Regular bathtub cleaning prevents mold and grime buildup. A family bathing and showering regularly deposit cleaning products, body oils, dirt, and skin flakes on tub walls, tiles, and shower enclosures. Wiping them down after every use is very helpful, but grime eventually builds up.
Tub Cleaning Tips You Should Know
Cleaning the tub every week or two usually prevents grime buildup. Wiping the tub dry and running the exhaust fan during and after every use prevents humidity and scum buildup.
Stop Using Bar Soap
Bar soaps cause most soap scum buildup in tubs and showers. Bar soap scum sticks to everything it touches. It is a food source for mildew, mold, and pink mold. Dirt and hair conditioner stick to soap scum and leave dark rings in tubs after they are drained. Replace bar soap with liquid body wash for cleaner tubs.
Dish Soap and Vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of vinegar and dish soap. Shake well to mix the ingredients. Spray the walls and floor of the tub or shower stall. Let it work for up to an hour, then wipe the tub clean with warm soapy water. Rinse with warm clear water. It works great to remove soap scum.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Fill your tub with warm water to cover the dirt ring. Add about a half cup each of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix well and let sit for 15 or 20 minutes. The foaming mixture loosens grime and sticks to the sides of the tub. Drain the tub, rinse, and dry for a clean tub.
Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a cleaner that has been around for over 100 years. Its main ingredient is oxalic acid–originally discovered in rhubarb–which removes soap scum, grime, rust stains, and limescale. The cleanser sticks to vertical surfaces and wipes off easily–taking scum and grime with it.
Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers remove soap scum, grease, and surface dirt. They contain bleach that gets rid of mold and cleans grout lines. Available in multiple combinations to clean tubs, showers, shower doors, and tiles. They are great for general bathroom cleaning.
Tub Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
These suggestions make cleaning the tub quicker, easier, and safer.
Do’s:
- Power Brush – Buy a rechargeable electric cleaning brush–with a long handle–to save effort. They are inexpensive, efficient, and save time.
- Follow Instructions – Read and follow the instructions on commercial cleaning products for the best results and personal safety.
- Soft Tools – Use soft tools like sponges, microfiber cloths, and soft nylon brushes to prevent damage to the tub.
- Preventive Maintenance – Wipe the tub dry after every use. Spray it with vinegar once or twice a week to prevent soap scum and grime buildup.
Don’ts:
- Abrasive Cleaners – Abrasive cleaners like some powders, and tools like steel wool and stiff bristle brushes easily scratch and scar acrylic and fiberglass tubs. Damaged tubs are more difficult to clean.
- Mixing Cleaners – Mixing vinegar and bleach produces chlorine gas. Mixing bleach and ammonia produces chloramine gas. Both can be fatal–especially in small enclosed spaces like bathrooms. Read the list of ingredients and cautions on any commercial cleaner.
