Have you ever wondered how to clean a bathtub? Or maybe you’ve asked yourself when was the last time you cleaned your bathtub? For many, the honest-to-god answer is ‘a long time’. It’s an answer you might find hard to admit.
The hard truth is that cleaning your bathtub regularly is incredibly important. Imagine bathing in a tub full of soap scum, dirt and germs – you’d be better off not taking the bath in the first place!
Dirty baths can lead to illness and sickness, not to mention the undesirable smell that comes from an unclean tub. So how do you start cleaning your bathtub? Read on for our ultimate guide on how to clean a bathtub.
How to clean a bathtub
Here are the steps:
Step 1 – Remove everything from the tub
Step 2 – Create a cleaning solution
Step 3 – Removing bathtub soap scum
Step 4 – Wipe down taps and handles
Step 5 – Rinse your tub down
Step 6 – Remove excess moisture
What type of bathtub do I have?
Before you bust out the cleaning tools (and we’ll show you which ones) it’s generally a good idea to figure out what kind of material your bathtub is made out of. The most common materials include:
– Porcelain
– Acrylic
– Fiberglass
Why is this important? Different materials react to different cleaning solutions. For example, acrylic and fiberglass are more prone to scratches and should be cleaned with less harsh solutions or with greater care.
If you’re unsure about which material your tub is made out of, you can tap your nails on the side of your tub. If it feels metallic and hollow, it’s most likely porcelain. On the other hand, if it feels ‘soft’ and almost ‘plastic-y’, your tub is probably made of acrylic or fiberglass.
What tools to use to clean a bathtub
In order to give your bathtub the clean it deserves, you’ll need a couple of handy tools and solutions. Of course, you can use high power ready-made cleaning products and the latest cleaning tools but these set of tools are readily available and won’t blow a hole through your wallet.
– Sponge
– Dish Soap
– Baking Soda
– White vinegar
– Spray Bottle
– Microfiber Cloths
How to clean a stained bathtub
You’ve figured out what kind of bathtub you have and you’re armed to the teeth with your cleaning tools. The only thing left to do is to get cleaning!
Step 1 – Remove everything from the tub
Before you start using some elbow grease, you’ll need to remove everything from the bathtub. This includes bath toys, loofahs and drain plugs. Give these items a quick rinse and dry to remove any soap scum or grime they might have collected in your dirty tub.
Step 2 – Create a cleaning solution
You might have wondered how to clean a bathtub with vinegar or dish soap before. By combining the power of two, you’ll have a super effective cleaning solution that removes all kinds of dirt and grime.
To do so, mix equal parts vinegar and water into an empty spray bottle. Afterwards, add a small amount of dish soap to your solution, and you’ll have your own bathtub and bathroom cleaning agent.
For bathtubs with only small amounts of grime and soap scum, simply using vinegar on a microfiber cloth can do the trick.
You can also use a solution consisting of water and bleach. For this solution, mix ½ cup bleach with a gallon of water.
Step 3 – Removing bathtub soap scum
Once you’ve made your vinegar + dish soap cleaning solution, spray it all around the bathtub and leave for a few minutes. This loosens up the build-up and will make it easier to remove.
When the grime is ready to be removed, roll up your sleeves and use your sponge to begin wiping all tub surfaces including the bottom of the bathtub. Using an ‘S’ motion when doing so will ensure that no spot is left cleaned.
If you’re wondering if there is still scum and grime left to be cleaned, rub your bathtub with your hands. If it doesn’t feel smooth or clean, apply the cleaning solution and give it another wipe down with your sponge.
Step 4 – Wipe down taps and handles
Taps and handles are often victims to dirty build-up which means that you can’t leave them out! The same cleaning solution and sponge combo will remove any stains and dirt. You also can’t forget the ledges and exterior of your bathtub!
Step 5 – Clear out the drain
Have you ever thought about how to clean a bathtub drain? A clean drain prevents clogs from ever happening in your tub. To clean it, pour a half-cup of baking soda into the drain and follow it up with a half cup of vinegar. Let these ingredients sit and do their work before flushing it all out with warm water.
Step 5 – Rinse your tub down
Use water to rinse your entire tub down, removing soap, grime, dirt and solution and sending them down the drain. If you don’t have a showerhead that is able to rinse the tub surface, use a bucket or jug to pour water down the sides of your bath.
Step 6 – Remove excess moisture
Once you have thoroughly rinsed your bathtub, use a microfiber cloth to give your bathtub final wipedown. This removes excess moisture and water, and will leave your tub sparkly, shiny clean!
Clean bathtubs make for truly clean baths
With our step-by-step guide on how to clean a bathtub you won’t be bathing in a dirty tub anymore! You’ll step out of every bath feeling truly clean. Some other bathtub cleaning hacks include rinsing your bathtub after you use it and wiping it down with a microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture.
Do you want to update the look of your bathroom with a new bathtub? Or maybe you’re looking for a bathtub to fit into your newly renovated bathroom.
Whatever it is, our team at MYHOMEWARE has got you covered! With a wide range of bathtubs, you’re certain to find the perfect tub for you. Visit our website now to find the right bathtub for your dream bathroom!
