A refinished bathtub is easy to care for, but it does require a slightly different approach than cleaning an old, worn tub where the surface is already damaged and you're scrubbing away at stains. The key is using gentle products and avoiding anything abrasive.
Here's a practical guide to keeping your refinished surface looking its best.
What to Use
The best cleaners for a refinished bathtub are mild, non-abrasive liquid bathroom cleaners. Products that are gentle enough for regular use without etching or scratching the coating include:
- Mild liquid dish soap diluted in warm water
- Gentle liquid bathroom cleaners (check that they are labelled non-abrasive)
- White vinegar diluted in water for mineral deposits, use sparingly and rinse thoroughly
Apply with a soft cloth, sponge, or non-scratch cleaning pad. Rinse thoroughly with warm water after cleaning and wipe the surface dry.
What to Avoid
These are the products and tools most likely to damage a refinished surface:
- Abrasive powder cleansers (Comet, Ajax, and similar products) — the grit in these products scratches the coating surface
- Scrubbing pads with rough or scratchy surfaces — steel wool and rough nylon pads will scratch the finish
- Bleach-heavy cleaners used regularly — occasional use is less of a concern, but regular exposure to strong bleach can degrade the coating over time
- Strong acid or alkali drain cleaners poured directly into the tub — if you need to use a drain cleaner, pour it carefully directly into the drain
- Suction-cup bath mats — the suction mechanism pulls at the coating when the mat is removed; use a non-suction alternative instead
Day-to-Day Habits That Help
The single most effective care habit is the simplest one: rinse the tub after every use. Soap residue and mineral deposits from Calgary's water are much easier to manage when they don't have a chance to build up. A quick rinse and a wipe-down after each use will keep the surface looking clean with minimal effort.
If you notice soap scum beginning to build up, address it promptly with a gentle cleaner before it becomes harder to remove. The less you have to scrub, the better for the surface.
What to Do If You Get a Chip
Chips can happen, a dropped shampoo bottle, a razor holder that falls. If you get a chip, contact us. Small chips repaired promptly stay small. Left alone, they can grow as water gets underneath the coating edge, and what started as a minor touch-up becomes a larger repair job. We'd rather fix a small chip early.
The 24-Hour Rule
After your tub is refinished, it needs 24 hours to cure fully before any water contact. During this period, the tub should not be used and no cleaning products should be applied. After the cure period is complete, normal gentle cleaning can begin.
Your technician will confirm the cure period and provide care instructions specific to your job before leaving.