How To Clean a Bathtub

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Taking a bath or shower in a dirty tub is not something that would please anyone (I hope.) Unfortunately, tubs can get dirty pretty quickly and if they’re not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a lot of gunk that’s hard to clean off later on. Since cleaning a dirty bathroom isn’t a fun time for anyone, we’ve decided to make it a little bit easier and give you some tips and tricks to get your tub clean quickly and as pain-free as possible. Whether you need to get rid of stubborn rust, a clogged drain, or mold/mildew on the sides of the tub, use these bathroom cleaning tips to make the job easier!

HOW TO CLEAN A BATHTUB

If your bathroom is moderately dirty from simple things like left-behind dirt and soap, grab a bottle of white vinegar from your pantry and follow these steps.

1. Fill a small spray bottle with half warm water and half white vinegar.
2. Spray the tub with the solution and let it sit for 20 minutes.
3. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge and wipe the solution down.
4. Rinse with warm water and wipe it down again.

HOW TO REMOVE MILD STAINS

For extra dirt or mild stains, try these steps.

1. Grab some baking soda from the pantry and sprinkle it on the stain.
2. Use the previously mentioned spray bottle and spray the vinegar directly on the .spray, and generously around the stain. 
3. Allow the mixture to sit and bubble for at least 5-10 minutes.
4. Scrub with microfiber cloth or sponge until a paste substance forms.
5. Let the paste sit for 20 minutes.
6. Wipe paste and rinse.

HOW TO REMOVE STUBBORN STAINS

If your bathroom needs a deeper cleaning for tough stains, follow these steps. 

1. Create a paste. 2 parts baking soda, 1 part hydrogen peroxide.
2. Rub the paste over tough stains and let it soak for 30-60 minutes. 
3. Wipe the paste then rinse.
4. Repeat steps until the tough stains are gone.

HOW TO REMOVE MOLD/MILDEW AROUND TUB

Mold or mildew is quite common where the bathtub meets the wall. Mold and mildew are not only displeasing to look at but can cause health issues if it’s not taken care of. To remove mold and mildew, follow these steps.

1. Get a spray bottle and fill it with hot water and 4 tbs of bleach.
2. Spray the mixture on all areas with mold or mildew.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes
4. While the mixture is sitting, sprinkle baking soda over the surfaces of the tub and inside the tub.
5. Grab a bucket and fill it with ½ gallon hot water and 2 tbs of dish soap.
6. Dip your sponge, microfiber cloth, or stiff nylon brush into the water then scrub all tub surfaces where you put the baking soda.
7. Dip your sponge, cloth, or brush periodically into the bucket to transfer soapy water to the tub.
8. By the time you’re done with this, your mold or mildew stains should be removed. If you still see some mold/mildew, take your nylon brush or sponge and scrub the affected areas. 
9. Discard the sponge or brush when you’re done if you’ve scrubbed affected mold or mildew areas. 
10. Repeat bleach steps until the mold or mildew is gone. You may have to spray the infected areas more than once. 
11. If you’re still having issues with mold or mildew, grab some gloves and cotton balls. Dip the cotton balls into a bleach solution and place them over the affected areas. Let them sit for 20 minutes and mold or mildew will be gone when you remove them. 

HOW TO REMOVE RUST STAINS

Rust stains can be common in tubs and a bit annoying to get rid of. Follow these steps for an easy solution.

1. Sprinkle borax over rust stains.
2. Cut a lemon (or as many as needed) and use one half of the lemon to rub the stain until paste forms.
3. Let the paste sit for 20-30 minutes.
4. Wipe the paste and rinse the surface.

HOW TO REMOVE HARD WATER STAINS

Typical found on the faucet or glass shower doors, hard water stains annoy most people. Follow these steps to get rid of them quickly. 

1. Get a bowl of full-strength white vinegar and paper towels.
2. Dip a few paper towels into the mixture until it’s saturated.
3. Apply the saturated paper towels to the stained areas.
4. Leave paper towels on the affected area for 1-2 hours.
5. Remove paper towels and scrub with the vinegar and baking soda paste mentioned above.
6. Rinse clean.

For hard water stains on a glass shower door, spray a solution of white vinegar and lemon juice onto the affected areas. Let the solution sit for 20 minutes then rub the stain out with a sponge or cloth. 

If you have any of your own ideas or solutions that work for you, feel free to leave them in the comments below! These are sure-fire ways to keep your bathtub and shower looking picture perfect!