Cleaning the bath: How to make your bathtub shine again!
After a hard day, there is nothing better than relaxing in a hot bath. But the appeal quickly fades if we are confronted with unsightly stains and limescale in the bathtub. Hard water, residue from bath additives and skin lipids: depending on the material, an unattractive film of dirt can quickly form in the bathtub. We explain how to clean your bath – quickly, gently and easily.
Cleaning the bath using natural cleaning agents and household products
You don’t always need to use chemicals or buy special cleaning products: Natural substances and gentle household products can also restore your bathtub’s shine. Natural cleaning agents sometimes need to be left for a little longer to work, but they are generally more environmentally friendly and less harmful to groundwater than aggressive cleaning products. This can also help to avoid additional plastic waste. Many cleaning products contain bleach, preservatives and fragrances which can be problematic for health.
Tips: Household products for cleaning the bath
So before you clean your bath, take a look around your home. Effective solutions that can be found in almost every household include:
Baking powder: A few little packs of baking powder can usually be found tucked away in most kitchen cupboards. This leavening agent consists of natron which is excellent for removing limescale and cleaning seals. To tackle stubborn soiling, mix some baking powder with vinegar or citric acid and leave the mixture to work overnight.
Vinegar: White household vinegar with an acidity level of five per cent is a real multi-talent and ideal for cleaning a bath. For sensitive materials, dilute vinegar essence before use. A mixture of baking powder and vinegar is also ideal for removing rust stains on the drain: apply, leave to work for a short time and then rinse off.
Citric acid: Citric acid is another excellent product for descaling. Add two to three tablespoons of citric acid powder to one litre of lukewarm water. Alternatively, cut a lemon in half and rub it repeatedly over the stains.
Sodium carbonate: As well as being ideal for cleaning the bath, everyday household sodium carbonate is also excellent for removing blockages in drains.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a real top tip from grandma’s treasure chest. Mixed with vinegar, it is very effective for cleaning a bath. It can also be applied on its own to polish the bathtub after cleaning. Leave it to work for around half an hour and then rinse off. This environmentally friendly solution allows you to enjoy a gleaming and naturally sealed bathtub.
Laundry detergent: Washing powder or a liquid laundry detergent is a staple product in every household. As well as cleaning your laundry, it is also perfect for removing heavier soiling in the bath. Fill the bathtub with warm water, add the laundry detergent and leave the mixture to work overnight.
Washing-up liquid: Everyday washing-up liquid and even shampoo can also be used to clean the bath.
Soft soap: Biodegradable soft soap is a gentle solution to remove slight staining on the bath.
Cleaning the bath correctly
In general: Acrid, undiluted cleaning agents, abrasive sponges, scouring creams or powders are not suitable for cleaning a bath. These products can damage sensitive surfaces. The damage may not be visible to the naked eye, but it will allow residue and bacteria to quickly accumulate here in future. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any purchased cleaning products. If you are not sure whether the product is suitable, test it on an inconspicuous area of the bath first.
The best way to clean a bath depends mainly on its type and material. Here are the most important tips for the different types of bath:
Cleaning Quaryl® baths: Quaryl is an innovative mixture developed by Villeroy & Boch consisting of very fine quartz sand and tried-and-tested acrylic. The material’s smooth surface makes it very easy to care for and clean. To maintain its attractive shine, it can be treated regularly with a liquid cleaner suitable for acrylicand a soft sponge.
Cleaning acrylic and plastic baths: Wipe acrylicbaths once a week with washing-up liquid or a vinegar-based cleaner. But only use a soft microfibre cloth for cleaning, as the material is relatively soft and sensitive. The abrasive side of scouring sponges or a metal sponge would scratch the surface. The roughened surface would then be an ideal target for dirt and germs.
Cleaning enamel baths: In general, the same requirements as for acrylic apply to enamel. However, do not use acidic cleaning agents on enamel and steel-enamel baths. These can cause unsightly rust-like stains. Mild cleaning agents such as soft soap, shampoo and a soft cloth are a better choice.
Cleaning indoor hot tubs and baths with jets: Whirlpool systems should be cleaned monthly. You can use a special whirlpool cleaner for this. Alternatively, mild, diluted cleaning agents will also work well. Remove the jets for cleaning. Use natron or citric acid to treat limescale stains. Refer to the user guide before cleaning and follow the instructions provided.
How can you remove yellow stains in the bathtub?
An unsightly yellow veil on the bathtub is usually caused by residue from skin oil and bath additives. Essential oils, for example, often leave an oily film in the bath. A mixture of vinegar and salt, blended into a paste and applied to the yellow stains, will help. It should ideally be left to work overnight. The next day, you can then rinse the mixture off with lots of clean water. To stop these yellow stains appearing in the first place, always rinse the bath thoroughly and dry it after use.