How to Look After a Cast Iron Bathtub
A beautiful cast iron bath makes the perfect centrepiece to any bathroom. Their delicate enamel coating is made from powdered glass fused to a high shine finish, which is easy to keep this way provided you care for it properly. If you have recently purchased a cast iron bath, these tips will help you keep it looking as good as new for as long as possible. Don’t forget, your tub could last an entire lifetime so long as you understand proper cast iron bath maintenance.
Cast Iron Bath Maintenance – 5 Top Tips
• Keep sharp, metal objects away from your bath wherever possible. Minor scratches should be covered with epoxy paint before dirt and rust have a chance to build up.
• Conversely, if you get paint on your bath a razor blade can be used to scrape it off without causing damage. More information can be found on this here.
• Severely chipped enamel should only be repaired by a specialist. Don’t attempt to do this yourself as it could end up looking worse. Just make sure you get it seen to immediately to prevent a build-up of rust.
• Leaky faucets should be fixed as soon as possible, as constantly dripping water can eventually stain the enamel surface.
• If you have an old cast iron tub that looks past repair, ask about getting it professionally restored. You may well be surprised at the results.
Cleaning Your Cast Iron Bathtub
One of the best products for cleaning your cast iron bath is one that you will already have in your home. Washing up liquid is a great cleaning material, as it is safe to use on the majority of surfaces including your bathtub. Use a sponge or non-abrasive, microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. If you do this on a regular basis as well as rinsing the bath with water after use, this should prevent any long-term build up. Drying the tub after washing will leave a great shine.
Stubborn stains such as those left by standing water, mould or mildew can be difficult to remove, and it’s important to do so as soon as you notice them to prevent further build-up. The best way to do this is by filling your tub with water and adding a scoop of biological washing detergent. Leave this mixture to stand for a few hours, then drain and wipe down the surface with a non-abrasive cloth.
For pesky marks that just don’t want to budge, mix baking soda with a little water until a thick paste forms. Use this paste on stubborn, hard-to-remove stains and leave for a couple of hours. Clean off with a soft cloth and rinse.
Please note: All these cleaning products should be tested on an inconspicuous area before being applied all over.
If you haven’t chosen a cast iron bath tub yet, the Cast Iron Bath Company is a great place to start. They have a fabulous selection of double-ended baths like the Polperro Seen here below in the Image, roll top baths and slipper baths amongst many others. All their tubs all made with quality, style and durability in mind, making cast iron bath maintenance and cleaning a breeze. Go to castironbath.co.uk to view the full range and order online.
