Are you someone that feels like they don’t know how to properly clean a bathtub? If so, you’re not alone and we are here to help by giving you the top tips on bathtub cleaning.
Cleaning a bathtub may seem like a tedious process, but it’s actually something that can be pretty fast and easy if you have a game plan and know the cleaning process beforehand. We have outlined the top tips and steps on how to clean your bathtub efficiently. Keep reading below to see our tips and steps.
How Often Should I Clean My Bathtub?
Cleaning your bathtub frequently and often is important, but how often you clean the bath ultimately comes down to your personal household use. Those who live by themselves will usually clean the shower less often than a bath used by a family of five.
A good rule of thumb is to give your bath a cleaning one time a week. As for a deep clean that involves scrubbing, this should be done once a month.
To properly clean your bath you will need a brush to get into the small nooks and crannies, including grout. You will also need any cleaning sponges or cloths to clean the majority of the bath. As for cleaners, have a tile cleaner ready and an all-purpose bathroom spray.
Know-How to Clean Your Type of Bath Before Starting
There are many materials that bathtubs can be made out of in today’s world. With this said, you should know how to properly clean your bath in regards to the material it’s made of.
Cleaning an Acrylic Bathtub
If your tub is made out of acrylic you should know that this is a softer material when compared to other materials baths can be made out of. Acrylic will require the use of nonabrasive cleaning products to properly give it a deep clean.
Cleaning a Fiberglass Bathtub
When it comes to bathtub materials, fiberglass is one of the most common. Fiberglass is easy to clean, but it can be scratched by using the wrong tools or supplies. You should also use nonabrasive cleaning products and tools on fiberglass tubs to ensure they don’t become scratched up.
Cleaning a Porcelain-Enameled Bathtub
Porcelain tubs will add a luxurious look to any bathroom they are placed in. The nice thing about porcelain baths is they are extremely durable.
Even though it’s a durable material you want to ensure you’re not scratching it up when cleaning. Porcelain can be cleaned with heavier cleaners than acrylic and fiberglass, but you shouldn’t use any cleaning tools that will scratch the surface.
Cleaning a Stone Resin Bathtub
Man-made stone resin is one of the most durable materials, even when it comes to baths. This material is resistant to scratches and stains, which means it can be cleaned with any product of your choice and any tool.
Now That You Know What Your Bath Is Made of, It’s Time to Start Cleaning
After figuring out what material your bath is made out of, you will be able to clean it properly without damaging the surface. If you aren’t sure what material your tub is made of, it’s a great idea to be safe than sorry and uses gentle cleaning products and tools. After deciding how gentle you should be on your tub, it’s time to start the following steps to properly clean.
Step 1: Remove Items
The first step to cleaning your bath is to remove items from the shower and tub. Any shampoo bottles, toys, washcloths, scrubbers, and anything else you don’t want cleaning products on should be removed.
This is also an excellent time to get rid of any empty or broken items in the shower that have yet to find their way into the trash. Think of this process as also the sprong cleaning of your bath.
After taking the items out of the shower you should wipe them down. This will help to clean them and get any build-up off of the products. This will even be a great opportunity to throw any bath toys in the dishwasher or a tub of bleach water to clean and disinfect them.
Step 2: Clean the Tiles and Tub Wall
The second step to cleaning is to move onto the wall and tiles. If there is mildew in the grout or it just appears dirty, then get a small brush, dip it in your cleaner, and start scrubbing. Even though this will be time-consuming, once you keep up with this monthly routine, the grout won’t get dirty leading to less cleaning time down the road.
You should be working from top to bottom and follow the instructions listed on your cleaner of choice. After scrubbing, rinse away the cleaning residue and see what spots need some extra work.
After scrubbing the grout, it’s time to spray the walls with your choice of all-purpose cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes and then wipe down the walls with a towel or cloth. While you’re wiping the walls down, pay attention to any areas that are sticky or dirty, these spaces will need more attention and scrubbing.
Remember that opening a window or turning a fan on for ventilation is important when it comes to cleaning. This will help to ensure that you don’t inhale the fumes or even get a headache from them.
Step 3: Clean out the Drain
After scrubbing and wiping down the walls, it’s time to move onto the drain. Even if your drain isn’t clogged you should give it some care to ensure it doesn’t become clogged in the days to come.
