Troubleshooting: Suction Cups Not Holding in Bathtub - Tips and Tricks

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread discusses challenges with suction cups not holding in a bathtub setting, particularly for toy storage and soap holders. Participants share their experiences and various suggestions for improving suction cup performance.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with suction cups failing to hold, despite cleaning efforts.
  • Another participant suggests reducing the number of toys in the suction cup bag as a potential solution.
  • Several users mention using silicone adhesive as a more permanent solution for securing items.
  • One participant shares their experience of using a colander for toy storage to avoid mess and slime.
  • Some participants recommend trying new suction cups or cleaning techniques to improve adhesion.
  • Another participant discusses the possibility of using 3M adhesive hooks as an alternative to suction cups.
  • One user mentions that using cooking oil on suction cups may enhance their grip.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of suction cups, with some participants suggesting alternative storage methods while others continue to seek solutions for improving suction.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with various products and methods, reflecting a range of solutions and frustrations related to suction cup performance in a bathroom environment.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members dealing with similar issues in their homes may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

KellyTheChef
KellyTheChef
Gold Member
Messages
7,533
This may sound silly, but it is driving me nuts!

I have a little mesh toy bag hanging in the bathtub for DS toys. It is not overloaded, but the suction cups do NOT want to hold for more than a day! I also have a lightweight soap holder that is made of wire that I use to hang our razors through. Same thing. It will not stay up!:mad: :(

I have cleaned the fiberglass (think the tub surround is fiberglass...smooth, shiney white plastic??) with cleaner and rinsed it. Cleaned it with alcohol and let it dry before hanging, cleaned with alcohol and let it be wet when hanging, moistened the suction cups with water, on and on. :confused: :confused:

Any ideas? I am so tired of waking up in the middle of the night to something slamming down into the tub! I was just out here in the kitchen doing something and heard one of them fall again!:eek: :eek:

HELP!
 
I know this is an obvious and not very helpful suggestion- but what about reducing the amount of bathtub toys. Ours are in a suction cup mesh bag as well and they weren't getting dry each time because there were too many. They all got slimy and were nasty to bathe my children with!! I threw out a bunch and soaked the rest in Oxy Clean including the mesh bag. They all got really clean and it doesn't fall down anymore!
 
We have one of those bags and I just gave up. It sits on the bottom of the tub now. Kinda defeats the purpose, eh?
 
I know it may be a little more work but I use a basket with a towel inside to soak up the extra water from the toys. Then I store it under the sink cabinet. My kids just dump it in the tub when they get in. (just make sure to change the towel often ewe!) Another plus to this..... when you take your shower... YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE IT WITH TOYS!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
gilliandanielle said:
I know this is an obvious and not very helpful suggestion- but what about reducing the amount of bathtub toys. Ours are in a suction cup mesh bag as well and they weren't getting dry each time because there were too many. They all got slimy and were nasty to bathe my children with!! I threw out a bunch and soaked the rest in Oxy Clean including the mesh bag. They all got really clean and it doesn't fall down anymore!
Click to expand...
Gillian~

It really doesn't have too many toys in it...even empty it keeps falling down and the other wire thing that we hang our razors in is even lighter and keeps falling down!

Rae~

I have thought about the super glue thing...not sure that would go over well with hubby, or when we decide to move!!:eek: :eek:

I am beginning to think that my parents ruined the finish on the surround. It is only about 7 years old, but they both smoked like crazy...especially in the bathroom! (My dad would sit and take a bath and smoke...ewww!) My mom passed away in June and my Dad is selling us the house. I have cleaned and cleaned the surround, but I can still see some discoloration from the smoke and I am wondering if it has changed the finish slightly, but enough that now the suction cups won't stick properly.

What a PITA. I was hoping someone had some amazing remedy that would work!! If anyone else has any other ideas, PLEASE let me know!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
DebbieJ said:
We have one of those bags and I just gave up. It sits on the bottom of the tub now. Kinda defeats the purpose, eh?
Click to expand...
That's gonna be where mine is soon!
 
When I read it the first time I thought you said it WAS overloaded, LOL! Sorry- just ignore my whole post then! :D
 
If all you're really needing is a way to hang the bag of toys so they'll dry, can you use the spigot or shower head? That's not going to help with the soap dish, but it would allow the tub toys to get some air.
 
