Cleaning enamel baths-suggestions?

fabianne

The bath in my house is an old enamel one and parts of the base are discoloured so it looks mucky(I assure you it is clean as a whistle)
I did it with a Polti steam cleaner when I moved in here which brought it up quite nicely,but was told it may damage the surface if I over do it.
Can anyone recommend what else to use please?
I have tried toothpaste and a scouring pad and elbow grease.
I have had Spirits of Salt recommended-but cannot find it anywhere-are they pulling my leg or does it exist and does it work??
Thanks!

zincoxide

Get yourself some stardrops - from Saimsburys or ASDA - put it in the bath with hot water overnight then simply give it a rub down in the morning. Should bring it up sparkling!

squeaky

fabianne wrote:

The bath in my house is an old enamel one and parts of the base are discoloured so it looks mucky(I assure you it is clean as a whistle)
I did it with a Polti steam cleaner when I moved in here which brought it up quite nicely,but was told it may damage the surface if I over do it.
Can anyone recommend what else to use please?
I have tried toothpaste and a scouring pad and elbow grease.
I have had Spirits of Salt recommended-but cannot find it anywhere-are they pulling my leg or does it exist and does it work??
Thanks!

Spirits of salt is hydrochloric acid and is very nasty stuff to use.

You might be able to pick up some ideas from these links from the MEGA Index sticky:-


Bath:
- Bathroom sink starting to whiff
- Best way to clean a bath?
- Hair dye -Cleaning bath sealant
- How do I clean a manky old bath?
- Limescale
- Stained Bath
- What to scrub a plastic bath with

Cazzdevil

You can use nylon scourers on an enamel baths too don't forget, they won't scratch it.

I'd agree with zincoxide - Stardrops and a nylon scourer.

fabianne

Thanks will give it a go!
(Elbow grease at the ready!)

tescodisco

if it comes to it, you could get it re-enamelled. Not amazingly cheap - but looks lovely and cheaper than a new bath.......

fabianne

I rent this house disco-so want it to look ace without great expense.

angel

I've just had a brand new sparkling bath fitted after years of an old stained one that the enamel had worn off of.

What is the best way to clean it OS and keep it sparkling without it going dull like the old one did? Also, what NOT to use on it.

I've done a quick search but as often is the case I found not much that was relevant!

Many Thanks!

newleaf

Stardrops & microfibre cloth will be fine. Don't use anything abrasive like cif, or any scouring pads, and be careful not to scratch the enamel with your jewellery. Clean the bath straight away after use, especially if you have used anything which colours the bathwater. (Some of those Lush bath bombs are lethal!)
We had a new white enamel bath fitted 7 years ago and it's still pristine.

angel

Thanks for that, I'll get some Stardrops in!

I've just had another thought though. I'm due to dye my hair next week, I use a permanent dye, how in earth will I proctect it then? With my old bath I'd given up worrying, I just don't want to ruin this one.

pigpen

I clean mine with toothpaste!.. hey.. works on your teeth!!