Nobody wants to take a hot leisurely soak in a dirty bathtub, but cleaning your bath can be an arduous chore. Tubs are magnets for soap scum, mildew, and grime. Just like with countertops or showers, the material of your bathtub dictates how you can clean it. Let us at American Bath Remodeling walk you through exactly how to clean your bathtub based on what it’s made of.
If you’re not a fan of using chemical cleaners, there are plenty of natural solutions as well, which we will go over below.
Cleaning Acrylic Bathtubs
Use non-abrasive cleaning products to clean your acrylic tub, as it is a softer, less durable material. To begin, scatter baking soda or a mild cleaning product such as Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner, throughout the tub and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
For tougher stains, fill the tub with hot water and vinegar and allow it to soak for 15 minutes or longer to loosen any mildew and scum. Once the stain is easier to wipe clean, drain the tub.
Use a damp cloth or a sponge to scrub the baking soda into the tub and faucet. A softer bristle brush can be used to better clean corners and edges.
Finally, rinse and wipe the tub clean.
How to Clean a Fiberglass Bathtub
Fiberglass is a common material for tubs and is easy to maintain. Using the wrong cloth and cleaner runs the risk of damaging the surface, however.
To begin, add two parts vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and use the mixture to coat the entire bath. Allow the solution to sit for 15-20 minutes. You can also use Weiman Tube, Tile & Fiberglass Cleaner and closely follow the instructions on the bottle.
For tougher stains, place a towel soaked in vinegar and baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide onto the stains and allow it to sit for up to one hour.
Once you’ve allowed the solution to soak, use a cloth or a sponge to remove the dirt and scum. Rinse the tub and use a microfiber cloth to remove any of the excess solution.
American Bath Remodeling offers fiberglass bathtub replacements if your tub is beginning to show wear and tear. Check out our durable fiberglass options online.
Cleaning a Porcelain Tub
Porcelain tubs are a popular pick for a luxurious looking bathroom, but their sleek surface makes cleaning them a careful procedure. Use gentle cleaners and supplies only.
Equally combine warm water, ammonia and baking soda into a bucket. An alternative cleaning solution is Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaner, which uses natural ingredients to gently fight stains on porcelain and other surfaces.
Tough stains can be combated by covering them with salt and lemon juice and scrubbing it into the stain. Let it sit for up to one hour.
Dip a cloth or a soft sponge into the bucket and scrub the tub thoroughly. Rinse and wipe clean.
Cleaning a Stone Bath
Natural stones are extremely durable and resistant to stains and scratches, but soap scum can be more visible on them, especially if you opted to use darker tones. Thankfully, this type of bathtub is easy to clean.
Mixing dishwasher detergent and water can get the job done quickly. Tougher stains may require a cream cleaner that is specifically made for the type of stone you have.
Use a cloth to scrub the tub and rinse it multiple times. Wipe it completely to prevent streaks.
How to Clean Bath Faucets and Drains
Cleaning a faucet is never a fun task due to its shape, but it is a necessary one. Mildew and hard water stains can easily be removed by soaking them in distilled white vinegar overnight and rinsing off the faucet. Most bathroom cleaners will do the job quickly as well.
Assuming your drain isn’t clogged, cleaning it is as simple as using your choice bathroom cleaner, scrubbing it and rinsing it off. To avoid water spots, consider drying it once the entire tub is clean.
If your drain is clogged, clean the strainer and stopper before pouring boiling water directly into the drain. Then pour one-quarter cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar into the drain. Wait 15-20 minutes before pouring more boiling water down the drain. Repeat if necessary.
A popular chemical solution for clogged drains is Drano, which can tackle any clog in your bathroom by pouring the bottle down your drain and flushing it out with hot water.
Check out our past blog on how to clean your shower as well.
If your bath needs more than just a routine clean, it may be time to think about replacing it or hiding it with a bathtub liner. Contact American Bath Remodeling today to see if we can help you with your next bathroom remodel.