Cleaning the bathtub doesn’t have to be a weekly dread. In fact, with the right tricks up your sleeve, it can transform into a surprisingly simple and even satisfying task.
In this article, I’ll share 17 surprising bathtub cleaning hacks that will save time, effort, and perhaps even a bit of money.
Let’s begin!
1. Unclog Jets with Powdered Dish Detergent
Instead of scrubbing every tiny opening, fill the tub with warm water past the jets, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of powdered dishwasher detergent.
Run the jets for about 15 minutes. You’ll see the water turn murky as it clears out all the gunk and grime. After draining the tub, give it a good rinse to ensure all the debris is gone.
2. Clean Bathtub Caulking with Bleach
To clean it effectively, soak paper towels or cotton balls in bleach and place them on the moldy spots.
Let them sit for a few hours or overnight. When you return, swipe away the bleach and any remaining debris. Rinse thoroughly with soap and water to remove any bleach residue.
This simple method brightens the caulking and prevents mold from returning, keeping your tub area looking clean and fresh.
3. Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda is a versatile and gentle cleaner that works wonders on bathtubs. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, then apply it to the tub’s surface.
Use a sponge to scrub the tub, focusing on stained or dirty areas. Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps remove grime without scratching the tub.
Rinse thoroughly with water after scrubbing. This method is effective for regular maintenance and tackling tougher stains.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Mix
For a powerful, eco-friendly cleaner, mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a bit of dish soap. Apply this mixture to the tub and grout, then scrub with a brush.
Hydrogen peroxide disinfects while baking soda provides abrasion to lift stains. This combination is safe for most surfaces and is particularly good for deep cleaning.
5. Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for bathtubs. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar, then spray it on the tub.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to break down soap scum and grime. Scrub with a sponge and rinse well.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that also helps to dissolve mineral deposits, making it ideal for routine cleaning.
6. Dish Soap and Broom Trick
This unusual but effective method uses a broom and dish soap to clean your tub. Pour dish soap directly into the tub, then use a broom to scrub.
The long handle of the broom makes it easy to reach all areas without bending over, saving your back from strain.
Dish soap cuts through grease and grime effectively, leaving your tub clean and shiny. Rinse thoroughly with water after scrubbing to remove all soap residue.
7. Shaving Cream and Broom
Another clever trick involves using shaving cream and a broom. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream to a wet tub, then scrub with a broom. Shaving cream has antibacterial properties and creates a rich lather that helps lift stains.
The broom’s long handle allows you to scrub without bending over, making the job easier and quicker.
Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all the shaving cream and enjoy a sparkling clean tub.
8. Lemon Juice for Yellow Stains
Lemon juice is great for tackling yellow stains in your bathtub. Squeeze lemon juice directly onto the stains and let it sit for a while.
The natural acidity of lemon juice helps break down the discoloration. After the juice has soaked in, scrub the area with a sponge and rinse with water.
This method not only removes stains but also leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and citrusy.
9. Coca-Cola for Limescale
Coca-Cola isn’t just a beverage—it’s also a handy cleaner for limescale build-up. Pour a bottle of Coca-Cola into your bathtub and let it sit for about an hour.
The acid in the soda helps dissolve limescale and tough stains. After an hour, scrub the affected areas with a sponge and rinse thoroughly with water.
This surprising method is effective and budget-friendly, making it a great option for those stubborn limescale spots.
10. Regular Rinsing
One of the easiest ways to keep your bathtub clean is to rinse it after each use. After draining the tub or taking a shower, run hot water for about 30 seconds to rinse away soap, dirt, and potential stains.
This quick step prevents grime from building up and makes deep cleaning less frequent and much easier.
11. Bleach for Mold and Mildew
If mold and mildew are issues in your bathtub, bleach can be a powerful cleaner. Fill a spray bottle with hot water and add four tablespoons of bleach.
Spray this mixture onto the affected areas and let it sit for a while. The bleach will kill the mold and mildew, making it easier to scrub away.
After the solution has had time to work, scrub the area with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly with water.
12. Deep Clean with Spin Scrubber
A spin scrub brush can make deep cleaning your bathtub much easier. These electric brushes come with various attachments to clean different parts of the tub, including faucets and grout.
The powerful scrubbing action removes tough stains and grime without much effort on your part.
Simply apply your preferred cleaner to the tub, let it sit for a few minutes, then use the spin scrubber to scrub away the dirt.
13. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia can clean effectively, they can also be damaging to your bathtub’s finish and harmful to your skin and lungs. Instead, use gentler alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap.
These natural cleaners are effective at removing stains and grime without the risk of damaging your tub or causing irritation.
Using milder cleaners regularly can keep your bathtub clean and in good condition for longer.
14. Hot Water and Baking Soda Pre-Soak
For an easy pre-soak, fill your tub one-third with hot water and sprinkle in baking soda and dish detergent. Let the mixture sit for at least 15-20 minutes.
This helps to loosen grime and dirt, making it easier to scrub away later. After soaking, drain the tub, scrub lightly with a sponge or brush, and rinse thoroughly.
15. Toilet Bowl Cleaner for Tough Stains
To tackle especially tough stains, you can use toilet bowl cleaner. Apply the cleaner directly to the stained areas and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grime.
Then, scrub with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly with water. Be sure to wear gloves and ensure good ventilation while using toilet bowl cleaner, as it can be strong.
16. Grout Cleaner for Surrounding Tiles
Grout around the tub can accumulate dirt and grime, making the whole area look dirty. To clean the grout, mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a bit of dish soap to create a powerful cleaner.
Apply the mixture to the grout and scrub with a brush. After scrubbing, rinse the area with water to remove any residue.
This method cleans the grout and helps brighten the surrounding tiles, giving your bathroom a cleaner look.
17. DIY Tub Cleaner
You can make a simple yet effective tub cleaner with baking soda, water, and a drop of dish soap.
Mix these ingredients to form a paste and apply it to the tub with a sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen grime and dirt, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
This gentle cleaner works on most bathtub materials and is a great way to keep your tub clean without using harsh chemicals.
