perfectly, and they have now forgotten very undeservedly. All popular recommendations have another indisputable plus: maximum security. They practically do not corrode the skin, do not harm the enameled surface, are not able to permanently ruin everything. So:

1. Soda. The most popular and effective folk remedy. It easily copes with any type of pollution, but it’s just completely useless in the fight against limescale. But the same yellowness, grease stains, ordinary household dirt will be eliminated in two counts. Apply with a damp sponge, rubbing, and then rinse. There is a more sophisticated method that cleanses to shine. Mix baking soda and soda ash in equal parts, mix, and then gently rub on a moistened surface. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with a mild vinegar solution and then with plain, warm water. It is done!
2. Vinegar. Another great helper. It effectively eliminates rust stains, household plaque, and also helps with other contaminants. The most common, 9 percent, will do. Dampen paper towels in it and distribute them throughout the bath, leaving for half an hour. Then clean and rinse. Two-three tone whitening is guaranteed!
3. Lemon acid. An excellent ally in the fight against limescale, and other pollution is also afraid of him. It will take only a solution of half a liter of hot water and 2 tablespoons of citric acid powder. Using a regular sponge, apply the mixture to the bath, soak for about 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly. The effect will exceed expectations!

If you are not a fan of resorting to folk remedies, use the proposed options in the store. “Domestos”, “Pemolux”, “Comets” and the like formulations are excellent helpers in the fight against dirt. However, they should be selected, focusing on their own bath.

Finally, you can resort to special recipes. For example, mix turpentine and salt in equal proportions or borax and table vinegar. However, no matter what the method that you use when cleaning the surface of the shine bath, the main thing is that it is safe for both you and the container!

Video: how to wash a cast-iron bathtub from plaque