Between rain showers, luxurious bubble baths, the occasional experiment with hair dye, or even bathing your pet, it’s no wonder bathtubs demand a bit of cleaning every now and then. So, if you’re pondering the correct way to clean up your tub, just dive into our blog for the solution!
Step #1. Prep the tub
For a thorough cleanup, ensure your tub is completely empty. Besides taking out soap bars, shampoos, and the like, set those mats and curtains aside—they’re hurdles for the cleanup.
Once the tub is cleared, rinse it with warm water so the grime starts to loosen. If the outer surface needs a touch-up, grab a damp microfiber cloth to wipe it and give it a good dampening.
Pro-tip: Spare those knees with a mat or some knee pads. Kneeling throughout the process can be a real pain!
Step #2. Make a homemade cleaner
The cleaner you’re going to need depends on your tub’s material, but there’s no need to splurge on fancy store-bought stuff. Your cleaning arsenal is probably right there at home.
- Ceramic, porcelain, acrylic. No heavy-duty cleaners are necessary. Blend a squirt of mild detergent with warm water for a frothy concoction.
- Fiberglass. Knock out dirt and stains with a mix of ¼ cup vinegar and a cup of water. Load it into a spray bottle for a more effective application.
- Stone resin. Craft your own cleaner by mixing baking soda, vegetable oil-based soap, water, and vinegar. This cleaner will make your stone bathtubs shine!
Step #3. Swipe away the grime
As different tubs have different characteristics and needs, you’ll need different methods to clean them. If you follow the right process, you’ll get better results—and no damage!
- Ceramic, porcelain, acrylic. Wipe it down with your DIY cleaner and a clean kitchen sponge. For stubborn stains, tackle them with the rough side of your sponge.
- Fiberglass. Spritz your vinegar cleaner across the surface and let it sit for ten minutes. Then, wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. Stubborn spots? Roll up those sleeves for some elbow grease.
- Stone resin. Apply your homemade solution with a clean cloth, making circular motions—you’ll spread it more evenly and achieve a polished appearance. Rinse and repeat.
Step #4. Clean the drain
Bathtub cleaning isn’t wrapped up until the drain gets its fair share of attention—no worries, it’s a breeze! Pour hot water down first, but be cautious; you could get burnt, or it could harm the tub, so do it gradually.
After the hot water, sprinkle a cup of baking soda down there. Wait 20 minutes, then carefully pour hot vinegar to dissolve any gunk. Finish with hot water for a sparkling clean drain.
Pro-tip: Employ a funnel to pour the hot liquids down the drain.
Step #5. Rinse and air-dry
Give your tub a final rinse with warm water to bid farewell to any grime residue. More importantly, make sure to dry it thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth—lingering moisture can invite mold over time.
CalMaids has more tips to keep your home spotless!
If cleaning your bathtub seems easy, wait until you see the rest of our cleaning tips! From natural air fresheners to how to get rid of tough stains, at our site, you’ll find many tricks and guides to make your cleaning life much easier. Visit our blog now!