Care of Bathtubs

Place shampoos, soap and other personal-care items in a hanging rack or on a shower shelf in the tub area. This will keep the items off the tub surface, where they can stain it or encourage mildew growth.

Squeeze 1/4 cup degreasing liquid dish soap into the tub after bathing. Agitate the water with your hands as the tub drains, and then turn on the shower to rinse the soap off the tub. This prevents the formation of a ring around the tub.

Fill 3/4 of a spray bottle with water, and then add 2 tbsp. degreasing liquid dish soap. Screw on the spray nozzle and shake the bottle to incorporate the soap. Spray the entire surface of the tub, including the fixtures, once a week with the solution.

Let the solution soak for 10 minutes, and then turn on the shower and rinse the tub clean. If the shower spray does not reach all areas of the tub, rinse them with a damp cloth.

Apply a soap-scum remover inside the tub once a month or more frequently if necessary. Follow the application instructions on the package. Rinse the tub clean with the shower or a damp cloth.

Remove any hair from the drain as soon as you see it, if you have a drain with a flat cover. If you have a pull-up drain, pull it up once a week and remove any hair caught around the drain. Replace the drain.