--- title: "How to Clean a Bathtub" description: "A leisurely soak in a hot bath can soothe the stresses of the day, unless your dirty bathtub is what’s stressing you out. Here's how to get your tub clean." date: "2013-04-25" modified: "2024-12-16" authors: - name: "Donna Boyle Schwartz" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/donna-boyle-schwartz/" - name: "Kelly Weimert" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/kelly-weimert/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-bathtub/" categories: - "Bathrooms" - "Cleaning" - "Cleaning & Organizing" - "DIY" - "Interior" - "Tubs & Showers" tags: - "cleaning" --- # How to Clean a Bathtub ![Young women's feet crossed at the edge of a white freestanding bathtub]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* There’s nothing like a long, leisurely soak in a hot bath to soothe away the stresses of the day—that is, unless the condition of your bathtub is what’s stressing you out. Bathtubs are magnets for soap scum, mildew, and grime, not to mention stubborn stains caused by hard water and rust, so knowing how to clean a bathtub can maximize your enjoyment of this soothing space. This guide takes you through the best way to clean a bathtub from beginning to end so you can start enjoying stress-free soaks in a scum-free tub. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Rag or microfiber cleaning cloth]() - [Rubber cleaning gloves]() - [Grout brush or toothbrush]() - [Sponge or scrub brush]() - [Grout cleaner]() - [Bathtub cleaner]() - [Baking soda]() ## Project Overview ***Working time****: 30 minutes* ***Total time****: 30 minutes* ***Skill level****: Beginner* ***Estimated cost****: $10* ## Before You Begin Before you start scrubbing, make sure you have all of your materials and supplies at the ready, including scrub brushes, a rag, and cleaning solutions. If you opt for a cleaning solution that contains bleach or other harsh chemicals, the [Environmental Protection Agency]() recommends opening your windows and turning on a fan to ventilate the area and release any potentially harmful fumes. It's also a good idea to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from ingredients in cleaners. ## Cleaning a Bathtub in 7 Steps Cleaning a bathtub doesn't have to be a headache. The cleaning process is a breeze to follow and will have your [bathtub]() looking like new. ### Step 1: Remove clutter from the bathtub. First, remove everything from the tub so you can easily access each area that requires cleaning. If there are any products inside of it or along the edges, set them aside. This is also a good time to remove any children's toys and toss them in the dishwasher for a cleaning. Once you remove all clutter from the tub, grab a rag, soak it in warm water, and wipe down the bathtub's surfaces. Don't worry about putting too much elbow grease into at this stage; you'll tackle tougher stains and grime in later steps. ### Step 2: Clean the tiles around the tub. ![Person wearing rubber gloves uses toothbrush to clean crevices around bathtub.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Grout between tiles tends to collect dirt and grime more than other areas of a bathtub, so it's a great place to start scrubbing. For this step, you'll need a grout brush or an old toothbrush and some grout cleaner. You can make [homemade grout cleaner]() by mixing 1/2 cup of [baking soda]() and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, followed by a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Or you can purchase a premade grout cleaner, such as Grout-Eez Professional Strength Tile & Grout Cleaner. Once you have your brush and cleaner, dip the brush into the cleaning solution and use it to scrub the grout, working from top to bottom. After scrubbing the grout, use a damp rag or a spray bottle of warm water to rinse away residual cleaner. Then spray the surrounding tile with a [bathtub cleaner](), like [Zep Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner](), or a homemade [vinegar cleaning]() solution of one part vinegar and one part water. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm, clean water. ### Step 3: Spray tub cleaner in the tub. Now that the tile and grout is in good shape, it's time to tackle the tub. Start by spraying the [bathtub cleaner]() you used in Step 2 on all surfaces in and around the tub. Let it sit on the surface of the tub for at least 15 minutes. This will give the solution time to work its magic by breaking up grime and dirt, making it easier to wipe away. ### Step 4: Wipe down and rinse the tub. After letting your cleaning solution sit for 15 minutes, use a scrub brush or sponge and wipe away any remaining dirt. This is a good time to put a little elbow grease into it, but if stubborn stains remain, don't worry, we'll tackle them in the next steps. Finally, use a rag or spray bottle full of warm water and rinse the cleaning solution off. **RELATED: [Solved! What’s the Best Bathtub Size?]()** ### Step 5: Use an old toothbrush to get rid of soap scum. When soap combines with minerals in water, it can create a filmy residue called soap scum. Soap scum is notoriously difficult to clean, so you'll need a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to help you scrub it away. First, spray scummy areas with your cleaning solution. Pay close attention to the bathtub's corners and areas around the faucet and drain, as these tend to collect soap scum the most. Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes. With your toothbrush or scrub brush, begin [scrubbing away the soap scum](). Keep scrubbing until the residue is gone. Rinse the affected areas with warm water to get rid of any residue from the cleaner. ### Step 6: Remove any remaining stains. ![Woman pours baking soda into a bathtub.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* If you still have some stains in the tub, sprinkle some baking soda on them, then spray on a solution of one part vinegar and one part water. Let the mixture bubble for a few minutes, then scrub with a rag or sponge until a paste forms. Let the paste sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away. If any stains remain, make another bathtub cleaning paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda (or cream of tartar). Rub the paste on the stain and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour, then wipe and rinse. If necessary, repeat this process until the stain is gone. ### Step 7: Wipe the tub down with a clean towel or rag. ![Person wearing rubber gloves uses a microfiber towel to wipe the bathtub.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* Now that you've tackled the stains, all you need to do is wipe down the tub with a rag or towel and some warm water. This step will get rid of any remaining residue from your cleaning solutions and ensure your tub is clean and ready for your next relaxing soak. ## Final Thoughts This process is a simple way to give your bathtub a deep cleaning. But if you want to make it even easier, then each time you bathe, or as often as possible, rinse the tub surface with clean, warm water before wiping off the excess moisture with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or sponge. Doing so goes a long way to prevent soap scum, mildew, and grime, which will make your deep cleanings a lot easier. Once your tub is clean, you can focus on cleaning the rest of the [bathroom in 20 minutes or less](). ## FAQs ## Author Donna Boyle Schwartz is an avid writer with years of experience covering the home and garden beat in addition to out-of-home topics such as sports and local events. These days, she researches and writes editorial and advertising features on a vast range of home-related topics, including housewares, furniture, home fashions, flooring, remodeling, construction, antiques, art, garden, collectibles, and color/design trends.