When was the last time you cleaned your bathtub? If you’re thinking, “Does rinsing after a shower count?”---it doesn’t. A sparkling, clean tub doesn’t just look good; it makes bath time relaxing and keeps grime and germs at bay.
Whether you’re tackling soap scum, hard water stains, or mysterious discolorations, let’s dive into the art of bathtub cleaning.
Bathtub Cleaning Basics You Need to Know
Here’s the deal: cleaning a bathtub doesn’t need to be rocket science. Stick to these simple basics, and you’ll have a shiny tub in no time.
- Use Gentle Cleaners: Mild dish soap, baking soda, or white vinegar diluted with water works wonders for most tubs.
- Scrub Softly: A non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth is your go-to.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse away any cleaner to prevent residue buildup.
Extra tip: For tougher stains, you can create a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently.
What NOT to Use on Your Bathtub
Not all cleaning products are bathtub-friendly. Avoid these tub terrors:
- Harsh Abrasives: Steel wool or rough scrubbers can scratch surfaces.
- Bleach Overload: It can weaken the finish on some tubs, especially fiberglass or acrylic.
- Colored Cleaning Solutions: Dyes in some products can stain porous tubs.
Stick to safe cleaning solutions, and your bathtub will thank you.
Step-by-Step: Clean Your Bathtub Like a Pro
- Rinse with hot Water: Fill a bucket with hot water and pour it over the entire tub to loosen grime and soap scum.
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Dust the tub’s surfaces with baking soda. For stubborn grime, swap baking soda for a tub-and-tile cleaner.
- Mix Your Cleaning Solution: Combine half a gallon of hot water with two tablespoons of dish soap in your bucket.
- Scrub the Tub: Dip a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush into the soapy mixture and scrub the tub in circular motions, covering all surfaces.
- Rinse and Repeat: Regularly rinse out your sponge or brush in the bucket and use the soapy water to refresh the tub as you clean.
- Tackle Stubborn Stains: For tough spots, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the wet sponge or brush and scrub with a bit more elbow grease.
- Final Rinse: Once the tub looks clean, rinse thoroughly using a bucket of clean water or the bathtub’s hand sprayer.
- Polish the Fixtures: Dry and polish the faucet, handles, and drain with a clean, dry cloth for a finishing touch.
Mold and Mildew, Be Gone!
Mold and mildew can creep into your tub, especially around the caulking. Here’s how to banish them:
- Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then spray on the affected area. Sprinkle a little baking soda on top for extra oomph.
- Let it Sit: Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub and Rinse: Use a toothbrush or soft brush to scrub the area, then rinse thoroughly.
Pro tip: Keep a squeegee handy to remove excess water after every shower. It’s an easy way to prevent mildew from forming in the first place.
Housekeeping Maid Easy Will Do the Dirty Work!
If scrubbing your bathtub isn’t how you want to spend your day, we get it. At Housekeeping Maid Easy, we handle the grime so you can enjoy your clean home. With our professional cleaning supplies and tools, we’ll leave your entire house shining.
Book with us today!
