Bathroom
4. Preventive PracticesPerhaps the most important step in having a clean tub is what you do after you’ve cleaned to minimize future problems, especially the ever-present soap scum. All the experts agree that wiping down the tub and drying after each use go a long way towards keeping it looking good — and keeping your cleaning time to a minimum. Blair-Broeker has another suggestion that’s easy to implement. “Once clean,” she says, “we suggest to homeowners that they switch to a bath gel. It is the talc in bar soap that creates the scum. If they feel they don’t want to make that switch, we encourage using a hard soap.”See how to clean: Carpet | Dishwashers | Fireplaces | Garden Tools | Glass Showers | Hardwood Floors | Marble Countertops and Tile | Microwaves | Ranges and Ovens | Refrigerators | Silver | Stainless Steel | Water Rings on Wood | Windows | Window Screens
3. Tub Cleaning TechniquesOnce you’ve decided on a cleanser, it’s time to face the tub. Start by clearing everything off the edges so you have a clean slate. Next, treat any stains. Then apply your chosen cleanser, spreading the paste in a circular motion or spraying the cleanser on the entire surface, starting from the rim of the tub, working along the sides and finishing at the bottom. The next step is easy. According to Meg Roberts, president of Molly Maid, most people make the mistake of applying the cleanser and any stain treatment and then cleaning immediately, rather than giving them time to work. “We put too much elbow grease into it,” she says, noting that Molly Maid employees spray the wet surfaces, such as the tub and sink, then turn to cleaning the dry surfaces in the room. It may be half an hour before they return to cleaning the tub. You can follow that schedule or follow Roberts’ suggestion and spend the next hour playing with the dog, taking a walk or simply relaxing. Once the cleanser has had time to work, scrub the sides and bottom of the tub, starting from the top and working your way down. For the least abrasive approach, choose a soft cloth or microfiber cloth....
Before you start to clean, you need to know what type of finish your tub has. Most tub finishes are porcelain, enamel, acrylic or fiberglass. If the finish looks like plastic, it’s one of the latter two. If your tub is made from a more unusual material, such as stone or copper, check with your tub’s manufacturer for cleaning instructions.
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