Tubs and Tiles

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Cleaning Tubs with Rubbing Alcohol Rubbing alcohol will clean the caulking around bathtubs. It also shines chrome and glass. Liquid chlorine bleach (1/4 cup to one gallon) will also clean caulk. Some tub manufacturers recommend that powdered cleansers not be used on their tubs. Instead use liquid detergents, or baking soda and water, or all-purpose household cleaners. Mildew in the Tub To remove mildew from the corners of the tub, dip cotton balls in bleach and let them sit, when you finish cleaning the bath, remove cotton and rinse well. The mildew will be gone. Bathtub Rings To avoid bathtub rings, don't use oily bath preparations. Use a water softener if you live in a hard-water area. Rinse the tub immediately after bathing. If a ring does form, wipe it off with undiluted ammonia (wear rubber gloves) or a wet sponge generously sprinkled with baking soda. Rinse clean and wipe dry. For a more stubborn stain, scour with automatic dishwashing detergent or rub with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Porcelain Enamel Sinks and Tubs To clean, wash with warm or hot sudsy water using detergent. A solution of non-precipitating water softener, or baking soda, in warm water also may remove soap scum and soil. Always rinse with plain water. If you use scouring powder it should be the very finest one possible. Most scouring powders contain hard particles, such as quartz or feldspar, that cause minute scratches. Once a glasslike surface has been roughened, it becomes a catchall for dirt, grease, soap residue and minute alkaline deposits from hard water. Then abrasives are necessary to remove soil imbedded in the roughened area. Commercial household or bathroom cleaners may also be used. You may use chlorine or hydrogen peroxide bleach to remove stains. Do not use these bleaches full strength or let them remain on the surface for more than a few seconds. Rinse the surface thoroughly. Bleaches eliminate most stains but are not effective on rust. Heavy deposits of grease or soap scum can be removed with a solution of 1 tablespoon trisodium phosphate in 1 gallon hot water. Rinse thoroughly. Or warm water and ammonia solution will do this. Rinse thoroughly. Do NOT combine with any other cleaners. Cleaning Rusty Tile Rust stains on tile can be removed with kerosene. Cleaning Ceramic Tile Before cleaning bathroom tiles, run the shower on hot for five minutes to steam the dirt loose. For stubborn stains, apply a paste of scouring powder and water and let sit for five minutes. Scrub with a nylon scrub pad, rinse and wipe dry. To keep the grout joints on tile countertops clean longer, wash with a solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Dry thoroughly, then apply an acrylic sealer or three coats of lemon oil. Let dry one hour between coats. Remove mildew and make tiles sparkle by sponging with a solution of ammonia and water. Remove soot from fireplace tiles with a mixture of lemon juice and salt, then wash. Cleaning Plastic Tile If bathroom walls are dull, wash the tiles with a solution of vinegar and water. Polish with a towel. Has a tile come loose? For a quick fix, put a little piece of chewing gum on each corner, use a warm iron to press it back into place. Helpful Hints ·Always keep an all-purpose cleaner and a sponge in the guest bath so you can sneak away and clean up when unexpected company shows up. ·Keep a squeegee in the shower so everyone can wipe it down when they are done (this will help prevent mildew). ·Steam helps to loosen build-up so why not clean while you're in there? ·Disinfectant can be used on everything in the bath except the mirror. ·Don't forget doorknobs and switchplates.

Use the following products to clean Tubs and Tiles

Citrus Clenz	1 gallon ($18.00) 2.5 gl, 2 btls ($45.00)
Grease Lightning	2.5 gallons ($34.38)