Tubs do get stained over time if not properly maintained. Though maintenance will keep your reglazed tub off stains. However, some stains are a natural occurrence in your bathtub because you use them. One of the reglazed tub problems is how to remove stains from it. And to successfully do that, you have to be careful with the kind of materials you use on your reglazed tub. The use of the wrong material can damage the enamel. There are various non-abrasive bathroom cleaners on the market, that are both affordable and gentle on your reglazed tub.
Kindly avoid using steel wool, iron sponge, wire brushes, and other abrasive materials on your reglazed tub, if you want to ensure that your bathtub is not damaged. This article will discuss what a reglazed tub is and how to remove stains from a reglazed tub in a step-by-step guide. Let’s get started, shall we?
What is reglazed tub?
Bathtub reglazing has been around for a while now. If have got an old tub that you might have condemned needs replacement because it is chipped or shows signs of wear. You might need to rethink. Tub reglazing is actually real and it will be explained below.
According to the Craftsman Blog, a reglazed tub is a tub that has undergone the process of refinishing. Refinishing a bathtub which also means reglazing, is where the bathtub’s surface is refinished with an epoxy that is of high quality, that provides the tub with a new surface. It typically involves sand filling the chipped surface or visible cracks. And applying paints, coats, and primer to the surface.
Refinishing is not an expensive process, and it will not take so much money from you. HomeAdvisor provides the minimum amount reglazing will cost. The price range for refinishing a tub is between $335 and $628. And this will include the cost of labor and materials. For the client that needs to add an anti-slip coat to the floor, you are advised to budget an extra $40 to $60.
Have you thought of if it is worth reglazing your bathtub? Well, as a fact replacing your bathtub will cost you more money than reglazing. It is more cost-effective than your thoughts about remodeling. Think about how much time and inconvenience it will cost you to disconnect the plumbing pipes, move other materials aside, or remove tiles. Definitely, it is worth it to reglaze your tub than replace them.
What more? Refinishing can be done within a day. That is, your bathtub will be ready for use again within 24-48 hours.
How long does reglazing last on the tub?
A reglazed tub will last between 10-15 years. But the lifespan could be longer or shorter, depending on the usage and amount of maintenance you apply to it.
How to remove stains from reglazed tub
Removing stains from the reglazed tub is easy by following the simple steps below.
Step one: rinse the bathtub
The Spruce, says the first step to removing stains from the reglazed tub is by first rinsing the tub with water to remove any soap residue and hairs. All areas of the tub should be rinsed with water.
Step two: Apply the stain removal agent
The stain removal agents that are available are white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, etc. You are to apply any of this in measured amount to all places in the tub that is stained. Have you wondered if you can use vinegar on the refinished tubs? The answer is in the affirmative as the acid found in vinegar is renowned for losing the grime and dirt found on a tub, without causing any damage to the tub surface.
Step three: Let the stain remover rest
The solution you applied to the stain in the tub should be left to soak for about 20-30 minutes, so it can penetrate the stains.
Step four: Scrub the stain with non-abrasive
You should avoid using abrasive materials such as an iron sponge, and wire brush, amongst others on the tub. These will damage the enamel, and your tub could be the worst for it after you must have finished. Abrasive materials can chip or scratch the tub and worsen the state.
Therefore, you should use non-abrasive materials like the magic eraser, rejuvenate soap scum remover, power bathroom cleaner, and soft scrub gel with bleach cleaner, to mention but a few. After you have selected the non-abrasive cleaner that works for you, you should scrub the stained area gently.
After-care
Step five: Rinse the bathtub with clean water again
Rinse the solution away with clean water once you are done scrubbing the stain with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Step six: Dry your tub
Have a clean gentle white soft towel handy. This should be used to dry the tub from the water. At this point, the stained part should come out shining already. And you appeared to have successfully removed the stain from your reglazed tub.
How much is a new bathtub?
