Zinc tubs have a very special charm as a garden accessory. They usually serve as flower pots or house a mini pond. But it is precisely these uses that lead to visible dirt after a few years. If you don't want to miss out on the beautiful garden decoration, read on this page how to clean your zinc tub in no time.
How do I clean a zinc tub properly?
To clean a zinc tub, remove coarse dirt with water, use neutral detergent or soda in a cleaning cloth and wipe down the tub. If there are limescale deposits, use special descalers. Rinse the tub, dry it and let it sit in the air to form an oxide layer.
Check material in advance
There is no visual difference, but not every zinc tub is actually made from zinc. These models are actually made of iron, which is only covered with a galvanized layer. You can recognize the dummy by its rusty spots. In this case, you must not use abrasive cleaners as they will cause permanent damage to the material. Even “harmless” home remedies such as vinegar or citric acid dissolve the protective layer. This does not form again with galvanized iron. If you don't rub the layer too hard on a real zinc tub, with a bit of luck the material will repair itself.
Instructions
Material and cleaning products
- Neutral cleaner
- or soda
- or special descaler
- a cleaning cloth
- another cloth
Procedure
- Remove the coarse dirt by rinsing the tub under clean water.
- Put neutral detergent in a bucket of water.
- Dip a cloth into it and wring it out well.
- Clean the tub with the cloth.
- Follow the same procedure when using soda.
- Special cleaner has proven effective for limescale deposits.
- Then rinse the tub with water.
- Dry the tub with a cloth.
- By letting the tub sit in the air, you promote the formation of a new, protective oxide layer.
- Wait a few days before filling the tub with water or soil.
Note: Never use aggressive cleaning agents that contain chemical substances. Especially if you use your zinc tub as a mini biotope, the residents will suffer great damage.
