How to Clean Stains From a Clawfoot Bathtub

A claw-foot bathtub can add a feeling of history and a sense of class to any home. Antique designs, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, are available to select collectors as original antiques, or as reproductions and re-creations. Whichever you have, cleaning and caring for your claw-foot tub is important to maintain the beauty and style of owning such a piece.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Latex or rubber gloves
• Granual cleaner
• Washrag or sponge
• Soft-bristle scrub brush
• Goggles
• Muriatic acid
• Detergent
• Towel

Instructions

Cleaning Porcelain

1. Wet the inside surface of the bathtub with water from the tap. Wipe down the sides with water and a washrag or sponge to remove surface dirt or grime.

2. Add a granular cleaner such as Comet or Bon-Ami to the water until it suds; follow all instructions and warnings on the product.

3. Wipe down the stained areas of the claw-foot tub with a washrag or sponge soaked in the cleaning solution. For tough stains, use a soft-bristle scrub brush.

4. Add one part muriatic acid to one part water to clean rust stains from the porcelain. Use a damp cloth to apply the acid to the stains, then scrub.

5. Rinse the tub thoroughly to remove any soap or stain residue.

Cleaning Acrylic

1. Wet the inside surface of the tub with tap water. Wipe down the sides to remove surface dirt or grime.

2. Add dish or laundry detergent to the water and wash the sides with a soft cloth or sponge.

3. Apply a multipurpose cleaner to remove tougher stains; scrub with a soft sponge or cloth.

4. Rinse the tub thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Drying the interior of the tub after every use helps prevent dirt buildup and rust problems. Muriatic acid is available at most hardware stores and eats through the rust without damaging the porcelain.

• Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses when working with chemicals or acids. Be sure all skin is covered with clothing when working with acid. Never use abrasive chemicals on acrylic as they eat through the acrylic covering.

References

• Tub Cleaning Guide
• How to Remove Rust Stains
• Refinishing a Clawfoot Tub