Most of the time, I can get a plastic tub clean with just plain water and a dish rag. Dawn dishwashing liquid or something similar will also help. You may also want to scrub where the rust holes are on the porcelain with a WHITE scrubber sponge, and again, some Dawn dishwashing liquid.
Have you tried removing the tub ring yet? It comes in two parts. First, you remove the hoses, then there are four snaps, one on each corner, that you
carefully unlatch with your thumb and forefinger. You don't want to break the plastic snaps. Gently lift each corner as you do this. The lower part of the tub ring removes with metal snaps, which I unhinge and spring back by hand. You may need a screwdriver, though. After those are removed, you can gently lift the ring off the tub assembly. Then, you can clean off any gunk that may have accumulated there.
If you feel a little more daring: The agitator has a cap with a screwdriver slot. Remove the cap, and then remove the nut with a socket. Now lift off the agitator. Next, get a spanner wrench and remove the big spanner nut CLOCKWISE. Then, you should be able to get the spin basket off. On my inner tub, I used some Rustoleum Primer and Rustoleum gloss black protective paint. I wouldn't go that far if I didn't have to, but it may not be a bad idea to see how that area has held up over the years. It's out of sight, and out of mind for most of us. Yet that's what holds the water and keeps your kitchen floor from flooding with water, detergent, and fabric softener!
Sorry about the bad photo, I didn't have a tripod at the time.
NorfolkSouthern
