How to Clean A Bathtub: From Basic Washes to Deep Cleans

Knowing how to clean a bathtub can make all the difference between your bathroom being a sanctuary or a swamp. This article promises to transform your bathtub cleaning routine, ensuring a sparkling clean result every time.

In this article, we’ll be covering:

Step-by-step guidelines for both basic and deep cleaning.
Tips for maintaining a pristine bathtub with minimal effort.
Common pitfalls to avoid when cleaning a tub.

This way, you’ll not only be able to achieve a cleaner bathtub but prolong its shine and durability. Let’s dive into effective bathtub cleaning!

For more help with all the chores around the house, learn more about our custom cleaning system Home, Clean Home here! Or, consider downloading it for free below.

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Understanding Bathtub Materials

Before diving into the cleaning process, think about the type of material your bathtub is made from. There are 2 main types of tubs: fiberglass/acrylic and porcelain-enameled steel/cast iron.

Luckily, your cleaning approach will be essentially the same regardless of what type of tub you have. The main difference is that porcelain-enameled tubs are a bit more pricey, so you might want to exercise more caution with these. Still, the main principle here is avoiding abrasives so you don’t scratch up your bath!

So, without further ado, let’s get into how to clean a bathtub!

5 Steps for Basic Bathtub Cleaning

A regular cleaning routine is essential to keep your bathtub looking new and hygienic. Here’s a straightforward process to follow, suitable for most tub materials. This simple routine, when done regularly, can prevent the buildup of grime and keep your bathtub in pristine condition.

1. Rinse the Tub

Start by rinsing the bathtub with warm water to remove loose dirt and debris. Letting the showerhead or faucet run for a bit will typically do the trick. You can use a cloth to reach any areas the water isn’t hitting. Alternatively, fill up a bucket with hot water and use this alongside a cloth to rinse off your tub.

2. Use a Gentle Cleaner

Once the tub is rinsed, use a non-abrasive cleaner suitable for your tub’s material. For a natural option, mix equal parts dish soap and white vinegar. Be careful when using baking soda or other abrasives, as this may lead to scratches.

P.S. You can find my favorite homemade tub cleaner recipe here, along with more DIY recipes!

3. Scrub Gently

Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to apply your cleaner. Scrub the tub in a circular motion. Pay special attention to areas with soap scum or mildew, which might need a bit of extra elbow grease to clean. I find the creases where the bathtub meets the wall are usually where the most attention needs to be paid!

4. Rinse Thoroughly

Once you’ve scrubbed every last inch of your tub, it’s time to repeat step 1. Rinse the tub thoroughly with clean water to ensure no cleaning residue is left behind. Once again, simply running the water should mostly do the trick, but you can also use a bucket of hot water for this.

5. Dry the Tub

Finally, wipe the bathtub with a clean, dry cloth. We recommend doing this instead of letting the tub air-dry to prevent water spots and mildew growth.

4 Steps for Deep Cleaning Your Bathtub

Even with regular cleaning, bathtubs can accumulate tough stains, mold, and mildew over time. A deep cleaning session is necessary for addressing these challenges. Remember, the key to effective deep cleaning is to be thorough yet gentle to avoid damaging the bathtub surface.

1. Tackling Tough Stains

For stubborn stains, create a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then gently scrub and rinse. Don’t scrub too hard when taking it off to make sure you’re not scratching the surface of your tub.

Consider other natural solutions like a grapefruit sprinkled with salt. The acidity of the grapefruit combined with the abrasive salt can work wonders on stains. Once again, be careful not to be too rough.

2. Eliminating Mold and Mildew

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas, let it sit for an hour, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse.

If it doesn’t work the first time, literally rinse and repeat! A few rounds of this treatment should get any stubborn mold or mildew right off.

3. Commercial Products

If the DIY methods listed above don’t cut it, opt for a commercial bathtub cleaner designed for deep cleaning. As nice as it is to use natural solutions, sometimes harsher chemicals are the way to go! Be sure to follow the product instructions and use appropriate safety measures like gloves and ventilation.

4. Rinsing and Drying

After any deep cleaning method, it’s essential to thoroughly rinse the tub to remove all cleaning agents and then dry it to prevent water spots and further mildew growth. This is especially the case if you’re using harsher solutions!

