Q My enamel bath had a stain, so I put some toilet cleaner on it overnight (don’t ask me why – worst decision I ever made). It’s now very white, but the enamel has been stripped away and the surface is all pitted. Any ideas?

A It’s possible to sort this, but it’s not cheap. You have options, depending on whether your bath is made of steel (which it probably is) or cast iron (rare nowadays).

1. Depending on how extensive the damage is, you may be able to have the bath repolished. This is done in situ and involves grinding away the top layer of enamel before sanding the surface with a series of coarse and fine discs, ending with a lambs-wool mop to help restore shine. Expect to pay around £175, but it’s suitable only for white cast-iron baths. Contact the Institute of Vitreous Enamellers (01543 450596; www.ive.org.uk) for approved companies.

2. Have the bath resurfaced. Although less expensive than re-enamelling (see below), the finish isn’t as hard-wearing, though it should last between five and 11 years. Again, the process is done in your home and takes about five hours, and you won’t be able to use the bath for 24 hours. It involves cleaning and grinding the existing enamel, spraying with several base coats and finishing with a special acrylic or epoxy resin. Several companies offer this, including Renubath Services Ltd (0800 1382202, www.renubath.co.uk). It costs around £400.

3. Have the bath re-enamelled. This is the most expensive and disruptive option (you have to send the bath to a factory to be kiln-fired, which costs around £650 plus transport). It’s unsuitable for steel baths (and cheaper to buy a new one), but if it’s a special cast-iron bath it’ll be as good as new, with a very durable finish. The process involves shot-blasting to remove the existing enamel, before the bath is re-coated with a minimum of three layers of new vitreous enamel. Each layer is fused to the surface by heating to above 750C. Contact the IVE (as above) for a list of approved companies.

In future, look for the “V” logo of the Vitreous Enamel Association on the label of approved bath cleaners, or visit www.ive.org.uk for a list of safe products.

Aggie MacKenzie co-presents How Clean is Your House? Send your questions for publication to aggie.mackenzie@thetimes.co.uk