CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF REGLAZED SURFACES
First 48 Hours After Reglazing
Do not use the reglazed sink, bathtub, or refinished surface for 48 hours after we are done. Nothing should be placed on the fixture, especially water.
First 7 Days After Reglazing
- Do not lay soap, bottles, or any object on the reglazed surface.
- Be sure the taps are closed tightly and are dry every evening.
- Clean the finish gently, only with water and a soft sponge.
After 7 days— Long-Term Maintenance to Your Refinished Fixture
- Do clean the reglazed surface with spray cleaners or a spray such as 3M® Scotch Brite® Stay Clean Scrubber, CRL® Bathroom & Kitchen Cleaner, Formula 409® Multi-Surface Cleaner, Mr. Clean® All Multi-Surface Liquids, Lysol® Power Bathroom Cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles® Mega Shower Foamer Trigger, and a cloth, or moistened sponge and water.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners as they will damage the refinishing.
- All chemicals must be kept away from the finish. Acid-bearing compounds (drain openers, tile grout, etc.) may stain, mark, or damage the reglazed surface.
- Do not drop sharp or heavy objects on the fixture’s surface, as they may cause it to chip.
- Do not slice items without a cutting board on the reglazed kitchen countertops.
- Do not place rubberized mats or daisy stickers in the bathtub, on tile, or other surfaces, as they will damage it when removed. Most mats will produce a reaction with the finish when subjected to hot water.
- Leaky faucets must be repaired to protect the refinishing of the surface against the eroding action of dripping water. This may cause the finish to crack and wear out prematurely.
What Cleaners Should I Use in a Reglazed Surface?
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF REGLAZED SURFACES
Now that you have a newly refinished bathtub, you want to keep it that way. So how do you clean a reglazed or painted bathtub to keep the commercial coating sleek and shiny? The coating needs to be cleaned frequently with mild cleaners and soft sponges but it helps to know exactly what to use to clean a reglazed bathtub.
Use Dish Soap in a Pinch
You can safely use gentle liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, Palmolive, or Ajax (Ajax dish soap, not cleaning powder) to clean a refinished tub.
Why Liquid Non-Abrasives Work Best
Whether you’re the owner of a DIY-finished or professionally finished tub, it’s best to use only soft liquid cleansers to clean and maintain the coating. The reason is that a refinished tub coating is layers of specialized paint that can be nicked or scratched without care, so it’s best to stick to non-abrasive cleaners. However, for non-abrasive cleaners to work effectively, you will need to clean the tub frequently before soap scum or hard water deposits develop.
When it comes to cleaning a reglazed bathtub, it’s important to use non-abrasive cleaners that won’t scratch or damage the surface. Here are some safe options:
- Mild dish soap cleaners: A gentle dish soap diluted in warm water is a safe and effective way to clean a reglazed bathtub. Please read the the instructions and chemicals added to a specific cleaner. You can use the following brand products:
- 409
- Fantastic
- Mr. Clean
- Bon ami
- Simple Green
- Foam cleaner scrubbing bubbles
- Lysol
- White vinegar: White vinegar is a natural cleaner that can help dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits on the bathtub’s surface. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, apply the solution to the bathtub, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water. Please be aware, vinegar can yellowish your glaze. Do not use high concentrated vinegar.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove stubborn stains on a reglazed bathtub. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water, apply it to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
- Non-abrasive bathroom cleaners: There are many non-abrasive bathroom cleaners available that are safe for use on reglazed bathtubs. Look for products that are labeled as safe for use on acrylic, fiberglass, or porcelain surfaces.
Do Not Use Abrasives
Remember to avoid using harsh cleaners, such as bleach, ammonia, (Ajax, Comet, etc) or any abrasive powders, which can damage the reglazed surface of the bathtub. Additionally, avoid using scrub brushes or other abrasive tools that could scratch the surface.
Abrasives include harsh or gritty cleaners as well as rough sponges, like Scotch-Brite pads, steel wool soap pads, or sponges with an abrasive layer on one side. Most refinishers and tub coating manufacturers also warn against any products containing bleach or ammonia. Avoid using these common cleansers when cleaning a reglazed tub:
- Powdered cleansers: This includes products like Ajax or Comet: Both products are abrasive and contain bleach.
- Bar Keepers Friend: Since this product does not contain bleach, it’s often advertised as a more gentle way to clean than using Ajax or Comet. But the abrasives still can scratch the tub.
- Ammonia: Do not use ammonia or any cleaners containing ammonia.
- Bleach: Straight household bleach or cleaners boosted with bleach should not be used on reglazed tubs.
- Abrasive cream cleansers: Some of these products even contain the word “soft” in their name, but they still aren’t soft enough for refinished tubs.
Do Not Steam Clean
A household steam cleaner with a scrubbing attachment may seem like a good way to get rid of all that dirt and soap gunk without using abrasives. Unfortunately, steam doesn’t get the job done when it comes to reglazed tub finishes, and it could quickly damage the finish, especially if it gets underneath the coating or through any cracks.
Do Not Power Wash
Power washing old or original tile in a tub and shower can be done but it’s not common and you should never attempt it on a reglazed surface. The action is simply too powerful for the coating to withstand. Power washing a reglazed surface could easily lead to peeling or other damage to the coating. It would also void the warranty on a professional refinishing job. s1 s2