How to Clean a Disgusting Bathtub

After a long workday, bathing with rust stains and soap grout staring at you across the bathtub isn’t the best scenario. Ignoring them will only make your cleaning mission harder, when in fact, it’ll only take you about an hour if you start doing it now.

In this article, we’ll show you how to clean a disgusting bathtub step-by-step. We’ll include every stain you can possibly find on the ceramic surface.

Step 1: Vacuum the Dust

If your bathtub has been ignored for a long time, dust and debris may have decided to take it home. If you pour water over them, things will get messy faster than you think. Therefore, make sure to use the vacuum for a quick cycle before the actual cleaning starts.

The vacuum may miss the hair that’s usually stuck in the drain. You can remove it with a razor blade; that way, you also ensure the water’s flow won’t be obstructed.

Step 2: Remove the Soap Buildup

That soap-stained corner of your tub isn’t gone forever! You can still save it by removing the soap buildup. Afterward, you’ll be surprised by how bright your tub actually is.

For starters, you’re going to need a sponge, a razor blade for stubborn stains, and a microfiber towel. As for the cleaner, any soap scum remover will do. We recommend the Rejuvenate Cleaner.

If your bathtub has rust stains, avoid using any bleach. It’ll only make the stains worse. We’ll talk in detail later about removing them.

To clean, simply apply the cleaner to the tub's affected areas, including the shower door and the faucet. Let the cleaner sit for 30 minutes. Next, grab the sponge and scrub the tub from top to bottom, making sure to get every stain. If your sponge gets too dirty in the process, rinse it and continue. Lastly, rinse with water and wipe with the microfiber towel.

If the stains are too severe, you may need to repeat this process 3–4 times. Keep doing it until the tub has no visible signs of buildup.

Step 3: Clean Limescale and Water Stains

No bathtub is empty of limescale; that’s a fact. It’s a result of the minerals in the water, so it’ll inevitably form over time. These stains are usually on the shower door, showerhead, and faucet. To remove them, you’ll need a sponge, a microfiber towel, and a stain remover. For the remover, we like Bio Clean because it’s highly efficient and eco-friendly.

Alternatively, you can use a 50:50 mixture of vinegar and water. It’ll work efficiently too. You may use vinegar directly without dilution if the stains are extra tough.

To clean, you’ll want to spray the product and let it sit for 1–3 hours. However, bear in mind that it must stay wet. If you notice that it’s gotten dry, reapply and wait it out. Afterward, rinse the cleaner and wipe with the microfiber towel. You may have to scrub some tough stains using a toothbrush at this point.

To clean the faucet, you’ll do the same, but you’ll soak some towels in detergent and wrap them around it. That way, you ensure it stays wet.

Step 4: Clean the Showerhead

Cleaning the showerhead may need some creativity on your part; it’s one of the most challenging items to clean in the bathtub. However, we’ve made it easy for you.

For starters, you’ll soak some towels in vinegar or detergent and wrap them around the showerhead. If you want to ensure they stay secure, you can use rubber bands. Afterward, rinse the head and wipe it with a microfiber towel.

There’s an alternative way that’ll be more effective for stubborn stains. You’ll grab a plastic bag and fill it with vinegar. Then, you’ll secure it so that the showerhead is submerged in it. You can use a rubber band to keep it in place. Next, leave it for a few hours and remove it. You’ll find that the showerhead’s stains are easily removable by rinsing.

Step 5: Time for the Rust Stains

Rust stains look like they’re hard to remove, but they’re actually easier to get rid of than most stains. As long as you don’t get bleach near them, you’ll be able to remove them.

You’ll need a sponge, a microfiber towel, and a rust remover. The CLR PRO is highly efficient, and it comes at an affordable price. If you don’t want to use anything chemical, you can opt for a pumice stone instead. Here’s how to clean using either of them.

Pumice Stone

To remove the rust stains using the pumice stone, apply water to the stone and to the stain. Then, keep on rubbing the stone back and forth on the stain until it comes undone. Lastly, wipe the stain with your microfiber towel. This method may not work too efficiently if the stains are tough.

Rust Remover

The rust remover you’ll choose will have cleaning directions on it. The first thing you should do is check them and make sure you follow them correctly. The instructions will tell you how long you should keep the product on the stain. The rest is easy; you’ll merely rinse it and wipe it with a towel.

Step 6: Remove Mold Stains

We know your bathtub isn’t likely to have all these stains at once, but to be on the safe side, we’ll tell you how to remove mold stains, too.

There’s one thing you need to know: some mold stains are permanent. If you carried out the steps and the stains are still there, there’s a high chance you’ll have to replace your caulk.

To clean, you’ll need a sponge, a microfiber towel, a toothbrush, and the detergent. The RMR-86 Stain Remover is one of the best you can get. Alternatively, you can use a 50:50 bleach and water mixture. You can also use baking soda, whatever is available in your hands.

All you’ll have to do is to apply the cleaner to the affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes. You should then see the mold stains fading away. Afterward, scrub the area clean using the sponge and wipe it with a towel. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary.

Cleaning that Gross Bathtub!

The only thing worse than a disgusting bathtub is an uncleanable one. If your tub is full of stains of every kind, it’s better to act fast. Or else, you’ll have to pay a fortune on renovating it! As you’ve just seen, the cleaning process isn’t that challenging. It only takes some time.

We hope our guide was helpful enough!

Last update on 2022-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API