What to do with tub in this condition

Question

Looking at a house with a tub having the condition below. This is going to be for a rental property. Sorry the picture is not that great but the mold on the sides look really bad. The tub is also badly stained. Is this easy to clean up and correct without taking too many things apart or will this require a lot of work? What do you think would be the cost?

Terrell Garren · Answer

Kill the mold, clean the tub and walls, sand lightly with 200 grit, apply two coats of STX Bonding Primer and two coats of Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing.  Cheap, easy and will look brand new.  I've done it on 4 or 5 rental tubs and cultured marble counter-tops with great results.

Matthew Paul · Answer

Hit the mold with straight bleach .  Then have the tub and tile reglazed .  I had mine done at my house 12 years ago and its just showing signs of wear

Marian Smith · Answer

@Ben M Cast iron or porcelain on metal tubs dont really stain...the surface can get damaged by abrasive cleaners or have heavy hard water deposits.  I would clean it...soak it and put a scrubber on a drill (like a headlamp cleaning kit).  If it has a damaged surface just pull and replace (expensive but lasts longer...do acrylic and set in spray foam or plaster of paris) but if surface is okay use caulk remover to get the caulk softened between the tub and surround.  Lowes has some plastic surrounds that look like subway tile, pretty cute, but you could also clean the tub surround and paint the grout lines with a very light gray “grout renew” paint and sealer by custom at home depot.  Tile surrounds rarely have to be replaced if just dirty, bathroom tile and fixtures clean very well unless abused, its usually an aesthetic choice.  Tenants love clean updated bathrooms.

Ryan Mitchell · Answer

@Ben M

I have a guy that refinish tubs and showers and the most he has charged was 350 it is will worth it

Andrew McGregor · Answer

@Ben M

Mix some bleach and baking soda to create a paste and apply to the moldy areas with a cheap paint brush. Then cover the paste with cling wrap so it doesn’t dry out and let it sit for a couple of hours.  I had amazing results using this method. My moldy caulk was completely white.

Good luck!

David Avetisyan · Answer

I did something similar, but used cotton balls and bleach only; I applied it to the moldy caulking — it stayed put really nicely. Give it a day and remove it. You will be absolutely amazed at the magic that transpires. I couldn’t believe how well it worked.

For the tile grout, I suggest you just re-paint them using the stuff they sell at Home Depot. But before doing so, really clean the tiles and tub with baking soda and vinegar.

Reglazing is my last resort. I haven’t had the best of luck with it, because it peels a lot sooner than one would like.

To your success!

Scott P. · Answer

I've hired contractors to refinish, to make small patch finish repairs, to redo 3 piece tub walls and to completely remove and replace tub shower units. Sometimes the patching for me didn't exactly match the original finish.

I agree with the posters here who are suggesting to try removing the mold and spot patch and refinish, especially since white subway-similar tile is popular at this time.

With this said, if it's an A property I would totally remove it and put in a new tub and 3 piece surround (or a one piece tub & shower unit if you have access) and I might also do that for a B property.  Note that if you have it removed you might find add'l issues that are currently unseen.

Colleen F. · Answer

Take a razor knife, remove the caulk in that gap, clean ,  re-caulk. Any of the bleach/ baking soda methods above will work.   You are better re-caulking if it gets really bad.

Alex S. · Answer

Put all plastic panels

Alex S. · Answer

You can get that re-surfaced but it will only last few years

What to do with tub in this condition

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