Bathtub and Sink Cleaning

Smelly bathroom off my hall,

Toothpaste splattered on the wall,

Germs in toilet, growing wildly,

Scum and mold that sprout more mildly,

Underpants, a sweaty shoe,

Family glass that froths with flu;

Our ancestors no sense did lack-

They kept the "john" way out back!

                                             -Jill C. Major



Bathtub and Sink

To prevent a scummy ring in the tub, squirt in a little liquid dish soap (Joy or Ivory) when running bath water.  The kids love the bubbles.  A few teaspoons of Calgon will also stop a ring, but it doesn't make any fun bubbles to lure the little people into the bathtub.  Caution: Never add these or any other bath aids to the bath water of adults or children who are susceptible to urinary or bladder infections, or who suffer from allergies, without consulting a physician first.

For an occasional scrub, cleanser is still the best cleaner.  I have tried this before,  I've never had problems with it scratching or dulling the porcelain.  Many women make the mistake of leaving the tub or sink wet after rinsing.  Wiping it dry with terrycloth rags protects the finish.

Dark Stains:

If dark coloring is bleeding through the porclein in the tub or sink, it may mean that the finish has been worn off.  This may happen with many years of wear, but usually it is caused by repeated use of harsh chemical cleaners.  (If a cleaner gags or chokes you when you are using it, it probably contains a high concentration of acid or lye.)  If the finish has been worn away, then it has to be refinished by a professional or replaced.

Rust:

Light rust can be removed with fresh lemon cut in half and dipped in salt.  Rub it in and rinse it out. For worse problems, buy Naval Jelly.  This can be purchased in hardware stores or drugstores.  It is a really good cleaner and will take out many types of stains.  Don't get it onto he faucets or other fixtures, though, because it may turn them dark or put them.

Yellow Stains:

Sometimes the whiteness of a tub or sink can be temporarily restored..  Mix 1/2 cup of turpentine and 2 tablespoons of salt in an old dish or can.  Dip a terry cloth in the mixture and scrub.  Then, give the tub or sink a pretty luster, polish it with liquid Johnson's Jubilee Cleaner.  Don't out it on the tub floor, though, because the wax will make it slippery and the next person to use it might have an accident.