How to Erase Old Marks in the Bathtub

Even ancient stains can be removed with an assortment of everyday items.

There are things more pleasurable than a long soak in a sparkling clean tub; however, over time porcelain, fiberglass and plastic bathtubs can develop discolorations that are difficult to remove. While fresh stains are always easier to work with, old marks can be eliminated from the tub with a few ordinary ingredients and a bit of hard work.

Things You'll Need

• 1 C white vinegar
• Stiff-bristle, nylon brush
• Cream of tartar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Paper towels
• 1 tbsp. alum powder or Borax
• Lemon juice
• Sponge
• Cloth
• Soap-filled wool scrub pad

Instructions

1. Pour one cup white vinegar into a small pan. Heat over low until visible steam begins to rise, then pour the hot vinegar into the tub, thoroughly coating any discolored areas. Wait 10 minutes, then scrub the tub with a stiff-bristled, nylon brush. Rinse and examine the stain; if the marks appear lighter, repeat the process until the damage is no longer visible.

2. Spread a thick layer of paste made from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide over any remaining stains. Wait eight hours, then wipe the mixture away with a damp paper towel; even stains that have not been completely removed should be visibly lighter.

3. Pour one tbsp. of alum powder or Borax into a bowl; add enough lemon juice to make a paste, and then work the mixture over any stubborn stains with a damp sponge. Wait for the treatment to dry. Wipe the residue away with a cloth that has been dipped in lemon juice, rinse thoroughly, and repeat, if necessary.

4. Rub extremely deep stains out with a soap-filled wool scrub pad. Hold the wool against the mark, rub well, and then wipe with a dry cloth. Do not use wet wool, rinse with water, or use this method on a wet tub, as this could lead to scratching.

References

• The Stain Expert; Old Bath Tub Stains: How to Remove Them; Hsin-Yi Cohen; November 2010
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension; Back-to-Basics: Cleaning Products; Marie Anderson, et al
• "Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things"; Marylin Bader, et al; 2005