Who wants to take a dip in a grimy bathtub? Absolutely no one. However, the fear of damaging the tub or just not knowing how to do it can make homeowners pass on the task—creating even more buildup.
So, whether you’re tackling a grimy bathtub or just going for that weekly maintenance cleaning session, the following guide will ensure your bathtub is spotless at the end!
Step #1. Pre-clean the tub
First up, clear out everything from your tub. This includes all your bath products and any mats or curtains that might be in the way.
After the tub is empty, give it a good rinse with warm water. This way, you’ll loosen up the dirt, making it easier to tackle. If the outside of your tub needs cleaning, too, wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth.
Pro-tip: Save your knees by using a mat or knee pads. Kneeling for too long can be quite uncomfortable!
Step #2. Mix up your own cleaner
Different tubs need different cleaning solutions based on their materials. But you don’t need fancy products; here’s how you can whip up some DIY cleaners:
- Ceramic, porcelain, or acrylic tubs. Mix liquid, non-bleach detergent with warm water in a bowl and stir until frothy.
- Fiberglass tubs. Combine ¼ cup vinegar with a cup of water. Pour it into a spray bottle for easy application.
- Stone resin tubs. Blend 1¾ cups baking soda, ½ cup vegetable oil-based liquid soap, ½ cup water, and 2 tablespoons vinegar in a bowl.
Step #3. Scrub the grime away
Using the right scrubbing technique is key to keeping your tub in great shape. Here’s how:
- Ceramic, porcelain, or acrylic tubs. Apply your homemade cleaner with a clean kitchen sponge, using the soft side for general cleaning and the rough side for stubborn stains.
- Fiberglass tubs. Spray your vinegar solution, let it sit for ten minutes, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. For tough spots, apply a bit more elbow grease.
- Stone resin tubs. Use a microfiber cloth to apply your cleaner in circular motions. Rinse and repeat if needed.
Step #4. Tackle the drain
A dirty drain can cause mold and bad smells to appear and can eventually get clogged if too much buildup happens.
Carefully pour hot water down the drain first. Then, sprinkle baking soda in and let it sit for 20 minutes. Follow with vinegar to break down the gunk, and finish with more hot water to flush everything out.
Pro-tip: Use a funnel when pouring hot liquids to avoid damaging your tub or burning yourself.
Step #5. Wash the faucet
Neglected faucets can accumulate so much limescale that they’ll eventually clog. Even if yours isn’t clogged, a dirty faucet will stand out like a sore thumb against your pristine bathtub.
To return your faucet’s shine, drench a clean microfiber cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the faucet. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before removing the cloth, and then use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any remaining grime.
Note: If you want to clean a shower head, follow our guide on this.
Step #5. Rinse and dry
Finally, rinse the entire tub with warm water to remove any remaining grime. Dry it thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent mold from growing in any hidden crevices over time.
We can make your bathtub shine again!
Still unsure about cleaning your bathtub on your own? Leave it to the professionals! We offer quality cleaning services you can schedule on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. Your bathtub, bathroom, and the rest of your house will be sparkling after every visit!
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