Best Everyday Option
Warm water plus a few drops of mild dish soap works well for frequent light cleaning.
Care guide
Cleaning Instructions for Refinished Tubs, Showers, Tile, and Sinks
Use a bleach-free, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft sponge or soft cloth. Avoid anything gritty, harsh, or scratchy because it can dull, scratch, or shorten the life of a refinished surface.
Quick Answer: What Should I Clean It With?
For routine cleaning, use a mild liquid cleaner, dish soap, or a bleach-free non-abrasive soft-scrub style cleaner with a soft non-abrasive sponge. Rinse well with clean water and dry the surface with a towel when possible.
If you use a cream cleaner, read the label first. It should be bleach-free and non-abrasive. Do not use a product just because it says bathroom cleaner on the front. The wrong cleaner can scratch or damage a refinished surface.
Use this
Safe Cleaning Options
These are practical options for normal homeowner cleaning. Always check the product label and avoid bleach, grit, abrasive powders, and harsh acidic cleaners.
For Bathroom Buildup
Use a bleach-free, non-abrasive bathroom cleaner or soft-scrub style cream cleanser. Let it sit briefly, then wipe with a soft sponge.
Best Cleaning Tool
Use a soft sponge, microfiber cloth, soft towel, or other clearly non-abrasive cleaning pad.
Weekly Cleaning Routine
- Rinse the tub, shower, tile, or sink with warm water.
- Apply a bleach-free, non-abrasive cleaner.
- Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes if there is soap scum or body oil buildup.
- Wipe with a soft sponge or soft cloth. Do not scrub aggressively.
- Rinse the surface completely so cleaner does not sit on the finish.
- Dry with a towel when possible, especially around drains, ledges, and corners.
Frequent light cleaning is better than waiting until heavy buildup forms. Heavy buildup usually makes people scrub harder, and hard scrubbing is what can damage the surface.
Avoid this
What Not to Use on a Refinished Surface
These can scratch, dull, discolor, soften, or weaken a refinished surface.
No Abrasive Scrubbers
- Steel wool
- Scouring pads
- Green scrub pads
- Magic Eraser-style pads
- Hard bristle brushes
No Harsh Cleaners
- Bleach or bleach bathroom sprays
- Abrasive powders
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Drain opener on the surface
- Acidic lime/rust removers unless approved
No Surface Stress
- Suction-cup bath mats
- Wet mats left in the tub
- Hair dye or fabric dye spills
- Heavy tools or sharp objects
- Cleaner left sitting overnight
Bath Mats, Bottles, and Daily Use
Do not use suction-cup bath mats on a refinished tub or shower floor. Suction cups can trap moisture and pull at the coating. If you need a mat for safety, use a non-suction option only while bathing, then remove it, rinse the surface, and let the area dry.
Do not leave wet bottles, metal cans, soap bars, washcloths, or mats sitting on the surface for long periods. Trapped moisture and residue can stain, dull, or mark the finish.
First Cleaning After Refinishing
Follow the use timing provided after your project. Do not clean the surface before the finish has had proper cure time. Once it is ready for regular use, start with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or sponge.
If you are unsure whether the surface is ready to clean, call or text before using any cleaner.
Hard Water, Soap Scum, and Stains
Austin-area hard water can leave mineral buildup. The best defense is frequent light cleaning, rinsing, and drying around water lines and drain areas. Avoid letting soap scum, mineral deposits, shampoos, conditioners, or body oils build up for weeks.
For stubborn buildup, use a bleach-free non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and soft sponge. Do not use harsh lime removers, rust removers, acidic cleaners, or abrasive powders unless Texas Tub & Tile has reviewed the product first.
FAQ
Refinished Tub Cleaning Questions
Can I use Soft Scrub on a refinished bathtub?
Use only a bleach-free, non-abrasive soft-scrub style cleaner. Check the label first, use a soft sponge, rinse completely, and do not use any version with bleach or gritty abrasive particles.
Can I use bleach on a refinished tub?
No. Texas Tub & Tile does not recommend bleach or bleach bathroom sprays on refinished tubs, showers, tile, or sinks.
Can I use a Magic Eraser?
No. Magic Eraser-style pads can act like fine sandpaper and may dull or scratch a refinished surface.
What sponge should I use?
Use a soft non-abrasive sponge, microfiber cloth, or soft towel. Avoid green pads, scouring pads, steel wool, and hard brushes.
How often should I clean a refinished tub?
Light weekly cleaning is usually best. Clean sooner if soap, oils, shampoo, or hard-water residue starts to build up.
Can I use a suction-cup bath mat?
No. Suction-cup mats can trap moisture and pull at the refinished coating. Use a non-suction mat only during bathing if needed, then remove it and let the surface dry.
What should I do if I spilled hair dye or a harsh chemical?
Rinse it immediately with water, clean gently with a safe cleaner, and send photos if staining or dulling remains.
Have a care question?