Walk-in tubs can provide you with years of relaxation and happiness. Furthermore, it also helps you in securing your safety when bathing while providing you with the much-needed therapeutic technology.
You’ve already welcomed your walk-in tub in your home, and you have experienced the comfort and relaxation as well as safety that it offers. Now, you are onto the next phase— walk-in tub cleaning.
Factors Affecting Walk-in Tubs Maintenance
Walk-in tubs are considered to be maintenance-friendly, even the best walk in tubs need proper care and cleaning. However, the degree of cleaning will depend on the material, the frequency, and nature of usage, as well as the water you use at home.
Water
The water you utilize at home can greatly affect the maintenance requirement of your tub. Hard water can leave a different kind of deposits and stains as compared to soft water. Therefore, you will need to determine the type of stains accumulated on the tub and use the right mixture of cleaners and water that will remove these stains effectively.
Material
The type of material your tub is made can also affect its means of maintenance. A lot of the best bathtubs today are made of fiberglass or acrylic. Fiberglass bathtubs are relatively more affordable. However, the material is considered brittle and porous, and the gel covering tends to result in discoloration when used frequently. They are easy to clean with the minimal use of strong cleaners, but proper maintenance should be done regularly.
On the other hand, acrylic walk-in tubs are costlier than the fiberglass type, yet they are the more durable choice. Since the material allows ease in cleaning, the tubs made of acrylic don’t need much maintenance. Light weekly cleaning is required to maintain its appearance and condition.
Nature of usage
Walk-in tubs have doors; therefore, it is required to use the tubs with proper care. Gently close and open the door to avoid the risk of leakage. Also, the frequency of use determines the degree of cleaning and maintenance, so you need to check on it regularly.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance of Walk-in Tubs
The best bathtub cleaner depends on the current situation based on the factors mentioned above. There are steps on how you can achieve the most effective solution for your hot tub.
1. Clean the Surfaces
Taking care of the surfaces of your tub is easy when done regularly as to avoid an accumulation of stains. You have to use non-abrasive cleaners that also act as disinfectants in cleaning the interior of the tub. Also, make use of a squeegee or a soft clean cloth instead of rough sponges or brushes. Abrasive cleaners and solutions can destroy the surface of your tub over the course of time.
2. Clean the Faucet and Shower Head
Maintaining your tub does not end with the surface only, you also need to take care of its faucet, shower head, and other hardware. An antibacterial cleaner should be used to clean them instead of the solutions containing bleach. After applying the cleaning solution, rinse the hardware and dry using a soft cloth.
3. Check for Leaks
Since walk-in tubs have doors and sometimes shower enclosure, you need to regularly check for possible leaks. The double gasket should seal any gaps within the door and the tub. Also, it is important to avoid clumsiness when using the tub to reduce the risk of breaking some parts and causing accidents.
4. Maintain the Surroundings
In caring for the walk-in tub, you also need to maintain its surroundings in order to enhance safety. In the absence of shower enclosures, you can hang shower curtain to prevent the water from spilling on the bathroom floor. You may also install a bathroom fan that will serve as an exhaust and to quickly dry the bathroom after use.
5. Follow a Periodic Cleaning
Cleaning, when done at a regular time will help you utilize your tub for a long time. As soon as you have finished using the bathtub, make sure to rinse the surface with warm water. This will help you drain all the soaps and fluids you used while bathing, thus avoiding stain build up.
- It is also important to leave the bathroom window open at least an hour per day in order to avoid moisture being trapped inside the room, thus lowering the humidity level. The tubs are mold resistant; therefore, only mild cleaning is necessary.
- Every week, clean the surfaces with a mild solution, whether natural or chemical, to remove the deposits you weren’t able to remove after bath. A mild dishwashing soap and warm water will help you remove the residue. For the drain, a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda, rinsed with hot water will do the trick.
- Once a month, it is important to give your entire walk-in tub the proper overall maintenance. Fill the tub halfway with warm water and mix a spoonful of dishwashing liquid. Run the system for 10-15 minutes, then drain the liquid. Repeat the process but with warm water only. After which, wipe the entire tub with clean cloth.
6. Ensure Warranty
Some of the components of the walk-in tub may encounter wear and tear over time. Make sure that you have verified the details of the warranty that is included upon purchase. Some of the manufacturers are offering 5 to 10 years of service warranty on several components.
Conclusion
Proper walk-in tub cleaning and maintenance is not as difficult as it seems. You just have to observe the right ways of using it, and with regular cleaning, your tub will surely serve you for a long time. When all of the above mentioned has been observed, your walk-in tub will be your family’s long-term companion for an enjoyable, safe, and relaxing bath experience.
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