If you just refinished your bathtub, you will want to enjoy it that way for a long time. That means you will need to be careful when cleaning it. You should avoid certain cleaning methods to prevent scratches from occurring and keep the finish shiny and sleek. The coating must be cleaned on a regular basis with mild chemicals and soft sponges, but knowing exactly what to use to clean a reglazed bathtub is beneficial. Do this and you won’t end up with the pitted and discoloured tub you just repaired. You surely want a cleaning approach that is effective. Most tub refinishers recommend using a liquid non-abrasive solution on a regular basis.

Why are liquid, non-abrasive cleaning solutions recommended?

Whether you have a DIY-finished or professionally finished tub, it is advisable to clean and preserve the coating with soft liquid cleaners. Because a refinished tub coating is made up of layers of specialist paint that can easily be nicked or scratched, it’s recommended to use non-abrasive cleaners. However, in order for non-abrasive cleansers to be effective, you must clean the tub frequently before soap scum or hard water deposits form. You can also use liquid dish soap to clean your bathtub without causing damage to its surface.

What to avoid?

Abrasives – Harsh or gritty cleaners, as well as rough sponges such as Scotch-Brite pads, steel wool soap pads, or sponges having an abrasive layer on one side, are examples of abrasives. Most tub refinishers and tub coating manufacturers also advise against using any chemicals that contain bleach or ammonia. When cleaning a reglazed tub, avoid using these typical cleaners:
Powdered cleansers – The powder may scratch the surface and even though you may not notice it in the beginning, more and more damage will occur in time.
Bleach – Avoid using this strong chemical on your bathtub.
Ammonia – Another powerful cleaning solution you should never use on your reglazed bathtub.
Abrasive cream cleanser – Whether they have physical abrasive particles or chemical abrasive qualities, they are not friends of your freshly refinished bathtub.
Steam cleaning – A household steam cleaner with a scrubbing attachment may appear to be an effective technique to remove dirt and soap scum without using abrasives. Unfortunately, steam does not work on reglazed tub finishes and can quickly harm them, especially if it seeps behind the coating or through any cracks.
Power washing – Power washing of old or original tile in a tub or shower is possible, but it is uncommon and should never be attempted on a reglazed surface. The action is simply too strong for the coating to handle. Power washing a reglazed surface could easily result in peeling or other coating damage. It would also void a professional refinishing job’s warranty.

Keep reading to find out how to clean your reglazed tub in the best way possible

Rinse the bathtub – Rinse the whole surface with warm water to remove solids, hairs, and other particles that are stuck to its coating. You can use a plastic bowl to pour water on it or simply do it with your showerhead if its hose is long enough.
Apply the cleaning solution – Pick wisely. Spread or spray the cleaner all over the tub to allow it to work on every surface. You can also pour some dish soap onto the surface and spread it around with a soft sponge.
Let the cleaning solution sit on for long enough – Allow the cleaner to sit for around 5 minutes. This helps in the removal of leftover soap residue and oils. It also allows time for a disinfectant cleaner to disinfect. (Wiping it off too soon prevents the cleaner from fully disinfecting.)
Gently scrub without abrasion – Scrub the entire tub surface using a regular cellulose sponge or a microfiber cloth (without any scouring agent on either side of the sponge). Scrub this region with a soft, nylon-bristle brush if the tub has a non-slip surface.
Rinse – Thoroughly rinse the whole surface of the tub with warm water. Make sure no soapy residue remains on the surface of the tub. It may turn into a sticky residue and attract more soil in the future.
Dry – Once all soapy solution is removed, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the whole surface of the tub. Make sure you thoroughly dry the whole area. Any water that remains on there may cause spotting and hard water deposits (if you live in an area with hard water).

Additional tips on preventing damage from occurring

Use or clean a reglazed bathtub only after it has fully cured, which normally takes 24 to 48 hours. It is okay to bathe in the reglazed tub once it has healed. To minimise difficulties and preserve the coating. Avoid using a bath mat or suction-cup appliques at the bottom of your tub. The suction cups have the potential to harm the coating and void your warranty. If you choose a non-slip bath mat without suction cups, use it just in the bathtub, remove it after use, and hang it to dry.
If you must bathe your pet in a reglazed bathtub, place a cloth on the tub’s bottom to prevent claw damage.
Though few people enjoy cleaning their bathtubs, regular cleaning once a week or more frequently (depending on the frequency of use) is the single most effective approach to maintain your tub clean without damaging it. Cleaning on a regular basis removes only a little quantity of filth. Thus, non-abrasive gentler approaches work nicely. It’s difficult to employ these moderate procedures if you wait until the tub is noticeably dark and dirty.