How to Remove a Stain From a Bathtub

A stain-free bathtub is a sanitary place to bathe.

A bathtub is a breeding ground for a variety of stains. Mold and mildew grow in the warm, moist environment, hard water can leave deposits on the sides and bottom of your bathtub, and dirt, grime and soap scum accumulate to form a dirty ring. Chemical-based commercial products are available to clean the stains from your bathtub, but you can do an efficient and effective job using simple household supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• Bucket
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Sponge
• Oven cleaner
• Magic stain-remover eraser sponge
• Towel

Instructions

1. 

   A sponge cleans effectively without scratching surfaces.

   Make a mild abrasive stain-removing solution by combining 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 gallon of water in a bucket. Stir the solution with your hands to mix, then apply to your bathtub using a sponge. Scrub the baking soda and vinegar solution in to remove hard water stains, kill mold and mildew, and work on grime.

2. Spray oven cleaner onto the surface of your bathtub to tackle any stubborn stains. Leave the oven cleaner on the surface for several hours. Open a window or turn on your ventilating fan to keep the oven cleaner odor to a minimum.

3. Dampen a magic stain-removing eraser sponge with plain water. Scrub the oven cleaner on the tub surface to remove any remnants of stain. Add more water to the eraser sponge as needed and continue to scrub.

4. Rinse out your tub to remove all traces of dirt and grime. Dry the surface with a clean, dry towel and leave a window open, if possible, to aid in the drying process.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry your bathtub after every use to maintain cleanliness.

• Add 1 tsp. os liquid hand dishwashing detergent to your bath water right before you drain the water. Mix the detergent in, then open the drain. The dishwashing detergent will prevent soap scum and dirt from forming a dirty ring around your bathtub.

References

• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning Solutions
• Good Housekeeping: Clean Bathtub Stains