Problems and Solutions for Bathroom Surfaces | |
A little polishing with the right compounds can remove stains and brighten the dingiest looking tile. Old fixtures can be brought back to their former shine and an afternoon spent regrouting cracked or mildew-stained tile will transform your bathroom at almost no cost. Even a rotten window can be saved. Here's a rundown of common bathroom problems with some uncommon solutions. Problem: Mildew Solution: Wash with a solution of 1/2 lb. trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 1 gallon water. Use a scouring pad wrapped around a putty knife or an old toothbrush to get into narrow crevices. Rinse the surface with water and then let dry. Or use a mildew stain remover like X-14, which not only removes mildew but helps prevent its return. To prevent mildew, increase the ventilation and paint wall and ceiling surfaces with Perma-White, a latex paint that retards mildew growth. Problem: Soap scum on chrome fixtures Solution: Soak a piece of heavy paper towel in white vinegar then squeeze out the excess. Wrap it around the fixture and let it stand for 5-10 minutes. Buff surface with a dry paper towel to remove softened scum. Repeat process to remove a heavy buildup. Problem: Soap Scum on tile and grout Solution: Apply TSP using a scouring pad to break down the top layer of scum followed by a thorough wipe down with water. For a heavy buildup and discoloration, make a paste of bleaching cleanser and water. Spread the paste on the grout and let it sit overnight. Wet tile again and scrub off. Problem: Loose, cracked grout Solution: Use a "grout rake" (a small carbide-edged saw) to deepen and scare tile joints. After cleaning joints, remove loose pieces of grout with a small brush and let the joint dry. Apply new grout with your finger. Allow grout to set 10 min. then "strike" the joint with a craft stick or tooth brush handle to push grout deep into the joints. Remove excess grout from tiles with a wet sponge. Problem: Loose caulk where surfaces meets Solution: Use a "church key" type can opener to scrape out old, hardened caulk from joints. Let joint dry then reseal joint with silicone caulk. Problem: Dull ceramic tile on floors, walls Solution: To restore the shine, buff with a paste of tin oxide powder and water. Use a lamb's wool pad attachment with an electric drill, or a car buffer. Work at a low rpm to gently polish away the dull surface. Buff with clean dry rag. Mail order source for tin oxide powder: Kingsley North, Inc., 910 Brown St., P.O. Box 216, Norway, MI 49870; 906/563-9228 Problem: Dull or dirty thermoplastic tub or shower wall surrounds Solution: Use a liquid dishwashing detergent and a soft rag to clean wall panels. Buff lightly with auto rubbing compound to restore the shine. Be careful not to rub through the thin-colored gel coat. Restore high gloss to walls with a coat of marine wax. (Do not wax floors because wax it is slippery.) Problem: Rotted window sill in tub area Solution: Scrape away rotten wood, then drill 1/8-in. diameter holes at 1/4 in. intervals halfway through the sill and let the area dry. Mix a two-part epoxy and hardener system according to directions. Saturate the sill with mixture, filling all holes. Allow to cure overnight, then sand smooth. (West System Epoxy Hardener and Resin, Gougeon Brothers, Inc., PO Box 908, Bay City, MI 48707; 517/684-1374) Problem: Rust stains on tub and sink Solution: Mix hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar into a thick paste and apply to stain. Let mixture sit 10 minutes then scrub off with a brush. Repeat if necessary for deep stains. Written by the editors of HouseNet Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |