There’s nothing quite like sinking into a squeaky clean bathtub after a long, hard day. Your stress and worries wash away with the soothing bubbles, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. But let’s face it – no one wants to relax in a grime-covered tub that looks like it belongs in a horror movie.
So if your once-gleaming oasis has lost its luster, fear not! We’ve got your back with our guide on how to clean a bathtub that will have yours looking brand new in no time.
You’re not alone in this cleaning crusade – we all want our homes to be spick-and-span sanctuaries for ourselves and our loved ones. With these simple tips and tricks tailored specifically for acrylic, porcelain, and fiberglass tubs, you’ll feel confident tackling even the most stubborn stains on any surface.
From choosing the right cleaning solutions to dealing with pesky grout lines and hard water buildup, we’ll guide you through every step of the process so you can reclaim your sparkling-clean haven without breaking a sweat or damaging your tub.
Best Way to Clean Your Bathtub
Here’s my step-by-step method for cleaning my bathtub. I find it the most efficient and effective way to tackle my tub:
Supplies Needed:
- Baking soda (2 cups)
- White vinegar (¼ cup)
- A cleaning bucket or pail
- Dish soap
- Scrubbing brush
- Cleaning cloths
- Bath towel
How to Clean a Bathtub Using Vinegar & Baking Soda:
- Clear the Tub: First and foremost you need to prepare your cleaning area. Clear out any extra items like bath mats, toys, shampoo bottles or other things from the area. Trust me, it gives you easier access to the tub. Make this job a simple as possible!
- Clean the Drain: Take out your drain plug. Pour ¼ cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by ¼ cup of white vinegar. Let this sit for at least two minutes before rinsing it with hot water.
- Prep the Tub: Wet the entire bathtub surface with a shower sprayer or a bucket of hot water and cloth to prepare it for the cleaning agent.
- Apply the Cleanser: Sprinkle the rest of the baking soda over the bathtubs wetted surface. To let the baking soda properly activate, leave it for about 15 minutes.
- Scrub: Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap into ½ gallon of hot water in your bucket. Use a folded towel or bathmat beside tub for knee comfort. Begin scrubbing with a soft nylon brush (avoid super-abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they will definitely harm your tubs surface). Start from the top rim of the tub and work your way down.
- Clean the Hardware: Use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush dipped in the soap-water solution to clean the spout, drain, and other hard-to-reach places.
- Rinse: After the tub looks clean, rinse it to remove leftover cleaning solution. Use either a hand shower sprayer or a bucket of clean water.
- Dry: Using a dry cloth, thoroughly dry the tub’s surface, especially the edges and corners where water tends to pool.
- Polish: Finally, use a fresh, dry microfiber or facecloth to polish the hardware, including the tub spout, drain, and handles.
There you go; thats basically the method to get rid of any grime, mold and mildew on your tub. Regular cleaning really makes this job so much faster, try to get to cleaning your tub at least twice a month. Believe me, it makes the overall job quicker each time!
The effectiveness of this cleaning depends on your bathtub’s material, how dirty or stained it is and your preference for commercial or homemade cleaning solutions. Since I prefer the super low-cost method of using vinegar and baking soad, I laid out my method. You can use spray on foaming tub and tile cleaners that work just as good, if not better.
Clean an Acrylic Tub
When it comes to cleaning acrylic tubs, the key is to be gentle. Acrylic surfaces can scratch easily, so stay away from abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbing tools. Get yourself mild the proper gear for your tub.
For stubborn stains, a homemade paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar can easily do the trick. Just remember to apply it gently with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Regular cleaning of your acrylic tub will keep it looking fresh and welcoming for years to come!
Cleaning a Porcelain Tub
Porcelain tubs are truly the crown jewel of any bathroom, but they need the right care to stay sparkling. Here’s how:
- Choose a bathtub cleaner suitable for porcelain. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can easily scratch porcelain’s glossy finish. Instead, use a mild detergent or a cleaner specifically formulated for porcelain.
- Tackle tough stains with a homemade paste. Mix equal parts baking soda and water, and apply the paste to the stain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Try to wipe down the tub after each use. Regularly rinsing with warm soapy water prevents soap scum build-up and keeps the porcelain gleaming.
By keeping these points in mind, you’ll keep your porcelain tub in tip-top condition for years to come.
