The bathtub is one of those fixtures that you might not pay attention to until it suffers some kind of damage, such as cracks, chips, stains or broken plumbing. A bathtub can last a long time with minimal care, but here are some winter tips to make it last even longer.
Clean the Tub Frequently
Get into the habit of wiping down the bathtub at least every time you take a bath. Use a sponge or soft cloth to wipe around the tub to pick up any soap scum and other dirt. Blot up any water around the edges of the tub and the fixtures. Use the shower to rinse everything. Squirt a gentle cleanser on the sponge, and rub it in to remove stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse. Dry with a microfiber cloth.
Keep the Drain Open
Discourage clogs in the tub’s drain by making a paste of baking soda and vinegar and flushing it every week with hot but not boiling water. If a clog becomes intractable, use a snake, a plunger, or call the plumber to remove it. Try to avoid harsh cleansers that can hurt your pipes.
Be Mindful of the Temperature
Temperature swings can damage the finish of some enamel bathtubs. To guard against this, start to fill the tub with lukewarm water, and then, gradually raise the temperature to hot when you take a bath.
The temperature can also stress the plumbing pipes. Insulate the pipes that feed or drain the bathtub, and have a plumber repair any leaks right away. A spigot that leaks into your bathtub makes it more vulnerable to staining and rust.
Add a Mat to the Tub
Another way to protect your tub this winter is to lay down a rubber mat. This can protect the bottom of the tub from scratches. It also prevents slips.
Control the Humidity
The humidity in your bathroom is probably always going to be high, but you can control it to an extent. Humidity leads to condensation, which leads to stains and rust. Even if it’s chilly out, open the window after a bath for a few minutes to draw out some of the humidity. Dry the tub with a clean towel whenever you use it. You can also bring a dehumidifier into the room.
A hot bath might be what you look forward to after a long, wintry day. However, this will be impossible if your tub runs into problems. To make sure your tub and its plumbing are in top shape, or to get a bathtub replacement, reach out to Charleston Bath Experts of Charleston, SC.