Cleaning enthusiasts go wild for the latest cleaning trends and advice on the best chemicals for their cleaning tasks And with over 1,600,000 posts on #cleantok, there's no doubting its popularity From how to clean a bathtub to how to clean tile grout, everyone wants to know how to clean better

However, these posts and recommendations can sometimes ruin what you are trying to clean Bathtubs are made of a variety of materials, and for some tubs, using these cleaning methods to remove daily grease stains can damage the tub's lining

So we asked Ryan McNicholl, Product Advisor at Spares Direct, to tell us about some common cleaning tools that should not be used to clean bathtubs and the damage they can cause

The bathroom is one of the rooms in the house that should be cleaned regularly Although invisible to the naked eye, bathrooms contain large amounts of bacteria Bacteria can live on surfaces for one to seven days, so regular cleaning can prevent them from spreading and causing infections Clean bathrooms promote relaxation, so if you like to soak in the tub, you will be more relaxed if your surroundings are clean

However, the bathtub must be cleaned the right way so as not to stain the surface or harm the bathtub

Bleach is a household cleaning staple often used for deep cleaning because of its disinfecting properties Its active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, breaks down microbial proteins and kills bacteria, fungi, and common viruses In the home, it is often used to clean toilets and wipe down surfaces

However, while it is tempting to use this powerful disinfectant and bleach to clean bathtubs, be careful not to make this mistake when cleaning with bleach While effective in killing germs and making you feel like you are deep cleaning, bleach can discolor and damage the surface of the tub over time, causing it to lose its original color This is especially common on older tubs and tubs with special finishes”

We previously advised that abrasive trowel powder is one of the things that should never be used to clean induction cooktops and should be avoided when cleaning bathtubs

“It damages the surface of the tub and creates tiny crevices where bacteria can grow

Knowing how to get rid of mold in the bathroom can help, but it is best to prevent mold from forming in the first place

Magic Eraser is an abrasive foam cleaner used to remove surface dirt and stains However, McNicholl says, “It works well on some surfaces, but can scratch acrylic and porcelain tubs”

He explains that acrylic surfaces are easily scratched, “creating small imperfections that over time allow dirt and grime to build up and make the tub harder to clean”

The same goes for porcelain tubs, “While more durable than acrylic, porcelain can also be scratched with abrasive cleaners This dulls the finish and makes the tub more susceptible to staining

Commercial bathroom cleaners are not designed for home use and must be used with extreme caution

“Many of these contain ingredients that can be harmful to your tub and your health Always check labels for ingredients such as chlorine, ammonia, and strong acids”

McNicoll mentions that if you use any of the above products and notice scratches on your tub, buffing may make them less noticeable