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Taking a relaxing shower or lounging in the bathtub after a long, tiring day at work is probably something everyone is looking forward to. However, if you own a mobile home, you might face some unique challenges, especially when it comes to the bathroom.
To keep your mobile home’s bathtub or shower in great shape, a bit of regular maintenance can make a big difference. Whether you enjoy a peaceful bath in a garden tub or a refreshing shower, these easy tips can help you maintain the beauty and functionality of your mobile home oasis. In this guide, we’ll address common issues like yellowing, cracks, and the impact of well water. Let’s dive in.
Use Gentle Cleansers on Mobile Home Bathtubs
A gentle cleanser is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your mobile home bath and shower. Abrasive cleaners like AJAX can damage surfaces and finishes over time. So it’s better to choose mild, non-abrasive cleansers to get rid of soap scum, hard water stains, and dirt without causing any damage.
Here are some recommended cleaners for your bathtub and shower:
- Dishwashing Detergent: Mix an ounce of dishwasher detergent with a gallon of water. Then, scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad.
- Baking Soda: Make a paste using water and baking soda. Scrub the tub with a sponge.
- White Distilled Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it off.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Fill a spray bottle with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wipe the tub down with a damp sponge.
The best part is that these ingredients are already in your home, so you won’t need to spend extra money. However, it’s crucial to spot-test all chemicals before applying them to the entire tub or shower. This way, you can ensure they won’t cause any unexpected issues.
Clean Surfaces Regularly
Keeping your shower clean is the easiest way to make sure it stays in good condition. It’s important to clean it regularly to avoid the build-up of soap scum, mold, and grime. Create a cleaning routine for your mobile home’s bathroom to keep the bath and shower surfaces shiny and clean.
When cleaning, use a scrubber or sponge that is tough enough to remove dirt but gentle enough not to scratch or mark the surfaces of your shower and bathtub. Pay special attention to areas that are often damp, like the corners of the tub and shower walls.
To make cleaning easier, let the water from the faucet or showerhead run for a bit to soften the soap scum and mildew. With a little elbow grease, your tub will be free of mold, mildew, scum, and mineral deposits, leaving it sparkling clean.
Remove Bathtub Yellowing
If you own a mobile home, there’s a good chance you already have a yellow bathtub. It’s not just about stains or dirt – the entire bathtub, or the material it’s made of, can actually turn yellow. This can happen to bathtubs made of acrylic, ABS, and fiberglass, with ABS often turning a deeper shade of yellow.
To remove yellowing, it is recommended to use the purest hydrogen peroxide gel or cream you can find and expose it to sunlight. Be careful with some creams, as they may contain bleaching agents that could harm the bathtub, so it’s a good idea to do a spot test first.
Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit on the bathtub for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe it down with a damp sponge. You can repeat these steps until the yellow staining goes away.
Repair Bathtub Cracks
After so many uses, you may eventually notice a crack on the floor of your shower stall. To keep your shower in good condition, it’s essential to fix these cracks quickly before they get bigger. You can easily repair these cracks using a bathroom repair epoxy kit.
This special epoxy is designed to seal cracks on plastic, fiberglass, and ceramic surfaces permanently. Just follow the instructions that come with the kit. It only takes 20 minutes to set and works best on cracks less than 5 inches long. If the damage is more extensive, you might need more than one kit for the repair.
For a step-by-step guide on how to use an epoxy kit for your mobile home bathtub and shower repair, check out our article “Mobile Home Bathtub and Shower Repair.”
Seal Bathtub Edges
Prevent water infiltration by regularly checking and resealing the edges of your bathtub and tub surround. Cracked or worn-out seals can lead to water damage, so be proactive in maintaining the integrity of these seals. We suggest caulking any edges or seals in your shower stall at least once a year. If water enters these seals, it may get into your walls, which can cause mold, mildew, and other unfortunate problems. This step is especially crucial in mobile homes, where space constraints can exacerbate the impact of water damage.
Clear the Plumbing
Mobile homes typically have drain line vents, but they don’t always have cleanouts, making clogged drains more challenging to deal with. Clogged drains can lead to slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and even water damage to your mobile home’s bath and shower. Regularly check and clear your plumbing to ensure water flows freely. Use natural methods like baking soda and vinegar, or invest in a reliable drain cleaner. Also, consider getting drain screens to catch hair and debris before they block the pipes. However if your drain is already blocked, you will most likely need the help of a plumber.
Water Softener
Consider installing a water softener if your mobile home relies on well water. Hard water is full of calcium, and that mineral often cakes itself onto shower walls, faucet handles, and other surfaces. A water softener helps reduce the amount of calcium and other minerals in the water, which feels better on your skin and hair and reduces potential damage to your shower.
Install a Mobile Home Exhaust Fan
Mobile homes can be prone to humidity build-up due to limited ventilation. Too much moisture in the air can result in the growth of mold. To prevent mold and keep a comfortable atmosphere, installing an exhaust fan in your bathroom is helpful. This will regulate moisture levels and ensure your shower and bathtub stay in the best condition.
Know When It’s Time To Replace Bathroom Fixtures
Bathtubs and shower surrounds consisting of ABS plastic or fiberglass don’t last forever. If your mobile home bathtub is showing signs of serious wear and tear, it might be time to consider a replacement. Look out for issues like large cracks, persistent leaks, or significant staining that won’t come out no matter how hard you scrub. These problems can not only be unsightly but might also lead to bigger issues like water damage. If you find that repairs just aren’t holding up or the bathtub’s surface is peeling away, these are clear indicators that a replacement might be the best option. It’s often more cost-effective and safer in the long run to install a new bathtub rather than repeatedly fixing one that’s past its prime.
Repair and Rejuvenate with Mobile Home Parts Store
With these tips in your arsenal, you can keep your mobile home bath and shower in peak condition, ensuring a relaxing and refreshing experience every time. From gentle cleansers to strategic repairs, a little proactive care will go a long way in maintaining your mobile home oasis.
So, why compromise? Trust Mobile Home Parts Store for all your mobile home bathroom needs. Shop with us today and experience the difference in the maintenance and care of your mobile home’s bathtub and shower. Your oasis deserves the best, and Mobile Home Parts Store is here to deliver just that.
Tags: bathtub, Bathtub and Shower Repair, garden tubs, mobile home, Mobile Home Parts Store, mobile home repair, mobile home tub surround, Repair, shower
