Follow these steps to keep your tub sparkling.
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Time A few minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$5–10
Introduction
Who doesn’t like to soak in a nice warm bath? But if the tub hasn’t been cleaned in a while, you may just opt for taking a shower. Here are a few quick bathtub cleaning tips you can schedule in.
Tubs and Suds
- Most modern bathtubs are made of fiberglass or acrylic, which are beautifully functional but tend to scratch easily. Stay away from abrasive cleaners and scouring pads when cleaning a fiberglass tub. Instead, use a bathroom spray cleaner along with a sponge or soft bristle brush. You can purchase cleaners specially designed to clean fiberglass tubs and showers.
- Old cast iron tubs have a durable porcelain enamel finish baked on them. Again, stay away from abrasive cleaners and scouring pads – even bleach and white vinegar may dull or yellow the finish. Look for products that say “safe for porcelain.” Make your homemade cleaner with a bucket of warm water, 1/4 cup of ammonia and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Always use a sponge, soft cloth or soft bristle brush.
Tools Required
- Rubber gloves
- Soft Sponge
- Soft-bristle brush
Materials Required
- All-purpose spray cleaner
- Paper towels
- Window cleaner
Watch How to Clean Your Bathtub
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
Clear the Decks
- The first thing to do is remove anything that will get in the way of your cleaning project: shampoo bottles, bath salts, candles, bath toys, etc.
Step 2
Do This After Every Use
- Before and after every bath, rinse out the tub with hot water. This will ensure that you’ll start with a nice clean bath and leave a clean tub for the next person.
Step 3
Do This Every Few Weeks
- Routinely clean your tub with all-purpose spray cleaners such as Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter or Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner. These work well to clean and disinfect your tub.
- Spray your product of choice onto all surfaces of the tub until it’s thoroughly wet. Let it sit for a few minutes. Thoroughly rinse off the soap with warm water and towel dry to help eliminate water spots.
Step 4
Once a Month Deep Cleaning
- If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your tub and you have caked on soap scum and limescale deposits, you may need a little extra help and some elbow grease. These are our top picks for best bathtub cleaners.
- Again, spray the product of your choice onto all surfaces of the tub until it’s thoroughly wet. Let it sit for a few minutes. Using a sponge and/or soft bristle brush, wash the entire tub. Rinse thoroughly and repeat, if necessary. Then towel dry completely.
- For stubborn limescale deposits around faucets and drains, try a 50/50 mixture of calcium, lime and rust remover (CLR) and water. Sponge or spray the CLR solution onto the limescale deposits. Let it work for three minutes, then scrub it with a soft bristle brush, rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
Step 5
Faucets that Sparkle
- After cleaning and drying the tub, use window cleaner on the faucets to make them shine.
- Spray the window cleaner onto all the faucet parts and wipe dry with a paper towel.
