Table of Contents
- Why do stains appear during installation?
- How should you clean your tub after installation?
- What if the stains won’t come off?
- Tips for keeping your bathtub sparkling clean
- Common questions about bathtub cleaning
- Final thoughts from Ace Decor
- Need support? Here's how to reach us
- Explore related articles
Ace Decor offers exceptional quality bathroom furniture and accessories that enhance your home décor. As part of our customer care commitment, we love to hear from you — your feedback helps us to continually improve our products and your experience.
A few days ago we got a message from one of our loyal clients:
"We purchased a product and have some questions on how to properly remove and clean it. While installation the tub got some stains on it from grabbing it with the hands. What products may we use to clean them?"
So first off, thank you for reaching out! This is a frequent issue that arises during installation, particularly when dealing with pristine surfaces such as a brand-new bathtub. All sorts of unwanted marks like oily fingerprints, grout smudges, adhesive residue, or construction dust can be left behind — and you don't want them hanging around. So today we're taking a deep dive into the best way to clean them, safely and effectively, without ruining your tub.
Why Are There Stains When Installation?
Your bathtub gets handled several times by installers, usually with bare hands, when it's being installed. And here's what can create those stains:
- Oily fingerprints from installers
- Dust or material debris from nearby construction
- Leftover astro glue, sealants, or silicone
- Hard water stains if not rinsed before sealing
- Dirty tools or work gloves
These stains can seem permanent, but most of time can be cleaned off easily, without damaging the surface finish using correct products.
How To Clean Your Tub After It Has Been Installed
Here's a simple and safe procedure to follow to remove any post-installation stains from your tub:
Step 1: Identify the Type of Stain
Stains are not all created equal. Knowing the type will help in selecting the best cleaning solution.
| Stain Type | Appearance | Likely Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Oily or greasy smudges | Shiny or dark marks | Human hands, tools, gloves |
| Dust or debris | Light coating, gritty feel | Construction materials |
| Adhesive or silicone | Sticky patches, cloudy streaks | Installation sealants |
| Hard water spots | White, chalky rings or drops | Water left on surface |
These stains can seem permanent, but most of time can be cleaned off easily, without damaging the surface finish using correct products.
Step 2: Use the Right Cleaning Products
We always recommend you use non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaning products at Ace Decor to protect the finish of your bathtub, especially if it's acrylic, resin or coated stone.
Here's safe vs. unsafe cleaning products:
| Recommended Products | Avoid These Products |
|---|---|
| Mild dish soap (e.g., Dawn) | Bleach or chlorine |
| White vinegar & water (diluted 1:1) | Abrasive powders (e.g., Comet, Ajax) |
| Baking soda paste | Steel wool or scouring pads |
| Non-abrasive bathroom cleaners | Acetone or paint thinner |
| Microfiber cloth or soft sponge | Brushes with stiff bristles |
Step 3: Cleaning Process
For a deep yet gentle clean, follow these steps:
For General Dirt & Handprints:
- Combine a solution of warm water with mild dish soap.
- Saturate a microfiber cloth with the solution.
- Gently wipe the surface in circular motions.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Wipe dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water marks.
For Sticky Adhesive or Silicone Residue:
- On a small amount of baking soda paste (baking soda + water).
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Wipe with a damp soft cloth.
- Repeat as necessary — do not scrub hard!
For Hard Water Spots:
- Use 1:1 white vinegar and water spray.
- Let sit for 5 minutes (do not leave out for an extended period of time on marble or stone surfaces).
- Wipe, then rinse well.
- Dry the area completely.
What If You Still See Stains?
If those methods fail to remove the stain completely, try:
Cleaning with a dedicated non-abrasive tub cleaner, which can include:
- Bleach powder Soft scrub (non-abrasive formulation)
- Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser
Lightly buffing the surface with a melamine foam pad (e.g., Magic Eraser), though test first on a hidden spot.
The Secret to a Sparkling Clean Bathtub
To maintain the fresh-out-of-the-box appearance for your Ace Decor bathtub long after installation:
- And always rinse after using cleaning products.
- Wipe dry after each use to avoid water spots.
- Don't leave standing water or wet rags on the counter.
- Exercise caution with suction cup bath mats—they collect dirt and moisture.
FAQs About Bathtub Cleaning
1. What if the stain is super stubborn — can I use bleach?
We wouldn't advise using bleach on acrylic or coated tubs — it can cause discoloration or damage the finish. Instead, use vinegar or a mild bathroom cleaner.
2. What can be done for tape residue on protective film?
Carefully pull it back and use a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol (please test first on an inconspicuous area). Avoid scraping tools.
3. What if the stain came from grout or tile adhesive?
Either a vinegar and water solution or a commercial grout haze remover made for bathroom surfaces.
Final Thoughts from Ace Decor
We get it: Keeping your new bathtub pristine is part of the joy of designing your dream bathroom. If you ever have questions like this, feel free to reach out. From spot cleaning to maintenance, Ace Decor is here for you.
We're never just here to sell our products—we're here to help you with your bathroom lifestyle with tips, answers, inspiration.
Need Help? Contact Us
If you have a specific stain, surface or tub question, you can contact our customer service team at sales@acedecorbath.com where we can help guide you further to your specific model tub.
For more specific instructions for different material types, please refer to our Product Care & Cleaning Guide on the Ace Decor website.
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