How to Clean a Bathtub

A clean bathtub makes for a relaxing bath, but a dirty one can ruin the experience. If you don’t clean it often, your tub can get covered in soap scum, bacteria, and mildew, making it look unappealing. Fortunately, you can easily clean most tubs made of materials like porcelain, fiberglass, stone resin, and acrylic using common household items like baking soda, vinegar, and water.

How Often to Clean Your Bathtub

You should deep clean your bathtub and shower every two weeks to prevent soap scum and mildew from building up. In between deep cleans, it’s a good idea to wipe down your bathtub once a week, especially if you use it daily.

Materials Needed

When cleaning a bathtub, make sure to have the following items ready:

• A bowl
• A spray bottle
• Microfiber cloths
• Water
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Distilled white vinegar

How to Clean an Acrylic Bathtub

Acrylic bathtubs require gentle cleaning. It’s important to consult your owner’s manual for specific advice. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals as they can damage the acrylic.

Here’s how to clean an acrylic bathtub:

1. Wet the bathtub with warm water.
2. Mix baking soda, water, and a drop of dish soap in a bowl to form a paste.
3. Apply the paste to the wet bathtub using a sponge, gently rubbing in circular motions.
4. Allow the paste to sit for 15 minutes.
5. Wipe the bathtub clean using a microfiber cloth dampened with hot water.
6. Rinse the bathtub to remove any leftover residue.

How to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub

You can clean a porcelain bathtub in a similar way to an acrylic one, but make sure to avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage the surface.

Here’s the step-by-step method:

1. Wet the bathtub with warm water.
2. Mix baking soda, water, and a drop of dish soap in a bowl to create a paste.
3. Apply the paste to the wet bathtub using a sponge, rubbing gently in circular motions.
4. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes.
5. Wipe the bathtub clean with a microfiber cloth dampened with hot water.
6. Rinse the bathtub to remove any leftover residue.

How to Clean a Fiberglass Bathtub

Fiberglass tubs can be effectively cleaned using baking soda, water, and distilled white vinegar.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Wet the bathtub with warm water.
2. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water.
3. Spray the mixture evenly over the bathtub.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over the tub and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the bathtub thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
6. Rinse the bathtub with warm water to remove any remaining residue.

How to Clean a Stone Resin Bathtub

To clean stone resin surfaces without damaging them, avoid acidic cleaners, which can corrode the finish. Use a simple mixture of water and dish soap instead.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Wet the bathtub with warm water.
2. In a bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
3. Scrub the bathtub using a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge.
4. Rinse the bathtub with warm water to remove any remaining residue.
5. Dry the bathtub thoroughly.

How to Remove Stains From a Bathtub

To remove most bathtub stains effectively, use a paste made from baking soda and water.

Here’s how to do it:

1. In a bowl, mix baking soda and water until a paste forms.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain.
3. Allow the paste to sit for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub the stain with a microfiber cloth.
5. Rinse the area with warm water to remove any residue.

Tips for Maintaining Your Bathtub

To keep your bathtub looking great between deep cleans, consider these tips:

1. Rinse out the bath and quickly wipe the tub walls after every use.
2. Use a mild all-purpose cleaner and wipe down the surface between deep cleans.
3. Address stains immediately when you notice them to prevent setting.
4. Avoid cleaning the tub with abrasive tools or harsh chemicals.
5. Use the exhaust fan during your bath and let it run for 20 minutes afterward to help remove excess moisture from the air.
6. After showering, use a squeegee to dry the tub.