Who wants to take a relaxing soak in a dirty bathtub? No one. Ignoring a dirty tub only makes it harder to clean. A regular bathtub cleaning routine can turn a semiannual one-hour job into a quick and simple 10-minute job every month. Removing soap scum from your tub will also help your grout and glass stay cleaner for longer.
Steps for Cleaning Your Bathtub
- Fill up a bucket with hot water, and pour the water all over the tub.
- Sprinkle baking soda on all tub surfaces. For extra-dirty tubs, use tub-and-tile cleaner instead.
- Fill your bucket with a half-gallon of hot water and two tablespoons of dish soap.
- Dip a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush into the bucket, and scrub all bathtub surfaces.
- Use the bucket to periodically rinse out the sponge or brush and to transfer soapy water into the tub.
- When cleaning especially dirty tubs or stains, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the sponge or brush after dipping it in your bucket solution, and scrub hard.
- Once you’re satisfied and the tub looks clean, use the bathtub hand sprayer or the bucket to rinse the tub.
- Finish up by polishing the tub faucet, drain and handles with a clean, dry cloth.
How toClean Mold or Mildew from Your Bathtub
Is there mold or mildew in your tub? If so, start the bathtub cleaning process by filling a spray bottle with hot water and four tablespoons of bleach. Spray this solution onto the affected areas, and allow it to soak in. While the bleach is soaking in, sprinkle baking soda throughout the tub. Proceed to step three as outlined above.
Bathtub Cleaning Supplies
These supplies are all you need to get your bathtub shiny and clean!
- Clean bucket
- Dish soap
- Scrub brush
- Cloth or hand towel
- Sponge
- Baking soda
- Tub-and-tile cleaner (optional)
- Spray bottle and bleach (for mold and mildew only)
Tips for Cleaning Your Bathtub
- If you’re also cleaning the shower wall tiles, save the tub for last.
- Cleaning a tub shouldn’t be painful. Create a pad for your knees by folding a towel lengthwise several times.
- Slow drain? Sprinkle four tablespoons of baking soda into the drain, followed by two cups of vinegar. Once the bubbling stops, flush the drain with boiling water.
- Stubborn stain? Make a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply this to the stain, and let it set for a few hours. Wipe away the paste once it’s dry.
- Keep your bathtub drain clean and clear with a mesh drain catcher.
Professional Cleaning Services from Molly Maid
Once you’re finished, head to the Bathroom Cleaning page to learn how to clean your showerhead, glass shower door and more. Molly Maid knows your time is valuable. With our professional home cleaning services, we will clean your bathtub, your bathroom, and the rest of your house so you can spend your free time the way you want to.
We offer one-time, occasional, and recurring cleaning services to work with your schedule. Find your local Molly Maid and request a cleaning service today!
FAQs
Skip expensive store-bought bathtub cleaners and instead opt for something homemade. Mix together equal parts of distilled white vinegar and dish soap for an affordable cleaning alternative that is less harsh. Add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree, to mask the vinegar smell.
What is the best way to clean a bathtub? ›
Skip expensive store-bought bathtub cleaners and instead opt for something homemade. Mix together equal parts of distilled white vinegar and dish soap for an affordable cleaning alternative that is less harsh. Add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree, to mask the vinegar smell.
How do you clean a bath effectively? ›
For a homemade bath cleaner, dilute equal parts white vinegar and water and use a spray bottle to apply all over your bath. Leave the solution to work for 15 minutes, then wipe away with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Sprinkle the bath with baking soda and spray on the white vinegar and water solution.
How do you clean a bathroom like a housekeeper? ›
10 Steps on How to Clean a Bathroom Fast and Efficiently
- Clear Off Surfaces.
- Dust the Room.
- Scrub and Rinse the Shower or Tub.
- Clean the Sink and Counter/Vanity Space.
- Make the Toilet Sparkle.
- Take a Multilevel Approach to Cleaning the Bathroom Floors.
- Organize and Wipe Down Items Before Putting Them Back.
If the tub is especially grimy, combine equal parts white vinegar and dish soap in a glass measuring cup. Microwave until hot (about 30 seconds), then stir. Pour the solution all over the tub, let it sit for 30 minutes, then sweep.
What not to use to clean a tub? ›
Don't Use These to Clean Your Bathtub
- 1 – Borax. Avoid using these natural cleaning agents on your tub to avoid damaging it. ...
- 2 – Baking Soda. ...
- 3 – Ammonia. ...
- 4 – Vinegar. ...
- 5 – Pumice Stones.
Mixing Dawn and vinegar is completely safe. And it works wonders on soap scum! I really can't say enough good things about this easy homemade cleaner. You can use other brands of dish soap.
What causes black stains in bathtub after cleaning? ›
Black: “Black stains are commonly caused by mold or mildew buildup,” Sokolowski says. Poor ventilation and high moisture, common in bathrooms, cause mold. Blue/green: Sokolowski says degrading copper pipes can cause blue and/or green stains, especially if your water pH is too acidic.
How do you deep clean a shower and bath? ›
You can use baking soda and water, or use washing soda with hydrogen peroxide. Some people find it easier to use a toothbrush to apply solutions on the grout before scrubbing them off. This will allow you to reach all the necessary spots and clean your shower walls thoroughly.
How do maids clean showers? ›
Sometimes, with soap scum, professionals will need detergents or degreasers as well to clean it thoroughly. Bleach is good for removing mold and mildew from your shower grout, but it's more of a temporary solution. You need to really clean the mold from within and seal the grout to prevent any mold from spreading.
Bathroom. The bathroom is another area that most homeowners dread to clean. So, it is only natural for you to ask, “How long does it take to clean a bathroom?” Ideally, a bathroom should only take 30 to 45 minutes to clean and disinfect.
In what order do you clean a bathroom? ›
- Step 1: Prep and declutter the bathroom. ...
- Step 2: Dust from the top down. ...
- Step 3: Wipe all bathroom surfaces with a wet, soapy rag or spray multi-purpose cleaner on the following items, let sit and then wipe residue with a clean, wet rag. ...
- Step 4: Scrub the tough spots (hint: anything water regularly touches)
Directions for Cleaning a Bathtub:
- Wet the inside of the tub. Rinse down the surface of the tub using a cup, small bucket, or a detachable shower head. ...
- Apply Simple Green. Spray the tub with full strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.
- Scrub. ...
- Rinse. ...
- Dry.
Baking Soda + Vinegar
- Spray tiles with distilled white vinegar. ...
- Mix baking soda with a bit of water to make a paste and rub it onto the tile and grout (you can sprinkle pure baking soda into the tub).
- Scrub everything together (you should hear a fizz when the vinegar and baking soda combine), clean, and rinse.
First, you want to mix a quarter cup of white vinegar with a litre of hot water and douse the surface of the tub. Grab a handful of baking soda and toss it over the surface of the bathtub. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinse your tub clean. Baking soda should help to whiten your tub.
How do I get my bathtub white again? ›
You can turn a bathtub white again with hydrogen peroxide, which works as a natural bleach without the harsh odor. Put hydrogen peroxide in an opaque spray bottle and spray the bottom of the top. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse.
How do you clean a bathtub without ruining the finish? ›
Spray down the tub with soapy water, again using a grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge, and then rinse and wipe dry. For tougher stains, you can make a cleansing paste with warm water and a cup of baking soda and apply it to any stained areas.
