When was the last time you cleaned your bathtub?
If your answer is “I don’t know,” then you have some rethinking of priorities to do. However, even if your response is “two or three weeks ago,” that’s still way too long of a time to wait.
In this article, we’ll fill you in on the different cleaning tips, ways and ultimate hacks of how to clean a bath tub — be it while disinfecting, wiping and even deep-cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bathtub?
It’s recommended that you clean and disinfect your bathtub or shower weekly, including the shower curtain. Of course, not everyone does this. It’s usually done at the same time you clean the entire bathroom, and many people put this chore off for as long as reasonably possible.
Now we all know that cleaning your bathtub and shower isn’t a fun or simple job, but let’s face it, it has to be done, and if you’re not performing this task at least once a week, you are not cleaning your bathtub often enough. A deeper scrubbing should be done once a month.
The bathtub is an essential part of your home and life. Ridding it of and keeping it from soap scum, dirt, mildew, germs, and invisible mineral deposits can seem like a huge challenge, but it really doesn’t take all that much time and effort to get your bathtub spotlessly clean.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need to use tons of tools and cleaners in order to clean a bathtub properly. All you need are a few basics, depending on how you want to clean your bath tub, using natural or chemical products.
- Cleaning cloths or sponges
- Grout brush
- Toothbrush or a small brush for cleaning
- Latex gloves
- Materials
- Tile cleaner
- All-purpose spray or your favorite bathroom cleaner (see our recipes below for the DIY method)
A lot of homeowners choose one of the plentiful store-bought cleaners that are specifically made for bath surfaces. Some examples of the more popular ones include: Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol, Dow, Clorox Clean Up Specifically For Stain Removal, and Lime A-Way.
Regardless of which brand you select, be certain to read and follow the directions from the manufacturers for using the product safely. This is important because many products like these have toxic chemicals in them.
The type of cleaner you select to use should rely on the kind of surface you have. For instance: tiles made out of stone, marble or travertine, require special use of special cleaners. Thus you shouldn’t opt for anything abrasive or acidic, like vinegar.
If possible, look for a formula that permits you to spray and walk away for a time, allowing the product to sit on the surface.
How to Clean a Bathtub
Cleaning Tub With Baking Soda
Baking soda will be your perfect cleaning partner in clearing stains and mold from your bathtub. Especially when mixed with other household staples, baking soda creates a powerful cleaning solution that is both a gentle abrasive, and a deodorizer.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
As the power duo in household cleaning, a spray made from equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar can be used in routine cleaning to remove light stains, and kill mold and mildew. Spray the mixture around your bathtub, and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before wiping clean.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide creates a whitening solution that is safe to use even on grout and bathtub lining. Spray down your bathtub with hydrogen peroxide diluted with water, and sprinkle baking soda around the area. The fizzy reaction will lift away soap scum, water stains, and mold, while the hydrogen peroxide disinfects the area.
Baking Soda and Bleach
While you wouldn’t want to use bleach anywhere near your skin, a mixture of bleach and baking soda can be used to spot clean areas in your bathtub that may have heavy stains from mold, mildew, oils, and more. Simply add just enough bleach and baking soda to form a paste, and apply directly on spots. Leave for 10 minutes, and wipe dry.
Helpful Tip: Although they can be mixed with baking soda alone, never mix together any of the liquid ingredients listed above as they may create irritating and dangerous gases when combined.
How To Clean An Old Bathtub
Old bathtubs can be tricky as the staining and discoloration have most likely set. A bleach solution is your best bet in removing the stains and deep cleaning your old bathtub. Fill your tub with water, and add in ½ a cup of bleach for every gallon of water. Let sit and use a brush to scrub away stained spots. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
Alternatively, you can use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for stubborn stains that just won’t come out. Magic Erasers work by using micro scrubbers to lift away discolored stains using only water. It is safer for your skin, and healthier for the environment.
How To Clean Cast Iron Tub
Remember the vinegar and baking soda spray from earlier? You can use the same solution to clean your cast iron tub. Spray the solution and let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub loose grime away using a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly and apply another layer if needed.
The Do’s When Cleaning a Bathtub
- Do Use Latex Gloves - Before you even begin cleaning, you must first put on your rubber or latex gloves to ensure that your hands will stay protected during the entire process.
- Remove Bath Products - To clean your bathtub efficiently and competently, begin by removing all the bath products you may have scattered about or on shelves right beside the bathtub. This means soap, shampoo, shower gel, etc. Once that’s done, spray the entire area with a cleaning solution, being sure to cover all surfaces. Allow it to set.
- Toss Your Bath Sponges - Be sure and do this monthly. Think about it, your bath sponges contain a lot of moisture, and that can cause bacteria to grow and increase the buildup of mold and fungus.
- Scrub Tub And Tile Walls - Use your grout brush and meticulously scrub the tub and its surrounding walls.
- Wipe Everything Clean - Thoroughly wipe off and then rinse away any traces of cleaning products so that no residue is left behind in the tub. For hard to reach areas, use the toothbrush.
The Don’ts When Cleaning a Bathtub
- Don’t Use Steel Wool - Do not use steel wool or very abrasive scouring powders and brushes, because these items will ultimately scratch the surface of your bathtub.
- Never Under Any Circumstances Mix Cleaning Products - Many people are unaware of this fact, but there are particular combinations of chemicals — chlorine bleach and ammonia, for instance — which can cause toxic fumes or even burn your skin.
- Don’t Work Without Gloves Or Proper Ventilation - It’s essential to always protect your hands by wearing latex gloves when working with chemicals. Furthermore, always keep the area well-ventilated.
- Don’t Forget To Remove Your Shoes - Be certain that you remove your shoes before you step into your bathtub, or shower in order to keep from bringing new bacteria onto the surface. But going barefoot isn’t the solution either. After all, you don’t want to get all of the germs, scum, and bacteria on your feet, particularly if you happen to have a cut on the sole of your foot. Instead, use a rubber floor grip under your feet to protect them and to keep you from possibly slipping and taking a nasty fall.
Cleaning Your Bathtub and Bathroom
Now, cleaning the bathtub is not a pleasant job and neither is cleaning the entire bathroom, or your house for that matter. All of this involves hard work and takes up valuable time that you could be spending with your family instead.
We all know that there are never enough hours in the day. So why not spare yourself the trouble and hire us to do all the work for you. Our team of professional cleaners at Luce will give your home, including your bathroom, the meticulous cleaning it deserves.
Call or message us today to book your appointment!
