Nobody likes to see stains in their bathtub. Not only are they nauseating to look at, but they can also be challenging to get rid of. If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of those pesky bathtub stains, look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss several methods that you can use to remove those stubborn marks from your tub. So read on and get started today!
How to Get Rid of Bathtub Stains
Stains in bathtubs come from several sources, including our skin and oils, minerals in water supplies, and soap or shampoo buildup. It can be difficult to keep up with all the stains, especially mold stains or rust stains. Plus, we have to be careful not to damage the tub’s finish while cleaning.
The three most widespread types of tub finishes are porcelain, enamel, and acrylic. Porcelain is the strongest, so the techniques for removing stains from this type of tub will work with other materials too.
Enamel is also very tough, so you can use similar methods to remove stains. Plastic bathtubs require a slightly different approach when it comes to clearing away blemishes; however, learning how to eliminate grime from an acrylic finish is just as easy.
How to Remove Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub
Cleaning a bathtub can be done with ease using ingredients you might already have at home, such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. Not only is this solution effective, but it’s also safe to use around children and pets.
While you’re cleaning your tub, take this opportunity to clean your shower curtain too!
- Before you start cleaning, make sure to dampen the tub with hot water.
- Then, cover the tub with baking soda.
- To create a cleaning solution, mix distilled white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio before spraying it onto the baking soda.
- Use a sponge to rub the mixture into the tub until it becomes pasty.
- Let the cleaner sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Rinse the tub with hot water, and check to see if there are any stains.
- If they’re still visible, use hydrogen peroxide.
- Make a paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda, then use a sponge to scrub stubborn spots with it.
- Let the mixture sit on the stains for an hour before rinsing away with hot water.
How to clean a bathtub that has hard water stains on it
If your bathtub is covered in hard water stains, don’t fret! Although they may seem difficult to remove at first, with this easy guide, you’ll have your tub shining brighter than ever in no time.
Hard water contains high levels of calcium, iron, and magnesium – all of which can leave some pretty unsightly stains. But, with a little scrubbing (and the correct cleaning supplies), you can banish them for good!
- Cover the bathtub stains with paper towels.
- Soak the paper towels with white vinegar for two hours to break down the stains.
- Rinse away the vinegar and check if stains are visible.
- Mix baking soda and water into a paste, then use a sponge to scrub any remaining hard water stains.
- Finish by rinsing the tub with hot water.”
How to Remove Rust Stains from a Bathtub
No matter where they come from, rust stains in your tub can be unsightly and make it difficult to keep your bathroom looking clean.
Follow these steps to get rid of the rust for good.
- To begin, turn on the hot water and direct it towards your bathtub.
- Once that’s done, create a paste using water and baking soda.
- Then, apply this paste to any areas in the tub with rust stains.
- After 20 minutes have passed, rinse off the tub completely. If there is still evidence of rusting.
- Get a lemon and cut it in half, so you can easily squeeze its juice.
- Directly place this acid onto any visible stains or rust spots that remain.
- Leave for 30 minutes or more so the acidity has time to break down the grime/rust binding these two elements together.
- Use a sponge to scrub off the stain, using baking soda if needed.
- Rinse the tub clean and repeat steps 2-4 as necessary.
How to Clean an Enamel-Finished Bathtub
Although cast iron enamel and porcelain bathtubs are commonly found in older homes, they are becoming more popular in remodels and new construction.
They’re durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful; however, they can still get stained. So it’s essential to know how to remove stains from these types of bathtub finishes.
If your enamel tub is old or a modern replica, here’s how to get rid of stains and bring back its original shine.
Abrasive cleaners and steel wool scrubbers will damage porcelain or enamel cast iron bathtubs, so avoid using them.
- First, spray the tub with hot water to loosen any dirt or grime.
- Next, cover the entire surface of the tub with white vinegar.
- Allow the vinegar to sit for 15 minutes to break down any stubborn stains.
- Afterward, sprinkle baking soda on any remaining stains and use a soft sponge to scrub away at them.
- Finally, rinse everything off with hot water and check to see if the stains have been completely removed; if they haven’t, repeat this process using hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar.
How to Clean Bathtub Stains Caused by Hard Water
Over time, the minerals in hard water will build up and discolor your porcelain. However, you can clean it with a magic eraser, white vinegar, an old toothbrush, and some elbow grease.
- Create a half water/half vinegar solution to spray on bathtub stains.
- After letting the substance sit for 20 minutes, use a toothbrush to scrub any remaining dirt.
- For hard water stains, mix vinegar and water then wait 20 minutes before using a magic eraser in circular motions.
- Rinse the tub with hot water when finished.
How to Clean a Rusted Bathtub
Not only does rust make your white bathtub look dirty, but it can also be harmful to your family if you’re exposed to lead for too long.
To cleanse your tub and get rid of the rust, gather a lemon, some table salt, and a scrub brush made from nylon.
- Soak the area with lemon juice.
- Cover the stain completely with salt.
- Scrub the area with a nylon scrubber.
- Let the rust soak in the lemon juice and salt for at least an hour.
- Repeat the process for any remaining visible stains.
- Rinse tub afterward
The most effective way to ensure your bathtub stays clean is by making it a routine to clean it with vinegar.
Simply mix up a bottle of half white vinegar and half water, interpretation needed and keep it in the bathroom. Then, spray down the tub each evening with the solution before you go to bed. In the morning, rinse off any leftover residue before using the tub again.
