A bathtub can be an essential part of any bathroom. Whether you use it every day or once in a while, it’s important to keep your tub clean. But sometimes, cleaning a bathtub can feel like a daunting task. Fear not! With these five easy steps, you’ll have your tub sparkling clean in no time.
How Often to Clean a Bathtub
In some cases, the frequency of tub cleaning is a matter of personal opinion. A bathtub that is used by four people in a one-bathroom home should be cleaned more frequently than a tub that is used only by someone who lives alone. If you use your bathtub on a regular basis, give it a wash once a week and an intensive clean with plenty of scrubbing strength once every month.
What to Clean a Bathtub With
Do you want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed when they come into your bathroom? A clean tub is the first step towards that goal. Here are five easy steps on how to clean a bathtub quickly and effectively.
Using these supplies, your bathtub can be sparkling and clean in no time!
- Clean bucket
- Dish soap
- Scrub brush
- Cloth or hand towel
- Sponge
- Baking soda
- Tub-and-tile cleaner (optional)
- Bleach and spray bottle (for mold and mildew only)
How to Clean a Bathtub in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
The first step to any good cleaning session is gathering your supplies. For this job, you’ll need a mild soap, a non-abrasive sponge, and some elbow grease. (You may also want to invest in a quality tub cleaner to make the job even easier.)
Step 2: Remove Any Clutter
Before you start scrubbing, take a moment to remove any clutter from around the tub. This will give you more space to work and help you avoid making any accidental scratches. Once the area is clear, give the tub a quick rinse with warm water.
Step 3: Apply Soap
Now it’s time to start cleaning! Dip your sponge into the soap and start scrubbing the tub in small circles. Be sure to pay special attention to any particularly dirty areas.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve given the entire tub a good scrub, it’s time to rinse away all the soap suds. Use warm water and go over the entire surface until it’s completely free of soap. At this point, you may want to run your hand along the bottom of the tub just to double-check that there are no lingering suds.
Step 5: Dry Off
The last step is an important one: drying off your tub. To prevent any water stains, be sure to dry off the entire surface with a soft towel or cloth. And that’s it! In just five simple steps, you’ve successfully cleaned your bathtub. Now enjoy relaxing in a sparkling clean space.
How to Clean an Acrylic Tub?
If you have an acrylic tub, then you know that harsh cleaners can diminish the finish. Fortunately, there is a solution consisting of dish soap, baking soda and lemon juice. Baking soda is used to dissolve soap scum because it acts as a surfactant (scum-dissolving agent).
- Create a 1:1 combination of baking soda and dish soap, then add a few drops of lemon juice.
- Keep stirring until the mixture turns into a light foam.
- Using a sponge, apply the solution to the tub and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Use a wet sponge to clean the tub from top to bottom, allowing the dirty water to run down into the tub.
How to Clean a Porcelain or Fiberglass Tub with Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant. It works well on filthy porcelain and fiberglass tubs, but it may be harsh on acrylic ones.
- In a spray bottle, mix water and vinegar in a 2:1 or 1:1 ratio depending on the material of your tub. If you have a fiberglass tub, follow a 2:1 water-to-vinegar ratio. However, if you have porcelain surfaces , stick to mixing these ingredients in a 1:1 ration . For both types of tubs, adding lemon juice will provide a fresh scent as well as an extra cleaning boost!
- After mixing the solution, coat the entire tub with it and wait 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a sponge or cloth, lightly scrubbing the tub top-down. The movement allows loosened dirt and soap scum to fall into the tub and drain as you work your way down.
- If the tub is severely discolored, fill it halfway with a solution of 1 to 1 gall of vinegar, hot water, and a cup or two baking soda for 30 minutes to an hour. Drain the tub then use a sponge to remove any stains. Repeat as needed.
How to Deep Clean a Bathtub
Is there mold or mildew in your bathtub? If so, fill a spray bottle with hot water and four tablespoons of bleach and begin the tub cleaning process. Spray this solution onto the afflicted regions and leave it to soak in. Sprinkle baking soda throughout the tub while the bleach is soaking in.
Things To Avoid When Cleaning Your Bathtub
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your bathtub shining for a longer time.
- Don’t leave your soap or shampoo bottles on the bathroom or bathtub floor, as this can lead to new stains and markings. The acids in these products aid in the formation of cracks in the bathtub and allow germs to grow.
- Never use abrasive scrubbing pads, hard tools, or steel wool to clean the bathtub’s surface. The bathtub may fracture and develop scratches as a result of this.
- Avoid anything that is too difficult to wash in the bathtub.
- Avoid paint thinners since they have the same result as an abrasive scrub brush or steel wool on the bathtub.
- It is dangerous to work with chemicals without ventilation. If these chemicals are used in enclosed spaces, fumes from these chemicals can be released that may be harmful to the lungs and skin.
- Avoid depending on a single product; use those which are most suitable for the area and the work.
- Let the disinfectant sit on the surface of the bathtub for 5 minutes, or more if possible.
- Don’t just clean the filthy section. Many of us believe that it is adequate to simply remove the dirt and stain from the apparent region or those afflicted with stains. Nothing could be further from the truth. Clean the entire bathroom, as well as the bathtub’s interior and perimeter, to ensure a sanitary and bacteria-free environment. To guarantee that your bathtub is free of any stains or germs, clean all sides, hidden places, within the structure, and all around it.
- Use the same technique to trim your shower curtain as you would for a bathtub. The space between the shower liner and the bathtub is too large, causing it to serve as an easy breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Tips for Keeping the Tub Clean Longer
It’s important to keep your tub clean by rinsing it and wiping off any excess moisture after taking a bath. This will help prevent mildew, soap scum, and grime from building up on the surface.
Dish soap is the most effective substance for removing stubborn, slimy soap buildup. You should keep an eye on mildew growth on the caulk by quick getting rid of it with a bleach-based spray to ensure it does not spread and become a bigger issue in the long run.
Conclusion
Though it may seem like a daunting task at first, cleaning a bathtub is actually quite easy—as long as you have the right supplies and know what steps to follow. With these five straightforward tips, you’ll have your bathtub looking brand new in no time at all.
