The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Your Bath Fitter Tub

Installing a new Bath Fitter tub can completely transform your bathroom. With their seamless, easy-to-clean acrylic walls and luxury finishes, Bath Fitter tubs provide a spa-like bathing experience.

But like any bathtub, your Bath Fitter tub needs regular cleaning and care to keep it looking fresh and prevent stains. Don‘t worry – with the right techniques and products, maintaining your tub‘s pristine condition is easy.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about caring for your Bath Fitter tub, from understanding its construction to tackling every type of stubborn stain. Consider me your new bath tub cleaning expert – I‘m here to make sure your tub stays sparkling for years to come!

Getting to Know Your Bath Fitter Tub

Before we dive into the cleaning details, let‘s quickly overview how Bath Fitter tubs are constructed:

• Made of acrylic: The tub walls are formed from thick, high-quality acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass for extra durability.
• Coated in a gel finish: The glossy gel coat finish protects against scratches and stains.
• Custom-fit to your existing tub: Bath Fitter tubs fit right over your old tub, with minimal demolition or renovation required.
• Range of sizes and shapes: Rectangular, corner-fit, neo-angle, and walk-in models are available. Sizes range from 48” to 72”.
• Variety of colors: Choose from white, bone, biscuit, sandbar, or sterling silver finishes.

Regular Cleaning of Your Bath Fitter Tub

Setting up a regular cleaning routine is crucial for preventing soap scum, mildew, and mineral deposits from building up. Here are my top tips for keeping your tub sparkling between deep cleans:

Use Recommended Cleaners

Bath Fitter suggests only using their own Tub & Tile Cleaner, which is specially formulated not to damage the glossy gel coat finish. However, any non-abrasive bathroom cleanser or mild detergent will work.

Avoid powders, alkaline cleaners containing ammonia, or bleach – these can strip the gel coat over time. Acetone and other solvents are also off-limits!

Clean After Each Use

It only takes a minute, but wiping down the tub walls and rinsing the basin after each use prevents soap scum and mineral deposits from accumulating.

I recommend keeping a designated "tub cleaning" towel within reach. Microfiber cloths also work great!

Remove Excess Water

After scrubbing the walls and basin, use a squeegee to eliminate pools of standing water. This prevents rings of soap scum and mineral deposits from forming as the water evaporates.

Target Trouble Spots

Pay special attention to the tub corners and around the drain – these areas tend to collect grime. Scrub with an old toothbrush if needed.

Apply Bath Fitter Polish

Every 3-6 months, renew the glossy gel coat with Bath Fitter‘s Lustre Polish. This adds a protective layer while restoring the "new tub" shine.

Check Plumbing and Caulking

During cleaning, inspect for any cracks in the caulking around the tub. Re-apply caulk every 1-2 years to prevent moisture damage. Also check for leaks from plumbing.

Deep Cleaning Your Bath Fitter Tub

For a more thorough deep clean, set aside time 1-2 times per month to tackle the tub from top to bottom. Here‘s my 5-step process:

1. Remove Dust and Debris

Start by wetting a microfiber cloth and wiping down the entire interior surface. This removes any dust or debris before cleaning.

2. Apply Cleaner and Scrub

Spray your chosen cleanser (either Tub & Tile Cleaner or a mild bathroom cleanser) liberally over all surfaces. Let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge.

Be sure to scrub corners, around the drain, and along caulking. Rinse thoroughly.

3. Remove Soap Scum

For stubborn soap scum, spray a 50/50 vinegar and water solution onto affected areas. Let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. The acid in vinegar dissolves soap scum effectively.

4. Disinfect with Bleach

While acrylic tubs are non-porous and do not allow mildew to penetrate the surface, disinfecting periodically is a smart preventative step.

Make a 10% bleach solution by mixing 1 cup bleach with 9 cups water. Spray or wipe onto all surfaces, let sit 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This kills any lingering mildew.

5. Dry and Polish

Finish by drying the tub walls and basin with a clean towel. Apply a thin coat of Bath Fitter Lustre Polish to restore the factory shine.

Buff any drips for a perfectly polished tub!

Tackling Specific Bathtub Stains

Even with regular cleaning, stains still happen! Here are my best tips for removing common tub stains:

Hard Water Stains

Mineral deposits from hard water can etch light white marks onto the tub surface. To remove:

• Apply white vinegar directly to the stain. Let sit for 30 minutes.
• Scrub with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse clean.
• For stubborn stains, let vinegar sit overnight before scrubbing.

Rust Stains

Rust stains can occur when iron contaminates the water supply or from metal drain fixtures. To remove:

• Make a paste from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide.
• Apply paste to stain and let sit for 1 hour.
• Scrub with a soft brush before rinsing clean.

Mildew Stains

Mildew leaves dark spots and can be slippery. Remove by:

• Mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a spreadable paste.
• Apply to mildew stains and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Scrub paste with a soft brush before rinsing clean.

Drain Gunk

Prevent clogs and buildup in the drain by:

• Using a zip-it drain cleaner regularly to hook and remove debris.
• Pouring boiling water down the drain weekly to melt grease.
• Using a drain catch to trap hair and soap scum.

Bleach Stains

Bleach and other oxidizers can discolor the tub surface. For light stains:

• Dab hydrogen peroxide onto the stain using a cotton ball.
• Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing clean.
• Scrubbing with baking soda can also help remove bleach stains.

Permanent Marker Stains

Markers can leave stubborn stains. Try removing with:

• Rubbing alcohol – apply and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
• Hairspray – spray onto stain and let sit 5 minutes before scrubbing.

Bathtub Scratches

Fine scratches can often be buffed out using:

• Automotive polishing compound – apply with a buffing pad and buff in circular motion.
• Acrylic tub polish – helps minimize the appearance of shallow scratches.

For deep gouges, professional resurfacing may be required.

Keeping Your Tub Looking New

By following these tips consistently, you can keep your Bath Fitter acrylic tub looking brand new for many years. My key advice includes:

• Stick to Bath Fitter‘s recommended cleaners. Harsh chemicals can damage the gloss.
• Clean thoroughly after every use to prevent buildup.
• Deal with stains quickly before they have a chance to set.
• Disinfect periodically with diluted bleach.
• Always use soft cleaning tools – no abrasive brushes or sponges.
• Apply Bath Fitter polish every 3-6 months for protection.

With proper care and maintenance, your Bath Fitter tub will stay beautiful and last for decades. But if stains or damage do occur, don‘t hesitate to call in a professional for repairs. Protecting your investment is worth it!

Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to share my bathtub cleaning expertise. The key is staying consistent with care. A little effort goes a long way towards keeping your tub in tip-top shape!