The Best Way to Get a Bathtub Clean

A clean bathtub is more inviting.

With its exposure to cleansing products such as soap and shampoo, you might think a bathtub should stay relatively clean on its own. Unfortunately the products that keep us clean only serve to contribute to the bathtub's dirtiness. Soap scum buildup acts as a dirt magnet, resulting in an unpleasant ring around the tub and discoloration along the bottom and sides. The best way to get a bathtub clean is to make the job simple by cleaning regularly after each use so dirty buildup doesn't turn the task into a big chore.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Sponge
• Baking soda
• Towel

Instructions

1. 

   Vinegar in a spray bottle tackles much of the dirt and grime in your tub.

   Fill an empty spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Spray the surface of your bathtub with the vinegar spray and allow it to sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Aside from loosening dirt, oil and soap, scum vinegar is also a natural mold and mildew killer.

2. Wet a sponge with vinegar and sprinkle baking soda over the sponge. Scrub the surface of your bathtub with the slightly foamy mixture. This mildly abrasive cleansing mixture works together to remove dirt, soap scum, product buildup and other grime from your tub's surface.

3. Rinse your tub with water to wash away the dirt along with the baking soda cleansing mixture. If any spots or stains remain on your bathtub, scrub once more with baking soda then rinse again.

4. Dry your bathtub with a clean towel. When your bathtub is dried after cleaning or use, mineral deposits don't have a chance to remain on the tub to create water stains.

5. Maintain your bathtub's cleanliness by adding a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stirring it in before you drain the water from the tub. The baking soda prevents soap scum and oil from forming a ring around your bathtub.

6. Spray the tub's surface with vinegar spray each time the water is drained. Allow the vinegar to dry on the surface. Mildew and mold stains won't form on the vinegar-sprayed surface.

Tips & Warnings

• For extra scrubbing power, add 1 tsp. table salt to 1/4 cup baking soda before scrubbing your tub.

• Moisturize outside of the tub instead of adding oil to your bath. The oil acts like a dirt magnet and ends up in a ring around your bathtub after the water drains.

• A squeegee helps you dry off tile around the bathtub to prevent water stains.

References

• EPA: Safer Cleaning: Tub and Tile Cleaner
• Earth Easy: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning: Tub and Tile
• University of Florida; Keeping it Clean, Cleaning Bathrooms, Sink, Bathtub, Shower and Toilet: To Clean the Bathtub; Mary N. Harrison; December 2005