How to Clean a Grimy Bathtub

A sparkling clean tub will make your bathroom look (and probably smell) better. It can be hard to know what's causing the grime in your tub and how to get rid of it. Taking a closer look at the grime and the tub itself will tell you everything you need to know to clean a grimy bathtub using the proper tools for the job.

Things You'll Need

• Scrub brush
• Cleaning solution
• Dry towels or rags
• Large cup or pitcher

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of grime you have in your bathtub so you'll know which kind of cleaner to use. If the grime is pink, red or black, it is probably mold or mildew. If it is rusty or white and scaly, it's a mineral stain. If it is gray or brown, it's probably a combination of soap residue, dirt and dead skin cells.

2. Identify the bathtub surface material. Do not use harsh abrasives on acrylic tubs, since they can cause scratches that will make future cleaning more difficult. A tile or enameled tub is sturdier but may require special cleaners to remove rust or mineral stains.

3. Pick a cleaning solution specifically made for the type of grime and surface of your tub. If you have several types of grime or you are unable to identify it, look for an all-purpose tub and tile cleaner. Apply the cleaner to the tub and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the grime.

4. Using a scrub brush (pick one with soft bristles if you have an acrylic bathtub), scrub the grime. Add more cleaner or a little water if it seems too dry. Rinse with water from the shower head, or fill a cup or pitcher with clean water to rinse if you don't have a shower or if the spray does not reach your entire tub. If there are still grimy spots, repeat this process until all the grime is gone.

5. You might want to consider wiping the tub clean after each use to remove grime that hasn't built up. This will reduce the need to scrub the bathtub in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Drying your tub after using it will help prevent mold and mildew buildup.

• Turn on the exhaust fan or open a window while you clean to minimize exposure to fumes from cleaning solutions. Never combine products that contain bleach with products that contain ammonia; it will produce a toxic gas.