The most efficient way to clean a drain is to use a snake to get any hair or particles clogging it out of the way. Of course, if your drain isn’t clogged, then you may not have to use a snake to remove any blockages.
If your drain is still passing water (even if it’s slow) we suggest using a drain cleaner. You can use any cleaner of your choice, just make sure to follow the directions listed on the bottle.
If you’d like to use a more natural drain cleaning product then try using a baking soda and vinegar mixture. Pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by equal parts vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to work out the clog and to dissolve any solids that are sitting down there. Flush with hot water and watch the blockages disappear.
Step 4: Clean the Tub’s Interior
Now it’s time to clean the interior of the basin. Go ahead and use the cleaner you used for the walls. Spread it out evenly over the tub’s interior and let it sit for the recommended time outlined on the bottle.
Of course, it’s important to follow the cleaner’s directions to ensure your bath is cleaned properly. After following the directions and letting the cleaner sit for a bit, wipe it away with a cloth.
We recommend working from the top to the bottom when wiping away the cleaner. Pay attention to any areas that need a bit more love then rinse away the rest of the cleaning product.
Step 5: Remove Soap Scum
Soap scum can be annoying and unavoidable at times. Just because it’s a pesky grime that builds up in your shower doesn’t mean it has to be hard to clean.
Grab an old toothbrush or any cleaning brush that will get into small spaces easily. Start by scrubbing the corners of the tub where the wall and the basin meet. Also, pay attention to other small areas that soap scum can and has been building up and go ahead and also scrub these areas.
Step 6: Remove Stains
If you have a ring stained around your bathtub, don’t worry, it’s easy to clean. This stain will need some special attention but with a scrub brush (even a gentle one for those softer tub materials), and a bit of cleaner will remove the stain in no time.
Dip your brush into the cleaner and begin working in small, circular motions. If you need to let the cleaner sit on the stain for a few minutes, go ahead and do so then scrub after.
Step 7: Wipe Down and Done
The last step after tackling your stains is to wipe down the bath and shower one last time. You should wipe it down with a fresh towel and then let it dry on its own. When wiping down make sure there are no wet spots or residue that remain.
Are There Things I Can do to Keep My Bath Cleaner for Longer?
If you don’t want to do a deep cleaning every month or find that it’s hard to work it into your schedule, then there are steps you can take daily to keep the bath cleaner for longer. After taking a bath or shower, you should rinse the surface of the tub down with water and wipe off any excess moisture. Doing so will help prevent mildew buildup and the buildup of any other grime on the tub’s surface.
If you find there are some grime problem spots that are popping up, you don’t have to do a complete deep clean. Actually, dish soap works great to spot clean any grime spots that need attention as soon as possible.
When it comes to the caulk in your tub, you should actually be staying on top of it. Whenever you see any buildup on the caulk, make sure to clean it immediately with a bleach-based spray to get rid of the build-up and to prevent any bigger problems from happening.
What Supplies Are Ideal for Cleaning?
When it comes to cleaning your tub you want to make sure you have all the supplies ready so you aren’t running around later looking for them. You should have a scrubber that is ideal for your tub’s material, three clean cloths, cleaning products of your choice, a small scrubber, and a bucket.
As for the choice of cleaning product, you can use anything from dish soap to cleaners specifically for tubs and showers. Overall, what you use to clean your shower is your choice, and you should select the best one for your home and lifestyle.
If you’re looking for natural cleaning products that will clean your tub efficiently, then look into using baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. There are many ways to combine these products to help break down grime, unclog drains, and even give your tub the deep clean it deserves.
If you’re someone that will be on their knees a lot while cleaning the bathtub, consider investing in knee pads. This will help to relieve the stress on your knees and make cleaning more comfortable. If you don’t have kneepads, then try using a towel folded a few times to make the floor softer.
Now You Know the Steps to Bathtub Cleaning
We have provided you with the ultimate guide on bathtub cleaning so you can clean your tub fast and efficiently. We have told you about the different materials that baths can be made out of and how to properly clean them so you don’t scratch or ruin them.
We have also provided you with the steps on how to properly clean your tub. Starting with getting rid of old items to unclogging your drains. For more home, cleaning tips be sure to check out the rest of our website.
