Introduce a Touch of Traditional Elegance to Your Bathroom with a Vintage Bathtub
Traditional baths have evolved over the last decade. Some of the more classical appearance bathtubs consist of the roll top and freestanding models that are perfect for providing the vintage element within the bathroom.
When it comes to buying a traditional bathtub, the amount of options and things that you will need to think about can be pretty overwhelming. Even after you have decided on and purchased the perfect tub for your home, the task of maintaining it is one that many people are not familiar with in the slightest. Thankfully, things do not need to be as difficult as they seem and we are going to get a closer look at some proof of that.
If you are already in the market to buy a cast iron tub, you probably already know about the advantages that they can add to your bathroom. They have that rustic feel about them that some people tend to love, although they are not the easiest things to keep looking brand new. One of the benefits of cast iron tubs is that they are much more resistant to scratches compared to other materials. They are coated with enamel but you will want to make sure that this is durable, good quality enamel because if a scratch or chip does present itself, it will usually be a permanent blemish on the tub. You should also think about the temperature of the room that you will be placing the tub in. Cast iron tubs will generally take longer to heat up but once they are warm, will hold in the heat much better. If you are planning on placing the tub in a room that is already very warm, this should not be a problem at all.
If you have already gotten your tub home and installed it, you need to make sure you are able to maintain it and clean it efficiently. The porcelain enamel that coats cast iron tubs is resistant to acid although it isn`t acid proof. Remember that when selecting cleaning products because if the wrong cleaners are utilized, small blemishes or scratches may appear that will cause the porcelain to trap dirt. You should clean your cast iron tub with a mixture of liquid detergent (1 tablespoon) to a gallon of hot water.
Other options would include a foaming bathroom cleaner like Scrubbing Bubbles to clean your iron cast tub and there is also some specialty, as well as environmentally friendly, porcelain cleaners available. Any kind of abrasive cleaner should be strictly avoided, as this could cause irreversible damage to your cast iron tub. If your problem is with soap scum or oil, then a baking soda solution mixed with warm water should help to do the trick. Heavier build ups can be taken care of with a tablespoon of trisodium phosphate mixed in one gallon of heated water. After cleaning, everything should be rinsed with just water only. If you happen to ever spill any paint on your tub, you should very carefully scrape the paint off the porcelain surface with a razor blade without making scratches. The outside of your typical cast iron tub is usually coated in an oil-based paint. Water and soap can be used here to clean the exterior with any sort of mineral spirits being avoided.
Although the porcelain enamel on your bathtub can get chipped, it would require an extreme blow to the surface to make such permanent damage. If your tub does manage to get chipped, it is usually not something that you will be able to fix on your own. You are highly advised to consult a professional who is used to repairing such damage. Any phone book will have a list of people under `porcelain repairs` for you to browse locally and the internet is a great resource on a larger scale.
A cast iron tub can definitely be a great way to add some real classical style to your bathroom. It will not be the easiest thing in your house to maintain, but as long as you realize that the process is much different from cleaning sinks, door handles or other fixtures in your bathroom, everything should work out just fine. Most tubs will last for well over 60 years, so it is worth it to spend a little more sometimes for that tub that you really want, because it will be an investment that will be around for quite a long time.
JT Spas is one of the leading suppliers of modern, traditional and contemporary bathroom products including the latest roll top baths and freestanding baths combined with luxury items such as state of the art steam showers, whirlpool baths and much more.
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