So as not to do a partial comparison, just in case you may genuinely consider going for a new bathtub rather than reglazing your bathtub, Bobvila provides insight into how much a new bathtub cost.
The cost of a new bathtub is between $1,390 to $10,734. With the national average operating at $5,660. This price is not fixed and it will depend on several factors. The paramount factor that drives up the cost of a new bathtub is the selection process. If you fancy a bathtub that is classy and luxurious, then you will be spending more.
Other factors that will drive or reduce the cost of a new bathtub are:
- Labor rate
- Plumbing adjustments where necessary
- The cost of removing the old tub
- The price cost to dispose of the old bathtub as the trash pickup does not include demolition materials. Thus you have to pay for all waste materials attached to replacing your old tub.
- Renovation permits; and the list is endless.
Now that you know the different costs between a new bathtub and reglazed bathtub, the ball is left in your court to go for what you desire most. Good luck!
How to remove stains from reglazed tub: Tips
- Avoid abrasive materials at all cost
- These chemicals must be avoided and do not use them in your bathtub; Ajax, any ammonia product, scotch-Brite pads, and steel wool, to mention but a few.
- You must use a softer sponge to clean your tub always.
- Do not be too quick to rush into buying or paying an electrician before you have decided if you want to refurbish your tub or buy a new one. It is recommended that you must have thought it through before you settle for a decision that goes in line with the direction you have for yourself.
- Avoid having bath mats or suction cups on the surface of your tub. Suction cuts are known to damage tubs, and this could be very relevant to protect against damage.
- If you are not sure how to use any non-abrasive materials or you are unsure if you can get the stains removed from your tub, then it is recommended you call a plumber who is experienced with how to care for a reglazed tub.
Frequently Asked Question
Why did my bathtub turn yellow?
Your bathtub turns yellow as a result of the accumulation of hard water and soap scum. They could also have been caused by the retention of human oil in the bathtub.
Can you use a magic eraser on a reglazed tub?
Yes, a magic eraser is the most recommended material used in cleaning reglazed tubs. It is a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and would not damage your reglazed tub, as compared to abrasive materials such as sponges with hard faces, steel wool, brushes made of wire, etc.
Read here to learn in detail about using a magic eraser on a reglazed tub.
How many times can you use a magic eraser?
A magic eraser is reusable several times. You can use it for as long as it last. But when it starts to fall apart or crumble out, that is a sign your magic eraser needs replacing.
Conclusion
A summary of this article introduces the topic of how to remove stains in reglazed tubs. Then it goes ahead to educate the reader on what a reglazed tub is, the cost of refurnishing, and whether it is worth it to reglaze an old tub rather than buy a new one. The cost-effectiveness of these two separate choices to make, from the instruction and factors to consider was discussed.
The writer understands that most times, the choices that made people take either of the actions are not often related to the cost of both. Furthermore, a step-by-step guide followed where all the information you need from how to remove stains in reglazed tub. There are different stain removers for reglazed tubs, and choosing non-abrasive materials is the best. It will prevent your tub from chipping or from causing damage to it the way abrasive materials will. Following all the tips enumerated above about how to remove stains in a reglazed tub will go a long way in ensuring you keep your reglazed tub white always.
References
- https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/bathrooms/refinish-a-bathtub/
- https://everglazecoatings.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-bathtub-reglazing-our-guide/
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-to-replace-a-bathtub/
- https://homepander.com/best-non-abrasive-cleaner/
- https://www.badeloftusa.com/ideas/bathtub-last-after-reglazing/
- https://tubnshower.com/2021/05/how-to-clean-a-reglazed-or-refinished-bathtub/
- https://www.ehow.com/how_6816296_fix-scratches-americast-tub-surfaces.html
- https://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/house/q-how-to-remove-stain-on-refinished-bathtub-32821873
- https://www.thespruce.com/ways-to-clean-a-refinished-tub-1821423
- https://thecraftsmanblog.com/what-is-bathtub-reglazing/
