To thoroughly clean your bathtub, you have to
- first, clear out the clutter,
- create a homemade bathroom cleaner,
- scrub or brush the grimy surfaces,
- and rinse it out.
But you may say that’s easier said than done. And that’s why we’ll help you gather the needed materials and go over all the steps here so that your bathtub will be clean and odor-free!
Materials You’ll Be Needing
Below are the materials you will be needing to clean your bathroom:
- 2 pieces of clean cloth
- Soft sponge
- Homemade solution (water and vinegar or dish detergent)
- Plastic (optional for cleaning the showerhead)
4 Simple Steps to Clean Your Bathtub
Having gathered the cleaning tools you need, you’re now ready to give your bathtub a deep clean. So, here are the four easy steps you can follow for that:
- Clear out the clutter
For efficient bathtub cleaning, first, you have to remove the shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, soap, and other bath accessories on your bathtub ledge.
Store these supplies separately in a container or group them temporarily on your bathroom sink or other surfaces. This should lessen the sticky or soapy cleaning work you’d have to do.
Also, if you use a slip-resistant bathroom mat, you can individually wash it in the bathtub as per the care guide on its label. But be careful. Some mats can’t be washed in warm water or put in the dryer.
- Create a bathroom cleaning solution
Although you can pick up effective bathroom cleaners in groceries or supermarkets, most of them are made with harsh chemicals. Plus, they’re more expensive for the pocket as well.
When picking a cleaning solution, you have to take into account the type of bathtub you have and the material it’s made of.
Most bathtubs will be fine with a solution of half a gallon of warm water and dish detergent. Feel free to add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the mixture for an extra cleaning boost and pleasant citrus scent!
On the other hand, for a porcelain tub, it’s advisable to use a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar. For a fiberglass bathtub, use a 2:1 ratio of water and vinegar.
Speaking of which, white vinegar may not be a good disinfectant, but it is highly acidic, meaning it can loosen tough dirt, grime, and scum, so it’s a big help.
- Spray and scrub the bathtub
Combine the above-mentioned ingredients in a spray bottle. Spritz the target areas on the bathtub.
Scrub the dirt and stains out, and let the solution sit there for about 15 to 20 minutes.
You may also need to wipe down the residues to remove them altogether. Remember to use a soft sponge or damp cloth for them.
It would also be preferable to scrub from the top to bottom, rather than from the base going up. As you clean, the formula will drip down, taking down the scrubbed dirt and grime with it too.
Can’t seem to get rid of the limescale and calcium deposits off the showerhead? For this, immerse the entire showerhead in a plastic filled with vinegar, and leave it like that for a few hours.
- Rinse the bathtub clean
Subsequently, give the entire bathtub a good rinse with clean water. Afterward, get a clean towel or cloth to wipe it down.
Then, leave the bathtub to dry. You can use a fan to speed up the process.
Put back the cleaning materials in storage, and organize your bath essentials.
Now you’re all done!
How to Clean Grout and Caulk around the Bathtub
Some bathtubs have tiles in and around them or are situated in an alcove. Like all things, it’s perfectly possible for the walls, floors, or glass to be very dirty.
And so you’d have to clean them too for a spotless appearance whenever your family or guest walks into the bathroom.
- Baking Soda and Water
Use a tile cleaner to clean tiles on the wall or floor and get rid of grime, stains, scum, and hard water deposits. Additionally, mix baking soda and water to take out stubborn grime in between the tiles.
- Baking Soda and Chlorine Bleach
You may also see unsightly sealant residues forming at the bottom of the walls or glass structure. Applying a thick paste on them made from baking soda and chlorine bleach should do the trick of eliminating them.
- Glass Cleaner
On top of that, you know how glass doors can easily become dirty use after use. To clean them, wipe the surfaces with a small or fair amount of glass cleaner.
Reminder: don’t forget to wear rubber gloves while cleaning your bathroom or the areas around it to protect your hand from acid, chemical irritations, and burns.
How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain
If you notice your bathtub draining slower than usual, there must be something wrong with the drain.
- Hot Water
This is usually a no-brainer to fix. You can pour hot water down the drain to soften the residue like soap scum, hair, or debris, underneath the drain.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
However, if the blockage is worse, then you can apply a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar, which will not only force the buildup down with them but also eliminate odor.
FAQS about Cleaning Bathtubs
- Can chlorine bleach damage a bathtub?
Chlorine bleach can indeed cause bathtub damage and stains if you don’t use it correctly. Generally, it has to be diluted and used in small amounts for its cleaning magic to work.
Nevertheless, it’s a vital cleaning agent given its reliable antibacterial property. A gallon of cool water with 1/3 cup of Clorox Disinfecting Bleach is a great solution to clean your bathtub or shower.
- How often should I clean my bathtub?
A bathtub should ideally be cleaned whenever you have used it. After all, it’s one of the dirtiest places in the home where bacteria exist, along with the kitchen.
But no worries, as you won’t have to always give the bathtub a deep clean. A simple wiping with a soft rag or cloth will do after you take a bath.
But then, every once in a while, you should make it a point to always deep clean it.
Spray the appropriate cleaning solution on the bathtub, and let it sit to tackle the stains and dirt for a few minutes to a few hours.
Rinse it clean, and let it dry.
- Should I let a professional clean my bathtub?
Bathtub cleaning can be an everyday thing, so unless it has become excessively dirty and rusty, you don’t need to dial for a cleaning pro to do the work for you.
It’s going to cost you extra money that would be better used on other important things for yourself or your family. And besides, cleaning the bathtub on your own isn’t really hard to do.
More Cleaning Services Lists
Here are more useful service lists you might need to clean your bathroom and entire house:
