Hello, Is it better to clean the bathtub if it is completely grungy or replace it? If you clean it, what is the best way and/or product to use?
How bad is this tub. Are you talking about shovels and hammers to clean, or stains?
Another option is to have the tub surface refinished…basically they can “re-enamel” or “re-glaze” the tub surface and it’s GOTTA be cheaper than a new tub!
Keith
Bluemoon06…The tub is caked on layers of dirt. I feel that some heavy scrubbing with a great cleaning product might get it clean. Any suggestions?
Keith…Thank you for the idea. I didn’t consider that it could be refinished.
It all depends on what type of tub is in there adn how handy you are. If its a Cast iron tub and it can’t be cleaned then reglazing is a cheeper quick fix. If its a steel or Hybrid tub you may consider replacing it as steel tubs can be as cheep as 100.00. Another option is to have a fiberglass overlay done on the tub and surround, but I believe those can get costly.
Also important is what are you doing with the property. If your renting it then scrubbing it as best as can be may be sufficient if its still serviceable. If your selling the property then reglazing or replacing will be your best option depending on the market value of the property. Reglazes can be spotted pretty easily and wont fly if your in a middle to upper class area.
As far as cleaning it, just about any non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and elbow grease will do. If you have hard water deposits or rust then CLR or something similar will be needed.
Krud Kutter – it cleans everything 
You can buy it at Home Depot. If that doesn’t work, have it resurfaced – ONLY if, the tub is on a sound foundation. You may have damage from water if the tub is in that terrible of condition.
The more I rehab, the cheaper I’m getting – I always go for cleaning, repairing and lastly, replacing. Seems my tenants want go in the reverse order LOL.
Take care all!
I recieved some great information. Thank you everyone.
I just had a quote given to me by a bathtub overlay company. $3000 for the tub, surround, and sheetrock repair! Amazing. Of course the rep for that company told me a plumber would charge $6500. The plumber I am going to go with will do the whole job for $1500.
Somebody was trying to play a quick game of “Who’s your daddy?” with you, Billiam!
Keith
cleaning is always the first choice. This gets you to the point of making an intelligent decision on acceptable, refinish, or replace. Hello, I am in the refinishing business in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area and would be happy to look at this at no charge if you are here. If you give your location I might be able to find you someone close. Call me if you like 972 333 7908, Bob
Try comet…its abit abrasive but it usually does the trick. I think Arm and Hammer has some good cleansers as well…
If you have old cast iron tubs and plan on replacing them, a good trick to getting them out and down any stairs is to use a sledge hammer to break them up into manageable pieces. Make sure you wear safety glasses.
Good luck
I wish I had a dollar for every cast iron tub I had to bust up when I was a kid…my dad used to collect scrap when I was a kid and then on a rainy Saturday when he couldn’t do other stuff we would take it to the scrap yard…! Apparently, in his world, there was no unmanageable weight because he always brought them home in one piece by himself…
Actually, if you have one, a wood splitting maul works even better!
Keith
Hello, Is it better to clean the bathtub if it is completely grungy or replace it? If you clean it, what is the best way and/or product to use?
Reglazing/refinishing bathtubs works great when you need to neutralize the colors in a bathroom. I’ve had success having “Brady Bunch Era” avocado green and yellow bathtubs turned into classic white tubs in a day.
Ask around - you should be able to find an affordable independant operator for this.
Good luck!
How about a pressure washer?