Kelly,I had the same problem with a soap holder for my parents--I needed it in a particular location due to my mother's limited range-of-motion.I ended up buying a tub of silicone adhesive of some sort...that worked. It's been up for 8 years now.Good luck!
 
my DS's tub toys are kept in the large colander that comes with the 4-piece Bowl & colander set. I let them dry out in the tub (in the colander) then throw them under the sink. No mess, no slime!
how's that for a selling point to those "non-cookers".
 
My husband's shaving mirror does the same thing in the shower, and of course, it always drops in the middle of the night, waking everyone up with a start!

The only thing I can think of is using a silicone adhesive, but that is a more permanent solution, so be sure you want to stick it there forever....
 
Maybe buy some new suction cups. I know you can buy them at Lowe's HomeDepot, Wal-Mart. I just bought some to put on my daughters window to hang a chrystal.
 
cookinmama said:
Maybe buy some new suction cups. I know you can buy them at Lowe's HomeDepot, Wal-Mart. I just bought some to put on my daughters window to hang a chrystal.
Click to expand...

Haha...I was going to say the same thing. We've had to replace some crappy suction cups before...
 
If you claen the suction cups with windex, then soak in warm water for 5 min, dry completely with a lint free towel, then rub your finger in a circular motion at least 15 times..they should stick then!!! ( No I am not trying to be funny) :)
 
reba515 said:
my DS's tub toys are kept in the large colander that comes with the 4-piece Bowl & colander set. I let them dry out in the tub (in the colander) then throw them under the sink. No mess, no slime!
how's that for a selling point to those "non-cookers".
Click to expand...

So are my DS's!:D And some of his favorite bath toys include the flexible funnels, and a couple colored scrapers from past seasons!:D :D :D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #17
klsnyder said:
If you claen the suction cups with windex, then soak in warm water for 5 min, dry completely with a lint free towel, then rub your finger in a circular motion at least 15 times..they should stick then!!! ( No I am not trying to be funny) :)
Click to expand...
I will give that a try! If that doesn't work, I will buy some new suction cups...I am sure the ones that come with those things are VERY cheap! I have noticed that they aren't very "cupped" they are pretty flat, so even when it is suctioned to the wall, there probably isn't very much suction.

Thank you all so much! I will try these remedies first and if all else fails, ...then it's off to glue those suckers on forever!!!
 
There is silicone caulking that you could use like in the suggestions before, it wouldn't be forever, you could get it off. We use silicone all the time at work, and I have had to go back and take stuff off and it might take some effort, or a razor, but you could get it off, then just clean the excess off with a razor.
 
Or you could get it off with a stoneware scraper, LOL!
 
Get a large S hook and hang from shower rodon inside shower curtain. As for the razor holder-S hook high from shower head.


Charlene
 
what about the 3m adhesive hooks? when you want to remove them I think they come off easily. they are long and skinny but have different sized hooks and strengths
 
  • Thread starter
  • #22
Wow!

This is why I posted here...I knew there were tons of smart ladies that would have great ideas!!!

Thanks again!
 
I second the 3M hooks. I use them on EVERYTHING. Or the 3M gummy tape (for pictures etc) - just like the hook without the hook. Attach it to the fiberglass and then to the suction cups. The hooks (2) would be better though so you could actually take the bag down when/if you wanted to easily as opposed to it being stuck to the suction cups.
 
I was going to suggest the 3M too. Also I heard (for those that like the suction cups) that before attaching them, rub a small amount of cooking oil in them (as opposed to water or saliva) they will get a better grip. Hope that helps.
 
I superglued mine, but it wouldn't even stick w/o toys in it, because of the material of our tub.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common reasons suction cups fail to hold in the bathtub?

Common reasons include dirty or wet surfaces, improper installation, or the suction cups being damaged or worn out. Ensure the area is clean and dry before applying the suction cups.

How can I prepare the surface for better suction cup adhesion?

To prepare the surface, clean it thoroughly with soap and water, then rinse and dry completely. You can also use rubbing alcohol to remove any residue that might interfere with the suction.

Is there a specific technique for applying suction cups to ensure they hold?

Yes, press the suction cup firmly against the surface while pushing out any air trapped underneath. For best results, apply the suction cup at a slight angle and then press it down flat.

What should I do if the suction cups still won't hold after following the tips?

If the suction cups still won't hold, check for any damage or warping. Consider replacing them with new suction cups or trying a different brand known for better adhesion.

Can temperature affect the performance of suction cups in the bathtub?

Yes, extreme temperatures can affect the performance of suction cups. If the bathroom is too hot or too cold, it may impact the suction. Try to maintain a moderate temperature for optimal results.

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