A scratched and poorly maintained bath or shower tub can really drag down the appearance of your bathroom. This means that not only will you miss out on the pleasant relaxing space that a bathroom is supposed to be, but it may even detract from the value of your house when you come to sell it. Here are some tips to keep them in top condition.

If the bath or shower tub is used on a daily basis, you should ideally clean it thoroughly once a week to avoid a build-up of dirt, soap scum and limescale, which will eventually make the surface look dull and stained.

Double check that the surface is acrylic, which is a tough plastic, rather than porcelain, enamel or fibreglass, as these will require different methods of care. Acrylic tubs tend to be slightly flexible, and are more likely to be coloured turquoise or pink, for example.

Gather a soft sponge, a cloth, a spray cleaner, or some baking soda and vinegar. Next, remove anything that is sitting on the ledges and shelves around the bath or shower. Wash down the wall tiles surrounding the tub first, otherwise you will just end up with more dirt being transferred to the surface.

Apply a suitable commercial or natural cleaner, and wipe down with a soft cloth. If there is mould or grime in the grouting, remove this first with a paste of bicarbonate of soda and an old toothbrush. If the grout is still discoloured, you could try applying some whitening toothpaste.

Next, rinse the tub out with warm water. For your cleaning material, you can either use a product designed to clean acrylic, or opt for a home made alternative. This could be a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda, or even half a citrus fruit.

Rub the cleaner over the entire surface area of the tub and leave it to work for a few minutes, before rinsing. Finally, buff the tub dry with a soft cloth. If the tub has any large scratches or cracks, you may need the services of a surface repair specialist to restore it to its former glory.