How to Clean and Maintain a Reglazed Bathtub
Congratulations on your new tub! With the right care, a professionally reglazed bathtub can look new for 15 to 20 years. The best part is, keeping it clean is easier than dealing with the stains and chips you had before. You just need to know what works and what to avoid.
The Golden Rule: Skip the Harsh Stuff
A common mistake is cleaning a newly reglazed tub the same way as the old one, using abrasive powders, scouring pads, or strong bathroom chemicals. These products can dull, scratch, or damage your new finish much sooner than expected.
Avoid:
Abrasive cleansers like Comet, Ajax, or Bar Keepers Friend
Scouring pads, steel wool, or stiff scrub brushes
Cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or strong acids
Bath mats with rubber suction cups left stuck to the surface for long stretches, since they can trap moisture and discolor the finish.
Use instead:
A soft cloth, sponge, or soft bristle brush
A mild liquid dish soap or a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner
Products labeled safe for acrylic, fiberglass, or refinished and reglazed surfaces
A Simple Weekly Cleaning Routine
Try to rinse the tub after each use, or at least a few times a week. This helps prevent soap scum and mineral buildup.
Wipe the tub with mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth or a non-abrasive sponge.
Rinse the tub well. If you want to avoid water spots, dry it with a towel.
If you notice soap scum building up, mix equal parts vinegar and water. This works well on most refinished surfaces. Don’t let the vinegar sit for too long, and rinse it off thoroughly afterward.
What About Mold and Mildew?
A good reglazing job gives your tub a smoother, less porous surface that resists mold and mildew much better than an old tub or dirty grout. Still, bathrooms stay damp, so it helps to:
Run a fan or crack a window after showers to reduce humidity.
Wipe down the tub and tile after use when you can; even 30 seconds with a squeegee makes a difference.
If you see mildew, use a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner made for mold and mildew. Avoid cleaners with a lot of bleach or anything abrasive on the tub’s finish.
A Few More Do's and Don'ts
Use bath mats with a smooth backing, or lift suction cup mats from time to time so the surface can dry out.
Try not to drop heavy items like razors, shampoo bottles, or toys onto the tub floor. While the reglazed surface is strong, repeated impacts can cause chips over time.
Take care of small chips or worn spots as soon as you notice them. A quick touch-up is much easier and less expensive than having to redo the whole tub.
Avoid using hair dye or strong solvents directly in the tub unless you rinse them away right after, since some products can stain the finish.
When to Call a Professional
If you see peeling, bubbling, or dull spots before your finish should wear out, give us a call, especially if your tub is still under warranty. At Perma Ceram Bathroom, every job comes with a one-year guarantee, and we’re always happy to help with advice, even years later.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of a reglazed bathtub is simple: treat it as gently as you would a nice countertop. Using mild soap, a soft cloth, and giving it regular attention will keep your tub looking new for years.
If you have questions about caring for your tub, or want to know how reglazing can help an older tub, get a free quote or call 610-647-6230. Perma Ceram Bathroom has served Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Bucks Counties, as well as Philadelphia and the Main Line, since 1977.