Preparing the bath for bathing the baby: cleaning and disinfection

Plumbing equipment requires proper care, thorough cleaning and disinfection. To get the desired result and not damage the surface being treated, it is better to use liquid compounds. The cleaning liquid for the bathtub is selected based on general recommendations, taking into account personal preferences, and is used in accordance with the instructions.

Bathroom cleaning products should not only be effective, but also safe for health.

What is mold

Black mold in the bathroom
Mold is fungal mycelium. When they reach a certain stage of growth, they release spores and toxins. This has a bad effect on the human body. Mycelium grows instantly in the following situations: high humidity, nutrition, warm air.

Fungi absorb ready-made nutrients; they cannot create them themselves.

What harm does she do?

Plaques are often located under the toilet, bathtub, or in the seams between tiles. Reasons to call professionals are:

• Unpleasant smell.
• Development of asthma, allergies, bronchitis, rhinitis, onychomycosis (nail lesions), skin diseases. People with low immunity constitute a risk group. When the body cannot cope with fungi, they settle in the organs (Transferred through the bloodstream).
• Damage to building materials. The fungus is unpretentious and grows on wood, plaster, and building structures.

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic plumbing fixtures

Like any other product, acrylic bathtubs have their own pros and cons. Among the advantages, the most valuable are:

• Light weight. An acrylic bathtub of standard sizes weighs on average 30 kg. It can be transported, lifted, carried, installed even alone.
• Easy installation. Bathtubs made from other materials are usually placed on legs. A special adjustable frame is provided for mounting the acrylic product. It comes included, no need to buy additional parts.
• Wide selection of models. Among all the materials used to make bathtubs, acrylic is the most flexible. It can be given any, even the most intricate, shape. This property is successfully used by designers who create stylish models. For connoisseurs of unique and aesthetic interiors, this is a real find.
• Easy maintenance and repair. To clean the bathtub, you can use dishwashing detergents and liquid soap, but it is better to buy special formulations. If a minor scratch appears, it is smoothed out with sandpaper. Large cracks require restoration of the coating with liquid acrylic, and this work is performed by specialized companies.
• Ability to maintain temperature. For lovers of relaxing treatments, this quality is priceless. The water cools slowly, and the surface itself is not as cold as that of metal baths.
• Anti-slip coating. The surface of acrylic bathtubs is smooth, but does not slip, so the risk of injury is significantly reduced.
• Hygiene. Acrylic does not rot, is not attacked by fungus, and does not promote the growth of bacteria.
• Additional accessories. If desired, the owner of an acrylic bathtub can purchase attachments and massage devices that will make water treatments even more enjoyable.

The main disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs include low static strength, insufficient scratch resistance of the coating and high cost. As for the price of the products, it is quite justified, because high-quality acrylic bathtubs are manufactured using sophisticated technologies.

However, when choosing, you should weigh and compare: perhaps a cheaper cast iron analogue will do.

Static strength is ensured by a metal frame; without it, a bathtub filled to the brim changes shape. Special bathing mats will help protect the product from scratches. They are used for washing pets, etc.

When swimming you have to be careful: the material can easily be damaged by a sharp, hard or heavy object

Types of mold

Mycelia vary in composition and are divided into the following types:

• Black mold. Another name for Aspergillus. Melanin (pigment) gives it its hue. Lives on the walls of houses with high humidity, in bathrooms. Causes aspergillosis (diseases in which mycelium grows in the lungs). The mushroom is resistant to various influences.
• Mushroom blue.
• Dry mold.
• The most common is the classic flower.

Scientists have discovered many more types of fungi. Different methods of disinfection are used for different species.

Indicators affecting service life

In order for an acrylic structure to last for many years, you need to pay attention to two main indicators - how, what it is made of and how its strength is ensured

Material and thickness

Of course, acrylic always contains acrylic - but it can be combined with other materials, and how long it can be used depends on the proportion in which it is used.

