Replies

1. 
   5brown1 | Jan 29, 2006 07:14pm | #1

   Could it be rust from the water. If so try Iron Out. Put it in water in the tub and let it soak for hours.

2. 
   Hoohuli | Jan 29, 2006 09:14pm | #2

   Might be best just to have a tub restorer come in and spray a new surface on the tub in the color of your choice.

3. 
   WayneL5 | Jan 29, 2006 10:06pm | #3

   What have you tried?  What color is the stain?

   I've been able to get ordinary dirt, soap scum, and mildew out with Dow foaming bathroom cleaner and a soft scrub brush.

    

1. 
   KeylessChuck | Feb 01, 2006 05:55am | #5

   Cleansers, scowering pads, a razor blade, bleach, comet. The textured portions are grey in color. We don't want to resurface the tub because I have heard that resurfaceing doesn't last and frankly I've seen some pretty shotty resurface jobs.

1. 
   WayneL5 | Feb 02, 2006 01:57am | #6

   From the gray color it isn't rust, certainly.  None of the things you mention are particularly effective at soap scum removal.  This may be the buildup on your tub, especially if you have hard water.  I would try Dow foaming bathroom cleaner.  Allow it to soak per the instructions, then remove it with a scrub brush.

2. 
   rvieceli | Feb 02, 2006 03:43am | #7

   I've got the same tub. The only thing I've found to be effective is using Bar Keepers Friend which is a fine pumice and a lot of elbow grease. Once your get them clean try to be religious about using an anti soap scum cleaner like Tile Ex after every shower.

4. 
   atrident | Jan 29, 2006 10:39pm | #4

     Dont put an acid cleaner and just let it sit as it will etch the porcelin. That happened to mine and we could never get it clean looking. A sledge hammer removes old cast iron tubs pretty well..use goggles.

5. 
   appletlarson | Feb 02, 2006 05:17am | #8

   Dont wast your time on chemical cleaners, use a pumice stone, there only a couple of bucks at your local home depot. Ive cleaned tubs using them after tile repairs and other bathroom projects, and the homeowners are always shocked that i got there old tub clean. This is the best not so secret cleaning product out there, you dont here about it, id imagine because it wouldnt make a good commercial and its cheap.

1. 
   KeylessChuck | Feb 03, 2006 06:06am | #12

   Thanks. Won't it scratch the tub surface?

1. 
   appletlarson | Feb 03, 2006 06:34am | #14

   If your tub is porcelin it wont scratch it, i cant explain why but it just works.

1. 
   KeylessChuck | Feb 04, 2006 08:07pm | #15

   Very good. Thanks.

6. 
   BryanSayer | Feb 02, 2006 05:35am | #9

   You could try a poltice of baking soda and lemon juice, covered with plastic to keep it moist. Let it set several hours, and rinse. You might also repeat a few times.

7. 
   alwaysoverbudget | Feb 02, 2006 06:01am | #10

   ok,now you won't read this in the sun. paper. take a qt of  good lacquer thinner, some comet,and a red scotchbrite. open the window,put on a paint mask and start scrubbing.the thinner will get in there and cut the soap scum and crud out of the rough surface. i have rentals and cleaning tubs are almost a hobby  anymore. larry

   hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.

1. 
   KeylessChuck | Feb 03, 2006 06:04am | #11

   Yikes. Any risk to damaging the tub finish with the laquer finish?

1. 
   alwaysoverbudget | Feb 03, 2006 06:21am | #13

   the only way it would damage the finish is if it has been refinished,other than that it won't touch porcelan.larryhand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.