Many options are available to remove paint from a bathtub using store bought, harsh chemicals, but some people are turning to "green," non-toxic solutions. With a little elbow grease and a mixture of a few safe household natural cleaners, you can remove the paint effectively.
Natural Solutions
Thedailygreen.com recommends cleaning bathtubs and other bathroom surfaces with baking soda and water. Sprinkle some baking soda on a small area. Take a damp sponge, and use circular motions to scrub the area until paint starts to come off. You may need to add some kosher (course) salt to the solution to start the paint removal. If this does not work, try using a green, blue or gray thin scouring pad, such as the Scotch-Brite brand. Keep in mind that anything you use may permanently scratch the enamel surface of the tub below the layer of paint. Excessive scrubbing or using rough scouring pads is not recommended. Another option instead of the scouring pad is to use one of the "Magic Eraser" pads by "Mr. Clean." Wetting the pad and continual circular scrubbing should remove the paint. Add baking soda to the damp "Magic Eraser" pad for more effectiveness.
Once you have removed the paint, a residue of baking soda and paint chips may be left in the tub. Plug the tub so no paint chips go down your drain, and use a damp towel or cloth to scoop up the scraped paint for discarding. Use lemon juice or white vinegar and a soft cloth to wash any other residue from the tub, and restore some of the shine to the enamel.
Maintenance
The shiny finish of your porcelain enamel tub will most likely be more dull than before it was painted. The original gloss is a protective layer, and you may notice it is less resistant to staining and more difficult to keep clean. It is recommended to perform regular cleaning on the bathtub at least weekly to prevent severe staining. Thedailygreen.com suggests you use a nontoxic solution of lemon juice or vinegar,and spray it on stains or mildew and scrub with a stiff brush after several minutes. They also mention a "green" alternative to bleach for disinfecting by using 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil and spraying it on the surface.
Related posts
Finding a nontoxic way to remove paint from your woodwork will keep the environment safe and the natural quality of the remover will preserve the woodwork as well. There are a few different nontox...
Respirators can protect workers from the toxic effects of paint and other chemicals.Painting a house can present some serious health hazards: Enamel paint and other paints often contain volatile o...
Vandalism and painting accidents happen. Not only is paint on a stone surface ugly, it can be disturbing if it includes a message. You don't have to use harsh chemicals or pay to have the paint re...
When the paintballs fly, buildings often take a bit of collateral damage. Removing the paint from siding can prove difficult, with the level of effort required often determined by the length of ti...
Soak metal hardware in a mixture of boiling water and baking soda to remove paint.For non-toxic paint removal, try using a solution composed of baking soda and boiling water. Although consistently...