Cleaning Bathtub Surroundings and Walls

Maintaining the cleanliness of the walls and surroundings of your bathtub can be just as important as cleaning the tub itself. These areas are prone to soap scum, water stains, and mildew, which can detract from the overall cleanliness of your bathroom. Luckily, many of the same rules that apply to your bathtub apply to cleaning these areas as well.

For most tiles, a mixture of vinegar and water will most likely be effective. In areas with mold or mildew, this same solution can also be used. Just apply the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. Once again, pay close attention to where the walls meet the tub, as this is where grime loves to build up.

You can use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the walls in a circular motion. While we don’t recommend this for the tub, a soft-bristle brush can be more effective for grout lines or textured surfaces.

As with your tub, thoroughly rinse the walls with water to remove any cleaning residue. Dry the surfaces with a clean towel to prevent water spots and further mildew growth. Regularly wiping down the walls can prevent the buildup of soap scum and mildew. So, after each use of the bathtub, be sure to quickly wipe the walls with a squeegee or dry cloth.

P.S. While you’re at it, this can be the perfect opportunity to clean your shower head too. Check out our full guide here!

5 Daily Tips for Keeping your Bathtub Clean

Maintaining a clean bathtub doesn’t just rely on periodic deep cleaning; it’s also about the small daily habits that prevent dirt and grime accumulation. Here are some effective tips for keeping your bathtub in top condition:

1. Daily Rinsing and Wiping

A quick rinse after every use can prevent soap scum and mineral deposits from settling in. It takes only a minute but can make a significant difference. Especially if you’re regularly having baths instead of showers, it’s important to rinse off any soapy residue that may build up.

Once you’ve rinsed, use a squeegee or a dry cloth to wipe down the tub surface after each use. This habit is especially helpful in preventing water spots and mildew growth.

2. Dry Your Tub Mat

If you use a non-slip tub mat, remove it after each use to allow both the mat and the tub to dry completely. An easy way to do this is to drape your tub mat over your shower curtain to let it air out, putting it back in place next time you have a shower.

This may be a bit of a hassle, but it prevents mold and mildew from forming underneath the mat, which can lead to all sorts of nasty health problems like athlete’s foot.

3. Regular Ventilation

Keep the bathroom ventilated, especially after hot showers or baths, to reduce humidity levels. This discourages mold and mildew growth in the bathtub area. Either open a window, or keep your bathroom fan running to do this.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Finally, stick to mild cleaners unless dealing with tough stains or deep cleaning. Regularly using harsh chemicals can wear down the bathtub surface over time, leading to potentially serious damage to your tub.

5 Common Bathtub Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning a bathtub might seem straightforward, but certain common mistakes can lead to damage or ineffective cleaning. Being aware of these pitfalls can help ensure that your efforts are both safe and successful.

1. Using Abrasive Scrubbers

Avoid using harsh scrubbing tools like steel wool or abrasive brushes on your bathtub. These can scratch and damage the surface, especially on acrylic and enamel bathtubs. Opt for gentle cloths and non-abrasive sponges instead. The furthest you should go is some gently applied salt or baking soda, which is unlikely to cause any serious scratches.

2. Overusing Harsh Chemicals

While bleach and other strong chemicals can be effective, their overuse can lead to discoloration and weakening of the bathtub material. Opt for gentler cleaning agents whenever possible, only using the heavy duty stuff when tackling mold, mildew, or especially tough stains.

3. Ignoring Manufacturer’s Instructions

If possible, check the cleaning recommendations provided by your bathtub’s manufacturer. Of course, people living in apartments, for example, probably don’t know where their bathtub came from. Still, if you handpicked your bathtub, be sure to check out what the manufacturer recommends. Using unapproved cleaners can cause damage and void warranties, so be careful!

4. Neglecting Regular Cleaning

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Allowing dirt and grime to build up over time makes cleaning more challenging and can lead to permanent staining. Regular cleaning prevents this accumulation.

5. Forgetting to Rinse Thoroughly

Residual cleaning agents can leave streaks or film on the bathtub surface. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning to maintain the tub’s shine. Thorough drying can help prevent spots from forming as well.

Conclusion

You should feel pretty comfortable cleaning your tub now! Remember that preventative maintenance is key to making sure the occasional deep-cleaning isn’t too challenging.

If you struggle with keeping track of all your chores, consider checking out our free custom cleaning system, Home, Clean Home. You can learn more here, or download the full program for free below!