Rough bath surface

[Sparrowlegs248]

We have an almost 70yr old cast iron bath. The surface below the water line is rough. I assume from the enamel wearing away. Its a pig to clean, its like cleaning sandpaper.....

Any ideas on how best to clean it? The surface 'holds' grime too which makes it harder. I often end up with clean run marks where the cleaner is sprayed.

I really need to get it resurfaced but don't have the s.

[PigletJohn]

the polish has probably been eroded with harsh cleaners like Vim or Ajax.

You can buy bathroom cleaning sprays which are formulated to remove limescale and soap scum, you can use a nylon scourer (preferably white) and will get it very clean. Some cleaners have the Vitreous Enamel Association approval mark, but old damaged enamel will hold marks.

Rather than resurfacing, look at a new one. You can get extra-thick pressed steel baths now which are a good substitute for cast iron. I prefer them because they do not chill the water so much. Look on Plumbworld for example prices. Your old bath may be an odd size.

If you do decide to get it resurfaced (never as good as new get new taps and waste to dress the bath smartly.

[Sparrowlegs248]

Thanks. The trouble with the scourer, or any cloth/sponge is that the bath surface is so rough so you leave lots of bits of scourer/cloth behind. I end up using a vast amount of cleaning product as you can't really spread it about like a normal bath.

I'm stuck with it for the forseable sadly. Although i love the bath, its lovely a big and goes well in our bathroom and house in general. Just cleaning it is a LOT harder than it should be!

[PigletJohn]

I think I know the effect you mean

best start saving up

[Sparrowlegs248]

I found a company that comes out and refinishes them - even thats aboit 3 - 400 pounds.

Oh well. It exfoliates my bum nicely.

[mygrandchildrenrock]

We recently had ours resurfaced, it was less than £300 and our bath looks like new. It really is dazzling and smooth, I wish we'd had it done years ago.

[erin99]

Have you tried a brush for cleaning instead of a cloth? You can get special ones, or find another biggish brush (dustpan from £1 shop?)

I'd also try cream cleanser rather than sprays if you haven't already. I find it cuts through really well and is worth the faff of rinsing afterwards, but I know I'm old fashioned! No idea if it would wear away the enamel, but IMO more 'chemical action' stuff like Flash etc are prob more of a risk if anything.

[Sparrowlegs248]

mygrand can you let me know which company you used please?

[mygrandchildrenrock]

I will, it was a firm from Nottingham but they travel around. I'll get their details and get back to you.