• Three layers. If you are accustomed to the fact that the more layers, the stronger the result, then this habit will fail here - three layers of an acrylic bathtub indicate that it is not of high quality. Its internal material is ABS - a porous cheap plastic, which is used as a base due to its low cost. Then it is covered with a thin layer of acrylic (no more than ten percent), and then the final structure is reinforced. As a result, after about five years, the reinforcement is wiped away, as is the acrylic layer, and only ABS remains, which quickly becomes saturated with moisture and becomes completely unusable. This is only worth buying if you plan to use it infrequently - or will replace it in the near future anyway.
• Two layers. This one consists entirely of acrylic, and a reinforcing substance covers it on top - sometimes in one layer, sometimes in several. The result is more expensive, but will also last much longer. It practically does not wear out; it is very difficult to get a crack to appear on it.

Simply rinse with warm water

Tip To check how many layers a structure you like consists of, just look at its very edge - the one that often bends down. The layers on it are visible to the naked eye.

In addition to the material, it is also important how thick the walls it forms:

• two or three centimeters is very thin - it cracks easily and does not last long;
• four centimeters is average - it cracks less often, lasts longer, up to ten years;
• six centimeters is thick - it’s hard to make a crack on such a structure; it can last for decades if you don’t clean it with a metal sponge.

Tip To check how thick the walls of a bathtub are, you don’t need to have a ruler with you; just shine a flashlight through them. If light is visible on the other side, then the wall is too thin. Additionally, you can tap it with your knuckles - the sound should be dull.

Reinforcement and frame

Reinforcement of acrylic is a mandatory procedure, since plastic itself is not very durable. Typically epoxy resins, fiberglass or polyurethane are used. They protect the bathtub from mechanical damage, abrasion, small cracks and chips.

Preparation for disinfection

Disinfection is carried out after a specialist finds places where mold is located. He must have access to them. Therefore, you need to move the cabinets aside and tear off the wallpaper. There is no need to do any other independent processing. The professional product is used without preliminary cleaning. The surface after treatment can only be wiped with a damp sponge.

Important: do not fight mold yourself. Chemicals are toxic and can be harmful to health if used incorrectly.

Tips for choosing an effective composition

Bathroom cleaning products must cope not only with layers of dirt and soap deposits, but also with traces of limescale, rust, mold, and unpleasant odors.

It is important that they work quickly, do not leave streaks, do not shorten the life of the bathtub, and are safe for health.

Experts recommend refraining from using powder products, giving preference to liquids, sprays, pastes, and gels. These types of chemicals clean the surface being treated well without leaving scratches or erasing the enamel.

Each release form has its own characteristics:

1. Solutions are affordable, effective, but quickly consumed;
2. Due to their thick consistency, gels are more convenient and economical, easy to apply and evenly distributed;
3. Sprays provide quick application and economical consumption of liquid, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach places;
4. Pastes and creams are easy to use, provide gentle cleaning, are less effective at removing stubborn dirt, and are more expensive.

It is not recommended to use bathtub cleaning powders.

The best bath cleaner should:

• suitable for processing this type of surface (enamel, acrylic, marble, etc.);
• do not contain abrasive components, strong acids, caustic alkalis;
• do not have a pungent odor, do not cause allergic reactions;
• exhibit disinfectant properties;
• have an acceptable cost.

Most products are universal and can be used for washing bathtubs, trays, shower cabins, sinks and toilets, as well as chrome parts and tiles.

How is the processing carried out?

Bathroom disinfection is carried out according to an algorithm when the work is divided into several stages. Compliance with them guarantees a positive result.

Disinfection is carried out in different ways, suitable for a particular case. Professionals come to the site. Assess the situation. Select a suitable method. They use drugs of safety class 4 (low toxicity). They do not harm animals or people. It is mandatory to process cracks and joints between tiles, pipe risers, wall surfaces, sanitary facilities, door openings and baseboards.

The work is performed using the following methods:

• Wet disinfection using insecticide solutions.
• Processing using special equipment: fog generators (cold and hot). With this method, chemicals are generated into a cloud of microscopic particles. They penetrate into the most secluded corners.
• To prevent the occurrence of fungus, preventive actions are carried out (the affected surfaces are dried).