Clean a Fiberglass Tub
Fiberglass tubs are known for their durability and lightweight, but they need a little care to keep their luster. Here’s how:
- Choose a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner to avoid scratching or damaging the tub’s surface.
- Scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge. The key to maintaining a fiberglass tub is a light touch.
- Be patient with stubborn stains. Sometimes they need a bit of extra time with the cleaner before they lift.
With these pointers, your fiberglass tub will keep its shine and remain in excellent condition for a long time.
Cleaning Solutions for Bathtubs
When it comes to choosing the right cleaning solution for your tub, you’ll want to consider both effectiveness and safety for your specific surface. The last thing you want is a harsh chemical that could damage your fiberglass bathtub or leave behind residue.
To help you clean a bathtub efficiently and safely, here are some popular options:
- Dish soap: A mixture of dish soap and water works wonders on soap scum without being too abrasive or harmful. It’s gentle enough for most surfaces, including fiberglass.
- Baking soda and water: Create a paste with baking soda and water to tackle stubborn stains or grime. This natural option is safe for all surfaces while still providing excellent cleaning power.
- White vinegar and baking soda: Mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda in a cup of vinegar to create a powerful yet gentle cleaner that can remove even the toughest buildup.
And if you’re looking for the best products to clean your bathtub, consider my top 4 picks:
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath: Super awesome, use them all the time to clean my tub. Micro-scrubbing surface designed to tackle soap scum and grime without scratching tub surfaces. See on Amazon
- CLR Bath Cleaner: This is the big-boy cleaner. Busts thru hard water deposits and soap scum no problems! CLR Pro is one of the strongest cleaners for tubs or anything around the home. See on Amazon
- Method Bathroom Cleaner: A eco friendly plant-based spray cleaner that’s pretty great for regular cleaning tasks. When you want a quick and easy spray on for everyday cleaning. See on Amazon
Stains and Grout
Stains and grout got you down? Don’t worry, we’ve got the tips and tricks to make your tub look brand new without breaking a sweat.
First, to keep your bathtub clean, it’s essential to know how to clean grout effectively. A deep clean of stains and grout can be achieved by using a paste made out of baking soda and water. Apply this mixture on the grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush or a small brush.
To clean an acrylic bathtub without damaging its surface, use vinegar in a spray bottle as a safe yet powerful cleaning agent. Spray the vinegar onto the stained areas and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth or sponge.
Faucets and Caulk
Now that you’ve tackled the stains and grout, it’s time to focus on the faucets and caulk in your quest for a sparkling clean bathtub. This area is vital to pay attention to since it plays an essential role in keeping your bathroom free from water damage and mold.
Follow these 4 simple steps to clean the faucets and caulk of your dirty bathtub:
- Spray a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water onto the faucets, then let it sit for about 5 minutes before wiping them down with a soft cloth.
- To deal with stubborn mineral deposits around the faucet, use an old toothbrush soaked in vinegar to scrub those hard-to-reach areas gently.
- For cleaning caulk, apply some baking soda paste (made by mixing baking soda with water) onto it, then scrub with a soft brush or sponge before rinsing off with warm water.
- Finally, dry all surfaces thoroughly using a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
Bathtub Jets
Don’t forget about those hardworking bathtub jets; they too deserve some TLC to ensure a soothing and hygienic bathing experience for everyone.
To clean a bathtub with jets, start by filling the tub with hot water until the jets are completely submerged. Mix in 2 cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, which will work together to break down any grime or buildup inside the jet system.
Turn on the jets and let them run for about 15 minutes, then drain the tub and refill it with cold water. Run the jets again for another 10 minutes to flush out any remaining residue before draining once more.
If you notice tough stains near your bathtub drain or around the jet openings, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied directly onto those areas – let it sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing away with an old toothbrush or cloth.
Finally, rinse the tub thoroughly to reveal your sparkling clean haven where you can unwind after a long day!
Conclusion
Cleaning your bathtub isn’t an uphill battle anymore. With these handy steps and a trusty arsenal of cleaning solutions, you’re all set to tackle grime like a pro, making way for a spotless haven of relaxation.
So, don’t hesitate! Grab your gear, gird yourself for the noble quest against filth and grime. Every sweep, scrub, and rinse brings you closer to victory.
And your reward? A bathtub gleaming like a gem, ready to cradle you in soothing baths and invigorating showers, a beacon of cleanliness in your home. Trust me, once you’re lounging in your sparkling tub, you’ll know it was all worth it!
