How to clean a bathtub the proper and safe way

Your bathtub is supposed to keep you clean. So what happens when it becomes grimy or scummy? Time to clean it, of course! 

Cleaning a dirty bathtub is easier than you might think. Just pull up this guide on how to clean bathtubs, and you’re all set. 

Bathtub cleaning tips for different kinds of tubs 

• Plastic: Mix warm water and mild dish soap, and then scrub the plastic tub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda and vinegar can also be used on plastic bathtubs. 

• Porcelain: Avoid harsh cleaners like powder chemicals and metal sponges. Vinegar may be too harsh for porcelain bathtubs too. Instead, try a mixture of lemon oil, hot water, and soap. 

• Acrylic: These are sturdy tubs, but make sure to avoid abrasive scrubbing pads or brushes when cleaning. You can apply wax on the tub’s surface after cleaning to achieve a spotless look! 

• Enamel: Avoid harsh chemicals, and scrub stains with a soft sponge.

• Fiberglass: Like enamel tubs, fiberglass bathtubs don’t take kindly to harsh cleaners. A baking soda or soap-based cleaner should be enough to keep this type of tub clean.

This guide will focus on tub cleaning tips and methods that are safe for most tubs. 

How to clean a bathtub 

Step 1: Determine the type of tub you have

The first step to knowing the best way to clean your bathtub is to find out what it’s made of. Check if it’s made of fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain-enameled steel, or stone resin. Then, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the materials you can safely use on your tub, as well as what to avoid using.

Step 2: Gather the right cleaning materials

Gather your materials based on the type of tub you have. Some common bathtub cleaning materials include cleaning gloves, face masks, safety glasses, baking soda, dish soap, and a tub-and-tile cleaner. You’ll also need soft cleaning microfiber cloths, sponges, a spray bottle, and a bucket. When using store-bought cleaners, make sure they’re appropriate for use on your tub.
 

Step 3: Remove clutter 

Is the edge of your tub full of bottles and tubes? Get these out of the way before you clean. You can even opt to have a separate rack in your bathroom for your toiletries. Not only does this save you time when cleaning, but this also prevents residue from building up on the side of your tub.
 

Step 4: Clean your bathtub

The best way to clean a grimy bathtub is to spray or sprinkle tub cleaner all over the tub. For mildly dirty tubs, you can use tub cleaners like baking soda or dish soap. Or use a tub-and-tile cleaner if you want a deeper clean. Then, use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to rub the cleaner on the surface. 

Here’s a bathtub cleaning hack to thoroughly clean your bathtub: 

1. Fill the bathtub with about an inch (2.5 cm) of water, enough to cover the bottom.

2. Add the cleaning solution to the water.

3. Use a scrub brush to clean the sides of the bathtub, making sure to reach every surface and remove any dirt or grime.

4. Drain the water from the tub.

5. Use the scrub brush to clean the bottom of the bathtub, focusing on any areas you may have missed earlier.

6. Drain the water from the tub completely.
   
   

Step 5: Clean stains 

Here’s how to clean tough bathtub stains: First, let the cleaner sit for 15-20 minutes, then start scrubbing. For extra-stubborn spots, try scrubbing with tub-and-tile cleaner; just make sure it’s the right type for your tub!
 

Step 6: Clean the fixtures

Don’t forget the fixtures on your bathtub. To get the faucets, showerhead, and hose nice and sparkly again, simply give them a good wipe with a damp rag or cloth. 

Here’s another bathtub cleaning hack: If your fixtures are full of hard water deposits, pour some white vinegar and wrap a plastic bag around the fixtures. Leave this on for 15-30 minutes, then rinse. Your faucets will be extra shiny afterward!

Step 7: Rinse and wipe

Rinse the tub with clean water, then wipe with a clean rag. You can actually do this after every use! A helpful bathtub cleaning hack is to get a damp rag or cloth to wipe down your tub after each use to avoid residue build-up and make regular cleaning easier.

Step 8: Clean the tiles, grout, and caulk around the tub

Don’t forget to clean the area around the bathtub. Get a tile cleaner or make a paste from baking soda and water. Apply it to the entire floor area (including the grout and caulk), let it sit for around 10 minutes, then use a grout brush to scrub and rinse clean. Scrub any stains or hard water deposits as well. 

How to clean a bathtub drain

Drains can get quite gross over time, so paying special attention to them when cleaning your sinks and tubs is essential. To do this, put on some cleaning gloves and make a hooked wire out of an old hanger. 

1. Fish out any blockages from the drain and set them aside. 

2. Pour hot water down the drain to clear it. 

3. Follow up with 1 cup of baking soda, then 1 cup of vinegar. 

4. After 15 minutes, flush the drain again with hot water. 

How to deep clean a bathtub

Deep cleaning is an important part of household chores, and yes, your tub should be deep cleaned too!

When deep cleaning your tub, you want to tackle mold, mildew, and other stains. You can do this by mixing a 1:1 solution of baking soda and dish soap. Mix until it becomes foamy, then coat your entire tub. Let the cleaning solution sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. 

For stubborn tub stains that won’t come off even with deep cleaning, you can spot-clean with white vinegar or lemon juice, plus baking soda. For delicate porcelain and enamel tubs, try spot-testing or diluting the vinegar or lemon juice first to avoid damaging your tub. 

How to clean bathtub stains

How to get a bathtub white again is a question some of us might ask a couple of years into owning a tub. To get rid of stubborn spots, you can: 

• Apply a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice plus baking soda. For more delicate materials like porcelain and enamel, spot-test first or dilute the vinegar or lemon juice in water.

• Use a clean, soft rag to wipe the stain away. 

• Rinse well to make sure the vinegar or lemon juice is washed off. 

No time to clean your tub?

Now that you know how to clean bathtubs, you can refresh your bathroom and enjoy baths even more! However, if you don’t have the time to deep clean your bathtub or the rest of your house, you can still enjoy the perks of a squeaky-clean home. Simply book a local house cleaner to help you out.

Not sure how much it’ll cost? You can learn more about house cleaning costs before you get started!