How to Make Your Bathtub Clean & White

Failure to clean a bathtub regularly may require more effort to remove stains.

White bathtubs discolor if you do not clean them regularly. Mildew, grime and hard water stains build up quickly on bathtubs and cause them to look unpleasant. Treating the stains on the bathtub once a week makes the surface clean and white again. Bathtubs need to be cleaned carefully to prevent scratching the surface. Cleaning a white bathtub properly ensures that it remains in good condition for many years.

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Plastic spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Sponge
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Small bowl
• Cream of tartar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Salt
• Turpentine
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Pour white distilled vinegar into a plastic spray bottle. Spray the vinegar onto the bathtub to remove hard water, soap scum and mildew. Allow the vinegar to sit on the bathtub for 15 minutes.

2. Sprinkle baking soda over all areas of the bathtub over the vinegar. Allow the vinegar and baking soda to sit in the bathtub for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Clean the bathtub with a damp sponge. Wipe the surface of the bathtub with the sponge. Scrub on hard to remove stains with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

4. Rinse the bathtub with clean water to remove the residue. Repeat the cleaning process to remove any lingering stains.

5. Treat tough stains by filling a small bowl with cream of tartar. Slowly add hydrogen peroxide and stir until a thick paste forms. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to dry. Rinse the solution off the stain and repeat until you remove the stain from the bathtub.

6. Remove severely discolored bathtub stains with salt and turpentine. Combine an equal amount of salt and turpentine. Wear rubber gloves and rub the solution onto the stain. Allow the solution to sit for five minutes and then rinse the solution off thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Combine one part of ammonia with two parts of water if you do not have vinegar. Spray the solution onto the stained area with a spray bottle.

• Never combine cleaning products because dangerous fumes may occur.

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners on bathtubs because the cleaners may scratch the surface.

• Ventilate the bathroom while you clean the bathtub to prevent breathing in any dangerous fumes.

References

• University of Florida; Keeping it Clean: Cleaning Bathrooms, Sink, Bathtub, Shower, Toilet; Mary N. Harrison
• "Real Simple"; Easy Steps for Cleaning the Bathroom
• Mrs. Clean USA: Removing and Cleaning Soap Scum
• "Reader's Digest"; 6 Household Items for a Sparkling Bathtub
• "Good Housekeeping"; Clean Bathtub Stains