Bathtub Maintenance is Essential

If you’re like many people, you probably don’t think a whole lot about bathtub maintenance. You clean it, bathe in it and let it go, but over time, depending on what your tub is made of, you may find that you need to do other things to your tub to keep it looking and working like new. Depending on what your bathtub is made of, over time and with improper care, your tub can wind up getting scratched, worn or chipped. If you have a jetted tub, time can cause the jets to break down or become so dirty that they are difficult to clean and impossible to use. This is why we often find ourselves in a pickle when it comes to remodeling a bathroom inexpensively. Do you replace the existing tub and pay for someone to take it out and haul it to the landfill, or do you just refinish your tub? Should you get a tub liner or do you just get a new bathtub?

cast iron or porcelain. Or, it could be made of fiberglass. When you begin to see that the shine has worn off in some places, and you have this type of tub, it might be time to refinish it, which is a process where a professional comes and essentially re-paints your existing bathtub and adds a fresh glaze. The cost is less, because you wind up keeping your existing tub and don’t have to worry about demolition or landfill fees that you would wind up paying if you decided to replace your existing tub. Add new caulk and tile to surround and faucet and you have a brand new bathtub.

While this is a great way to repair a bathtub if you need to, with some of the newer acrylic tubs, you can get a repair kit for any little holes or cracks, or temporarily repair them with caulk, but in the end, you’re going to want to replace the bathtub to eliminate the risk of leaking and water damage. Acrylic tubs are relatively inexpensive, but you’ll want to enlist the help of a professional to install it.

Another option that many people are choosing is to get a bathtub liner, which fits over the existing bathtub and wall to offer a new, clean appearance to your bathroom. These can get a bit expensive, and sometimes people find it’s more cost effective to tear out the existing tub and fixtures on their own and buy a brand new bathtub.

When you have Jacuzzi type bathtub or a jetted tub, maintenance is a little more complicated and much more important. Since the jets can get dirty, it’s important to read the owner’s guide for important information on how to clean them to make sure they are free of mold, mildew and any residue that might sit in them. Sometimes, the jets in this type of bathtub can break down, which is why it’s important to keep up with preventative bathtub maintenance on this type of tub to ensure it works the way its supposed to for years to come.

While most bathtubs will do well with any type of non abrasive bathroom cleaner, it’s a good idea to check with the owner’s manual or manufacturer before cleaning if you have a copper or air tub, as these may require special maintenance and care.

Whether you decide to replace your tub, refinish it or cover it with a liner, it’s important to remember that your bathtub is likely the focal point of your bathroom, so it’s important to make sure to always clean and maintain your bathtub properly to ensure that you never wind up with water damage and your tub, no matter how much of a luxury, looks great and works well for years to come.