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Ring around tub

We moved into a house in the past year and my bath tub is driving me crazy. It's an old tub and I cannot seem to get the ring around the tub off. I have used so many different things and nothing seems to work. I don't think the people who lived here before ever cleaned the thing.  We plan on replacing the tub in the future but I would like for it to at least look clean until then.

Re: Ring around tub

  • What's the tub made of? If it's a really old tub (50+), and it's made of metal covered in porcelain, it's probably because the surface has worn off and become porous. In that case, you can have the tub re-glazed, which is where someone comes and gives it a new coat of porcelain finish and it will be good as new. I want to do it for mine and it's $300.

    If that's not it...maybe try CLR or some oxy-containing product? Or, I've never tried it, but my mom swears by Kaboom for everything in the bathroom.

  • Let us know what you tried, so we know what to suggest.
  • I haven't tried the magic eraser.  I keep hearing what wonders it does so I may try it. I've tried comen, brillo pads and soaking the tub overnight in bleach.  I've tried somethintg called The works and it seems to help some. It's like a $1 and I let it soak for like an hour right before I start my cleaning routine.  It's an old porcelian tub from the 80's. There is a little rust near the drain as well. I scrub and scrub. I don't want people thinking that we have a gross bathtub so the curtain HAS to be closed at all times.
  • You can try vinegar and baking soda.  This is what I use in the bathroom & kitchen.  Here are some helpful tips:  http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=7
  • First, stop freaking. No one cares that much about your bathtub except for you!

    For the rust at the drain, Barkeeper's Friend will take care of it. It eats rust - just sprinkle, let it sit 5min and then scrub.Might need to repeat a couple times if it's deep rust. You can also use it to clean like you use Comet, but it's more environmentally friendly, less likely to continue taking the finish off the tub, and it usually works better too.

    Once you've got the rust off, go to Home Depot and you can buy some pocelein paint to touch up that area around the drain. It won't be a perfect match but it should help keep rust at bay.

    - Jena
    image
  • Like a pp suggested, you could look into getting it re-glazed. My dad used to own a bathtub re-glazing company, so I know it's a lot less expensive than buying a new tub and it lasts a long time. He has always told me to use Kaboom, so that's what we use on our tub and it seems to work well. Maybe try that and a magic eraser? 
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • BKF is sold at target, walmart, BBB used to sell it dont know if they still do. I've even seen it at some grocery stores. Comes in a gold comet-type can.
    - Jena
    image
  • I bought some Kaboom and a magic eraser. I'm going to try it and see if I notice a difference. I will also look into the BKF. Thanks for all the suggestions ladies!
  • Update: I tried the Kaboom & magic eraser and I can tell a difference. It is for sure getting that old soap scum and grim off. I think a few more cleans and it will make a huge difference. I never thought this stuff would do so good. I think I found a new cleaning friend lol.
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