The experience of our sanitary and epidemiological station has shown that it is impossible to get rid of mold on your own. Mycelia appear again. Professional disinfection of the bathroom for fungus is carried out using products and equipment that are not sold in retail outlets. An arsenal of such equipment makes cleaning quick and efficient. We will find the reasons that caused the mold to appear and advise you on taking measures to avoid mold contamination in the future.

Using cleaning products

Cleaning products are used only in accordance with the instructions for use. These are not abrasive products that are used to wash the surface “until victory”. These detergents and cleaning agents are used differently.

1. This gel is applied to the surface of the tank (if it is a spray, it is splashed along the surface).
2. It takes 10 minutes for the product to take effect.
3. Gently wash off the dirt using a sponge and a stream of warm water.
4. Rinse again with clean water and dry.

Sometimes all attempts to clear the stone from the bathtub remain in vain. It is impossible to clean an old bathtub. Try updating your plumbing. These tanks are restored using the technology of applying a new layer of acrylic. Restoring an acrylic surface will cost less than buying new plumbing fixtures.

It will be difficult to clean an old bathtub, only restoration will save you

Disinfecting a hot tub

Fungus in the bathroom
Facilities are dangerous because they develop a favorable environment for the growth of harmful organisms: legionella, E. coli. Therefore, timely disinfection of the Jacuzzi is necessary.

Hydromassage facilities have sophisticated hidden pipe systems. There is the best place for fungus and other harmful organisms to appear. The outer part of the bathtub is most often in good condition, but the hidden parts are without proper care. To avoid breakdowns and prevent the impact of pathogenic microbes on the human body, you need to regularly clean pipes with special preparations that are not sold in the store. And it should be carried out by professionals.

Differences from other materials

Acrylic is a relatively new material. It appeared on the construction market only ten to fifteen years ago and is not yet as widespread as other, more familiar materials. It is a strong plastic that can be given any color, any shape, or faked to resemble any other material.

Acrylic bathtub can be any color

Do you want a marble bath, but stone is too expensive and heavy? Acrylic is definitely the answer to this problem.

It has a number of specific advantages:

Low thermal conductivity

This is very important for a bath, since lying in quickly cooling water is not very pleasant. Acrylic keeps the temperature constant for about half an hour, and it also has a special heater.

Plastic

Acrylic can be given any, most bizarre, shape. It can go in waves, it can have unexpected angles. There are even companies that make custom-made structures from acrylic.

Easy to care for. Acrylic is not susceptible to the formation of a layer of dirt on it; pathogenic microorganisms do not linger on it. Simply rinse it with warm water after each use.

Light weight. It is easy to lift an acrylic bathtub to the desired floor, and it does not have much impact on the floors.

No noise. Falling water produces a dull, weak sound.

Reliability. Acrylic will last longer than two decades if you buy the structure at a reasonable price and then use it carefully.

Special coating. Unlike cast iron, whose coating is usually slippery, acrylic is covered with a special plastic, which, despite its external smoothness, is very difficult to slip and fall on. Very useful for a home where an elderly person lives.

Acrylic is a relatively new material

But there are also disadvantages:

• Special care. Acrylic is easy to wash, but if it does get dirty, you will have to use specialized soft products that will not harm it.
• Sensitivity to temperature. Like any plastic, acrylic will melt if the temperature gets too high. Models with a small price can even become deformed if too hot water is poured into them. In any case, it is usually recommended to pour the cool one first, and only then turn on the hot one.
• Sensitivity to mechanical influences. Acrylic can be scratched, and impact resistance varies from product to product. If something heavy is dropped into a low-priced model, there is a high chance that it will crack.

The material is not prone to the formation of a layer of dirt on it

If you compare acrylic with cast iron and steel - traditional materials for manufacturing - you get the following result.

