We Need Some Advice — Restoring a 1942 Porcelain Tub
A few years ago, my wife and I took on what some might call a huge risk—but for us, it was an exciting opportunity. We bought a foreclosed 1942 semi-ranch home sight unseen. It was filled with decades of neglect and more than a little history. After removing five 40-yard dumpsters worth of what was essentially 35 years of hoarding, we were finally able to see the bones of the house—and we fell in love with it.
Rather than modernizing everything, we made the decision to restore the home to its original 1942 charm. Every detail we’ve worked on has been thoughtfully brought back to reflect the era it was built in, from fixtures to finishes. It’s been a labor of love, and now we’re down to the very last project: the main bathroom.
This particular bathroom features an original 1942 porcelain-over-cast-iron tub, which, believe it or not, was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Yes, that Ford. From what we understand, Ford repurposed manufacturing capabilities during the war era to produce household fixtures and materials, including bathtubs like this one.
Our original plan was to just install a bathtub insert over it and call it a day. But after speaking with two separate bathroom remodeling professionals, we were told that tubs like these are actually collectible and valuable—locally in Ohio, they’re going for anywhere from $1,100 to $1,500. More importantly, it seems like it would be a shame to cover up a piece of history like this when the rest of the house has been restored so authentically.
Now we’ve made the decision: we’re going to do our best to restore this tub, not replace or cover it. But we want to make sure we go about it the right way. It’s porcelain over cast iron, and while it’s not in perfect shape, it’s still very solid. There are some stains, dullness, and areas where the porcelain looks like it needs help, but thankfully, there are no major cracks or chips.
So here’s where we’re asking for your help: What is the best and safest way to clean and restore a vintage porcelain bathtub like this? We don’t want to damage the original porcelain or do anything that might make it harder to reglaze or professionally refinish later if we choose to go that route.
We’re open to all suggestions—DIY tips, products that have worked for you, restoration techniques, or even local recommendations if you’re in Ohio and know someone who specializes in vintage tub restoration. We’re hoping to preserve as much of the original finish as we can, and we’re trying to avoid harsh abrasives or chemicals that might cause long-term damage.
We’ve read about using products like Bar Keepers Friend, baking soda paste, vinegar solutions, or even hydrogen peroxide for porcelain, but before we dive in, we really want to learn from others who’ve had success doing this kind of thing. Any experience or knowledge would be incredibly helpful.
This house has been a journey from chaos to character, and this tub is the final piece of that puzzle. It would mean a lot to bring it back to life the right way.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share tips, stories, or resources. We really appreciate it!