Stainless steel grooming tubs are wonderfully useful, sturdy, and easy to keep clean and shiny with little effort. Best of all, some of the most effective cleaning products are also safe to use around pets.
When you look at your tub, you will notice that the steel has a "grain" to it. For the best cleaning results and to prevent scratching the surface, always work with the grain of the metal. Cleaning the tub regularly will prevent the build-up of grime, soap scum, or potential mineral deposits from your water. Taking a few moments to wash and dry the tub at the end of each workday will keep it looking like new.
Choose mild products to keep the metal clean without damaging it. High-quality dish soap can be used, and white vinegar in a spray bottle is also effective. The benefits of cleaning with vinegar are that because it is mildly acidic, it effectively kills some bacteria and has a deodorizing effect while being perfectly safe around animals. Some people add a few drops of their favorite essential oil to the vinegar to give it a pleasant scent.
After spraying the metal with soap or vinegar, rinse well. Wipe the area with the metal's grain to remove all moisture. Lint-free microfiber clothes do a beautiful job without scratching. Wiping the metal dry will prevent spotting. To make the stainless shine, try using a Magic Eraser. Some people polish the metal with coconut or olive oil to give it a deep luster. Put a small amount of oil on a cloth and wipe the clean, dry surface with the grain.
If the tub appears to have small rusty spots, it is likely caused by mineral and iron deposits from your water. Use Bar Keepers Friend powder (available at most grocery and hardware stores) applied with a damp cloth and rubbed gently to remove these spots. Rinse well, then clean and dry as above. If this is not effective, try very fine gauge sandpaper. Using very light pressure, rub with the grain of the metal to remove any blemishes. Rinse, then clean.
Avoid using harsh cleaners with ingredients such as ammonia, chlorides, acids, or scouring powders, because these may permanently damage the surface of your bathtub. Do not use metal scrubbing pads to clean your tub because they may scratch the finish, and particles from them can adhere to the stainless steel and cause deposits to adhere to the surface.
With just moments of effort at the end of each day, you can keep your stainless steel tub looking it's beautiful best.
Resources:
7 Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Stainless Steel
Forever Stainless Steel, Jeanne Caples
4 PRODUCTS THAT CAN RUIN STAINLESS STEEL
By Daryl Conner, MPS, MCG
Daryl Conner has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for almost 40 years. You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter and infant granddaughter, or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism. She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and too many animals.