Steel characteristics:

• strength - low, sensitive to chips, cracks, scratches;
• thermal insulation is low, water quickly changes temperature and cools;
• weight is relatively small, it is easier to bring a steel structure into a house than a cast iron one;
• the noise is loud, when the stream hits the bottom, it can be heard throughout the entire apartment;
• shape - clearly defined, rectangular or slightly rounded corners;
• the price is low, which is the main advantage of a steel structure.

Has low thermal conductivity

Characteristics of cast iron:

• strength is the highest, it is difficult to break a cast iron bathtub, even if you decide to do it on purpose and use construction tools;
• thermal insulation is high, but half the temperature will be spent heating the cast iron itself, as a result of which the water will still cool down;
• the weight is huge, it’s not easy to bring cast iron into the house, plus it puts pressure on the ceilings;
• noise is average, you can hear water, but if you close the door, the sound will be muffled;
• shape - strictly defined, either rectangular or slightly rounded;
• the price is high, which is justified due to the high reliability of cast iron, which can last for several decades and only peel off slightly.

Acrylic will last longer than two decades

Acrylic characteristics:

• strength is low, you should not drop heavy objects into the bathtub;
• thermal insulation - high, enough to keep the temperature for half an hour;
• weight - light, like any plastic, easy to bring into the house, the ceiling does not press;
• noise - absent, since plastic muffles sound;
• any form, up to the one invented by a specific buyer;
• the price is high, which is justified due to the quality of the product.

Advice It’s worth buying acrylic if you need an intricate shape or high thermal insulation. It will also fit best into any modern interior.

Falling water makes a dull, weak sound

Prevention

If conditions are created in the apartment for mold to develop, no method will help prevent its reoccurrence. After all, pathological microorganisms surround us everywhere. However, unsuitable conditions can be created for their existence:

• Ventilate the room every day.
• Regularly monitor the sanitary condition of ceilings, floors, and drainage systems.
• Reduce humidity in the house.
• Promptly get rid of fungal-affected products of organic origin.

Fighting viruses and bacteria in the home

It is often necessary to disinfect a room in which there are children and other family members who are sick with the flu or infectious diseases.

To carry out this activity, we recommend starting with wet cleaning of all surfaces. It is better to carry out wet cleaning every day, adding disinfectant solutions to the water.

After cleaning, be sure to disinfect the air. Often, it is enough to ventilate the apartment well.

You can disinfect the apartment and the air using a quartz bactericidal lamp . The lamp should be turned on every 6 hours for 15 minutes. The device also helps destroy fungus.

When the lamp is on, all people in the room must be removed.

Water disinfection is of great importance . It is drinking water that spreads hepatitis type A, dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera and other infections.

SES leaves no chance for the existence of fungus

If you contact the sanitary and epidemiological station, you will not have to deal with toxic organisms yourself, and the consequences of their existence will not affect your health. SES is chosen by those who are focused on long-term results and affordable cost. We know how to remove mold in the bathroom:

• Reliable. We provide a guarantee for services up to 4 years. During this period, disinfection is carried out free of charge.
• Safely. The drugs are non-toxic for people and have certificates.
• Profitable. SES offers the best options for getting rid of pathological growths, and also offers discounts and promotions.
• Instantly. A minimum of 60 minutes of our work, and you won’t have to think about what disinfection of a jacuzzi is.
• Qualitatively. After disinfection, there are no fungi, odors, or stains left in the apartment.

Call. We work around the clock.

Steel

Just a few words should be said about steel bathtubs. Their production began in the 17th century in Europe, and today these products occupy their niche in the plumbing market. Among the advantages of steel bathtubs, we highlight, first of all, lightness of design and ease of installation, as well as a variety of shapes combined with a low price. At the same time, one cannot help but point out the low heat capacity of steel bowls, their instability on the floor, lack of sound absorption and vulnerability of the coating to rust and limescale. Despite the fact that the creators of steel bathtubs are constantly improving manufacturing technologies, buyers still prefer traditional cast iron and acrylic or choose products made from innovative composite materials. Part 1. Enameled Cast Iron.

Part 2. The luxury of cast acrylic.

Part 4. Comparative characteristics of materials.