How to clean an enameled cast iron bathtub?

How to clean an enameled cast iron bathtub?

To keep your cast iron bathtub in good condition and especially to increase the life of the enamel, good cleaning and good maintenance over time is necessary.

Here are some good tips and tricks for properly maintaining and cleaning your cast iron bathtub.

1. Regular cleaning of your cast iron bathtub

To avoid stubborn stains on enamelled cast iron, it is best to maintain and clean your bathtub frequently.

What to wash your cast iron bathtub with?

Simply mix a little water with dishwashing liquid and wash the entire surface of the tub. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth to finish. Repeat every week to avoid the formation of soap stains and limestone on the enamel of the bathtub.

2. Remove traces of limescale from a cast iron bathtub

If you notice the presence of stains and traces of limestone in the bathtub then I have a grandmother’s recipe based on vinegar to offer you.

1. Slightly heat (to lukewarm) white vinegar or household vinegar.
2. Dampen a soft cloth or soft sponge (non-abrasive) and scrub the enamel cast iron surface.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water, dry and repeat regularly to prevent lime from attacking the enamel of the bathtub.

It is important never to use an abrasive sponge, brush or worse, steel wool to remove limescale stains from an enameled cast iron bathtub… EVER!

3. Clean stubborn stains in a cast iron bathtub

Unfortunately, over time and a lack of maintenance, « very » stubborn stains can occur. So here is a tip based on baking soda to use to clean a cast iron bathtub, but also to clean an acrylic bathtub.

1. Mix soda crystals with lukewarm water to form a paste.
2. Apply the cleansing paste directly to the stains and leave on for 30 minutes.
3. Rub gently with a cloth or sponge (non-abrasive) and rinse with warm water.

It’s important to scrub gently and only use this trick if you can’t remove stains in the tub with soapy water or vinegar.

4. Remove rust from a cast iron bathtub

If you have a very old cast iron tub you may have noticed rust in the bottom or sides of the tub.

Here’s how to naturally remove rust from your tub:

1. Pour a little lemon juice directly on the rust stain and sprinkle with fine salt.
2. Leave on for 30 minutes and rub gently with a cloth or sponge (non-abrasive).
3. Rinse and repeat if the rust stain is still visible.

Be careful not to rub too vigorously so as not to damage the enamel of the bathtub.