Taking a long, relaxing bath is a great way to unwind after a long day or soothe aching muscles after a hard workout. But it’s hard to relax when you know that your bathtub isn’t exactly clean. Here are some tips on how to clean a bathtub and get your tub ready for a nice soak!
HOW TO CLEAN A BATHTUB
A routine cleaning of your bathtub doesn’t have to be a major chore, nor do you need expensive cleaning supplies to get the job done right! You’ll need a bucket, baking soda, dish soap, and a scrubbing sponge or a stiff scrub brush.
First, fill your bucket with hot water and pour it around the entire tub. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the entire tub surface. This will help break down the grime and soap residue that has collected in your tub. If you find that your tub is particularly grimy, you may want to use a heavy duty tub and tile cleaner as a substitute.
Next, refill your bucket with hot water, about a half-gallon or so. Then, add two tablespoons of a dish soap of your choosing. Take your scrubbing sponge or stiff-bristled brush (nylon) and dip it into your soapy water solution. Scrub down the tub with your sponge or brush, being sure to rinse your brush occasionally.
If you find that your tub is very dirty but you’d prefer not to use an industrial cleaner, you can sprinkle more baking soda onto your brush after it has been dipped in soapy water. Don’t be afraid to use a little elbow grease and give it a good scrub, too!
After you have scrubbed down the tub and you feel that it has been sufficiently cleaned, refill your bucket with clean water and rinse out the tub. You can also use your shower’s wand attachment for a more precise rinse.
CONQUERING MOLD AND MILDEW
If you have mold and/or mildew in the shower, you can repeat the same process as before with one additional step. Prior to sprinkling baking soda around the tub, you’ll be spraying a bleach mixture to combat the mold and mildew.
To make the bleach mixture, take an empty spray bottle and fill it with hot water and four tablespoons of bleach. Spray the solution onto the areas where mold and mildew are present. Then follow the rest of the cleaning steps outlined above as normal.
CLEANING BATHTUB JETS
If you’re lucky enough to have a tub with jets, it’s important to clean those regularly, too. They can be a breeding ground of harmful bacteria and a catch-all for soap scum and body oil build-up. Jets that aren’t cleaned properly or often won’t work as well, either.
It’s important to note that certain products will have a negative impact on your jetted tub. You should avoid using baby oil or bubble bath in your tub to help reduce the build-up of scum and oil in the jets.
After each use you should refill your tub with warm water and let the jets run for about 15-20 minutes. This will help clean the jets of residual soap and oils, reducing the amount of time needed between deep cleans.
When you are ready to clean your bathtub jets all you’ll need is powdered dishwasher detergent and 1/2 cup of bleach. Fill your tub with hot water, making sure there is at least three inches of water above your jets. Then add two to three teaspoons of powdered dishwasher detergent, stirring it around to dissolve it completely.
Next, add 1/2 cup of bleach to the tub. Turn your jets on and run them for 10-15 minutes. Drain the tub completely, then refill with cool water and run the jets again for another 10-15 minutes. Drain for a final time and you are all done!
BONUS TIPS
When cleaning bathtubs, it’s always a good idea to take the time to clean out your bathroom sink drain and tub drain at the same time. Remove any hair or visible debris from the drain. Polish the area around the drain with a paste made from baking soda and water, being sure to get into the crease where the drain sits in the tub.