How to Clean a Bathtub

 

While cleaning your house is never fun, the bathtub may be among the areas that you would avoid if you could. However, with general grime, soap scum and mildew to contend with, this is not a task that you can put off for another day.

 

Between the splashing water, bending over and scrubbing every inch, you need to find the best way to clean the tub. With the right supplies and techniques, you can make lighter work of this important chore.

How Often Should You Clean Your Bathtub?

 

If your bathtub is used regularly, it should be cleaned on a weekly basis. For less frequent use, cleaning it monthly should suffice. Given that cleaning the tub may not be your favorite thing to do, you may be inclined to push back the timing and go weeks between cleanings. However, this makes it more challenging to clean the bathtub.

 

 

Over time, soap scum and other residue builds up. When you clean the tub weekly, the buildup will be lighter and easier to remove without heavy scrubbing. You could also prevent mildew from growing with weekly cleaning sessions. In between these sessions, wipe down the surfaces with a clean towel after each shower or bath to further minimize the buildup.

 

How to Deep Clean a Bathtub

 

Before using any chemicals and abrasives in your tub, research its specific cleaning recommendations. If you cannot find these or are unsure of your bathtub type, clean a small area as a test spot before cleaning the rest of the tub.

 

Fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs have the same cleaning recommendations. These are softer and lighter-weight materials, so abrasive scrubbers and cleaning products can damage them. These bathtubs should be cleaned with baking soda, distilled white vinegar and a soft-bristle nylon brush.

 

The other common types of bathtubs are porcelain and enamel. These are heavy-duty materials that are usually shiny. If you tap on the bathtub and hear a metallic sound, your bathtub is made out of one of these materials. Do not clean these bathtubs with products containing bleach.

 

What are the steps to deep clean a bathtub?

 

 

 

• Turn the fan on and open the window. Keep the door open. These steps will lessen your exposure to fumes from the cleaning products.
• Put on cleaning gloves. Remove the shower curtain, mats and towels so that they are not damaged by the cleaning products.
• Remove all hygiene products from the tub so you have easy access to the entire space while cleaning. Wipe down or take other steps to clean these items. You don’t want to put dirty items back in your clean bathtub.
• Pull out the drain stopper. Pour a half-cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, pour a half-cup of vinegar down the drain. After a few minutes, run clean water through the drain.
• Get the entire tub wet with hot water.
• Spread two cups of baking soda across the entire surface area. Allow this to sit on the bathtub for up to an hour.
• Using a bucket or bowl, combine two tablespoons of liquid dish soap with a half-gallon of hot water.
• Dip a nylon scrub brush in the soapy water, and start scrubbing the bathtub. Cover the entire surface area while frequently re-dipping the scrub brush in the soapy water.
• Do not use any cleaning products on the metal faucet and other surfaces. These can ruin the finish. Instead, use a clean toothbrush to scrub the metal surfaces with soapy water.
• After you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of your bathtub, rinse it with water until the baking soda and soap are completely removed.
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the faucet and tub.

 

Cleaning your bathtub is a major undertaking that requires regular effort. You can take a few steps to minimize the buildup in between cleaning sessions. For example, after bathing or showering, turn on the exhaust fan, and dry off the tub with a microfiber cloth. You can also avoid using cleaning products with oils and dyes. In addition, let your bar soap dry completely.

 

Here’s an easy bathtub cleaning routine that you can easily follow. Check it out!

 

 

FAQs

 

Do You Need to Disinfect Bathtub?

 

You can disinfect your tub for a higher level of clean. If bleach is safe to use on your bathtub, dilute a third-cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Wearing gloves, soak a sponge in the bleach water. Wipe down all surfaces with the sponge. After six minutes, rinse the bathtub clean.

 

How Do I Get My Bathtub White Again?

 

If your bathtub is heavily stained, begin by spot-cleaning the stained areas. You can use a commercial spot removal product, vinegar and baking soda, or lemon juice and borax, depending on the type of stain you’re tackling. After the stains are removed, get the bathtub wet with hot water. Spread baking soda across the surface, and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Baking soda has whitening properties. In addition, removing the soap scum can brighten the tub. Brush the tub while the baking soda is still on it, and rinse it clean.

 

How to Clean Mold and Mildew in a Bathtub

 

 

Mold and mildew in a bathtub are unsightly, and they require special cleaning steps. Apply a toilet bowl cleaning gel that contains bleach to the mold and mildew. Let this sit in place for anywhere from an hour to eight hours, depending on how severe the problem is. Then, use a soft brush to scrub the growth away.

 

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Tough Stains on Your Tub?

 

Rust, calcium and lime are problematic for bathtubs and faucets. You might think that these tough stains are permanent, but rest assured that they can be removed. Some commercial cleaning products are specifically created to remove these stains.

 

If you want to use natural ingredients, you can tackle limescale and calcium build up with distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Saturate a cloth with vinegar, and cover the stain for 30 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush dipped in baking soda to scrub the stain. Rust is easily removed with lemon juice and borax. Simply dip half of a lemon into the borax powder. Then, use the fruit to scrub the stain.

 

Cleaning the bathtub is one of those chores that you’d rather not do, yet it is an essential part of your weekly household chores. This can be a messy, backbreaking task, but you don’t need to do the work yourself. With our maid services in Boston, you can appreciate the benefits of a clean bathroom regularly and without doing the scrubbing on your own. Inquire about our house cleaning services today.