Bathing in a bathtub that looks dirty doesn’t leave you feeling clean no matter how much soap and water you’ll use. It’s advisable to clean your bathtub regularly to keep it clean and germ-free. The tub should be cleaned at least once a week then gets a deeper scrubbing once a month.
Cleaning A Bathtub
When the bathtub is used regularly in a household, grime, mold, surface grime, mildew, soap scum, lime-scale, dirt, stubborn stains, and mineral deposits tend to accumulate in the tub. Cleaning the bathtub isn’t a tough job. All you need is:
- Tile cleaner
- Grout brush
- Sponges or cleaning cloths
- A small cleaning brush or a toothbrush
- All-purpose spray or bathroom cleaner
Some everyday non-toxic products that you may also use to make homemade bathtub cleaners are:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Borax
The steps
- Protect yourself
Open the windows to keep the bathroom ventilated to protect your lungs especially if the cleaner has a strong scent. You should also wear protective gloves to keep your hands safe.
- Remove everything from the bathtub
Before you start cleaning, remove things like toys and toiletries from the tub so that the cleaning products do not get on them. Wipe any soap from then or dust that might have built-up.
While at it, get rid of anything that’s either expired, empty, or broken and won’t be used anymore. As for everything that you’ll continue using, place it aside and put it back in the tub after you’re done the cleaning.
- Clean the walls
Use the grout brush and tile cleaner as you work your way from the top to the bottom. After you’re done cleaning the walls, rinse them then spray them with the all-purpose cleaner. Scrub the walls again and pay special attention to the obviously dirty spots.
- Clear out the drain
To clean the drain, pour half a cup of baking soda down there followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Let them sit for several minutes then flush with hot enough water.
- Apply the tub cleaner or the homemade cleaner to the inside of the tub
Apply the cleaner and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes to make your job easier. After about five minutes, start working from the top to the bottom then rinse the tub thoroughly.
- Get rid of soap scum
Use a small cleaning brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the soap scum. Start working the corners and then scrub any other corners where soap scum might have accumulated. Soap scum feels like a build-up in the tub or might even have a darkened color. Take your time to scrub it gently.
- Scrub away the stains
It’s very easy for stains to form around the interiors of the bathtub. If you notice any stubborn stain, you’ll need to give it special attention to make sure that it’s fully removed.
- Wipe everything down one last time
After you have rinsed the whole tub thoroughly, wipe it down using a clean towel. Make sure that no wet spots are left.
Keeping the tub cleaner for longer
Taking a bath in the bathtub after a long stressful day soothes the body and leaves you feeling relaxed. However, if the tub is dirty, it not only makes the entire bathroom feel unclean but it’ll also leave you feeling dirty and stressed.
To make sure that the tub stays clean for a long time so you don’t have to clean it every now and then, do the following:
- Rinse the tub’s surface every-time you take a bath. If possible, wipe off the excess water.
- Keep an eye on mildew, grime, and soap scum. Quickly clean them off as soon as you notice to avoid buildup.