Let’s be honest: No one actually enjoys cleaning the bathtub. I can say this after years of dealing with a grimy bathtub. But then I decided to change this and embarked on a mission to bring my bathtub back to its former glory. That made me learn many new things along the way.
In this blog, I share my hard-earned wisdom on how to care for your bath tubs.
1. Daily Diligence
Keeping your bathtub in pristine condition can be a lot easier by adopting an everyday cleaning routine.
● A simple rule
clean after each use, and you will not have to spend much time cleaning it after every few days. So, whenever you are done with a bath, simply rinse the tub thoroughly with warm water. This crucial step prevents soap scum, oils, and other residues from drying and clinging to the surface. It can be helpful because dried-on residue can be more difficult to remove and may even etch the surface of your tub over time.
● Squeezing
Squeezing can make everyday cleaning much easier. We recommend using it immediately after bathing or showering to remove excess water from the tub walls. This simple yet effective practice minimizes the formation of hard water stains and significantly reduces the risk of mildew growth.
2. Weekly Deep Clean
In addition to rinsing the straight baths after every use, weekly cleaning is recommended to reduce to risk of mould and soap scum.
● For a deep clean
You must opt for mild, non-abrasive cleaners. A mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap often suffices. The market is flooded with a variety of cleaners, but we suggest avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners (such as scouring powders or steel wool), which can damage the finish and dull the surface of your tub.
● To clean a bathtub
To clean a bathtub with baking soda, simply sprinkle it on the surface and then add some warm water to it. The mixture will start to bubble immediately. Wait for a couple of minutes and begin scrubbing. For tougher stains, you can create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, making it a more powerful natural bathtub cleaning solution.
● Always use soft cloths
Always use soft cloths sponges, or microfiber cloths for gentle scrubbing. Abrasive materials that can scratch the surface of your bath must be avoided at all costs.
● You must pay meticulous attention
You must pay meticulous attention to corners, crevices, and around the drain. These areas are particularly susceptible to soap scum buildup, mildew, and hair accumulation. To create a natural bathtub cleaner liquid, you will need the following ingredients.
Baking Soda: 1/2 cup
White Vinegar: 1/2 cup
Warm Water: As needed
Spray Bottle: For applying the vinegar
Simply mix all ingredients to create a solution, or alternatively, you can prepare a baking soda paste by mixing it with slightly warm water. This paste can be applied to the bathtub surface, followed by white vinegar spray through the bottle. This will create a fizzy action, and you should step back for about 30 minutes to let the mixture work before scrubbing it away.
3. Monthly Maintenance
Including monthly maintenance into your standard bathcleaning routine will ensure the bathtub is adequately maintained and any leftover soap scums are removed.
● Depending on the type of bathtub material
You should choose a dedicated cleaner. Look at the label to see if it is suitable for the material (acrylic, porcelain, fiberglass, etc.). Using a cleaner without knowing if it is suitable for your bathtub material may cause damage to the bathtub surface.
● These stubborn stains
These stubborn stains often require a bit more effort. Allow the cleaner to dwell on the affected areas for a few minutes before gently scrubbing. For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to use a specialized hard water stain remover.
● Drain is also an important part of a bathtub
You must clean it regularly to prevent clogs. You must use a plumber’s snake in a drain cleaner to remove hair, soap scum, and other debris.
Preventative Measures
Preventive care will save you from many problems later while significantly ensuring long-term use.
● Avoid using chemical-based commercial cleaners for daily and weekly cleaning. You may use them only during monthly cleaning. There are a variety of natural cleaning alternatives available that you can create using baking soda, vinegar, and essential oil blends.
● Don’t take scratches lightly. Even minor scratches can worsen over time, allowing moisture and grime to penetrate deeper. Consider repairing small scratches promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of your tub’s surface.
● Use the bathmat near the bathtub to keep the area around the bath dry and avoid slips.
Material-Specific Care: Tailoring Your Approach
We suggest adopting a tailored approach for caring for the bathtub based on the material.
Here we have table with detailed information for the type of cleaning care required for each bathtub material.
| Bathtub Material | Cleaning Care | Cleaner Recommendation |
| Acrylic | Use a soft cloth or sponge; avoid abrasive scrubbers to prevent scratches. | Non-abrasive cleaners like mild dish soap, vinegar-water solution, or specialized acrylic bathtub cleaners. |
| Porcelain Enamel (Cast Iron) | Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the enamel finish. | Baking soda paste for stains, or non-abrasive bathroom cleaners like Soft Scrub without bleach. |
| Fiberglass | Gently clean with a soft sponge; avoid harsh chemicals as they can weaken the surface. | Mild dish soap or a mixture of baking soda and water; avoid bleach or ammonia-based products. |
| Stone Resin | Clean with a damp cloth; avoid abrasive materials to maintain the smooth finish. | Non-abrasive cleaners, such as mild dish soap or pH-neutral stone-safe cleaning solutions. |
| Marble (Natural or Cultured) | Wipe with a soft cloth; avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can etch or discolor the surface. | pH-neutral cleaners formulated for natural stone; avoid vinegar, bleach, or citrus-based products. |
| Copper | Use a soft cloth to clean; avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface. | A mixture of mild soap and water; for preserving the shine, use a copper cleaner or a mix of salt and vinegar. |
| Stainless Steel | Wipe with a soft cloth; avoid steel wool or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. | A mixture of warm water and dish soap; for polishing, use a stainless steel cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. |
| Ceramic (Tile or Solid) | Regularly clean grout lines and avoid harsh chemicals that can weaken the glaze. | Mild dish soap, baking soda for stains, and grout cleaner for the joints. Avoid abrasive or acidic products. |
| Wood | Wipe dry after use to prevent water damage; apply wood sealant periodically. | Gentle cleaners like diluted dish soap; avoid soaking. Use specialized wood cleaners or oils for maintenance. |
| Cast Polymer | Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the gel coat. | Non-abrasive cleaners like mild dish soap or products designed for acrylic or gel-coated surfaces. |
| Glass | Clean with a microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive scrubbers or cleaners. | Glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution for streak-free shine; use mild soap for general cleaning. |
When to Call in the Professionals
It is essential to know when to call for professional help.
● You should consult a professional plumber or bathtub refinishing specialist in case you notice any visible signs of cracks, chips, or discolouration.
● If you are unable to resolve any issue related to bathtub cleaning, it’s better to seek professional advice.
Advanced Bathtub Care Techniques
● Caulk around the bathtub may deteriorate over time. As a result the water may seep into the surrounding walls. You must inspect and re-caulk as needed.
● You can ensure better protection by applying a bath protector or sealant to prevent soap scum buildup.
● Hard water may make it difficult for you to keep the bathtub clean. Therefore, installing a water softener is advisable to reduce the mineral deposits and minimize the formation of hard water stains.
Ending Thoughts
Caring for your standard bath doesn’t have to be a daunting task. All you need is little regular maintenance and right cleaning techniques, and you can keep your bathtub sparkling clean for many years to come.
