How to clean a bathtub

Nobody likes having a dirty bathtub, but nobody ever seems to want to clean it out either! We’ve assembled some of the best tips and tricks for cleaning a bath to make the process as quick and easy as possible.

Before you start

Before beginning to clean your bath properly, make sure to clear away any shampoo bottles from around the edge of the bath so you can access all surfaces. If the bath contains hair or other residue, wipe this down with a paper towel beforehand. Never rinse this down the plughole as it can lead to blocked pipes and a clogged drain. If necessary, you should also remove any hair or other build up from within the drain itself. Only after you’ve removed this residue should you give the bath a preliminary rinse.

What to use to clean a bath

Everyone claims a different product is best for cleaning the bath. Some people prefer to stick to home remedies, while others swear by particular chemical cleaners.

Home remedies

Using home remedies to clean your bath can be easier, cheaper, and reduces the risk of damage to your bathtub. People use many different natural methods for cleaning baths, so we’ve made a list of the most popular ones.

Grapefruit & salt scrub

The acidity of the grapefruit plus the rough texture of the salt forms a highly effective scrub for getting rid of dirt and grime around the edges and on the textured bottom of the bath.

To use this method, sprinkle salt into the bath then use half a grapefruit to rub this around the bath, squeezing juice out as you go. Depending on the level of dirt present, you may need to use more grapefruit. Once finished, make sure to rinse away any remaining salt or pulp.

White vinegar

Vinegar is also acidic and so can help to get rid of any bacteria lurking in your tub. This method is also helpful for removing any stains that might have formed. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water. Add this to a clean spray bottle and shake thoroughly. Once the mixture is finalised, spray it onto the bath surfaces and use a sponge to scrub any dirt or grime away. Once finished, make sure to rinse away the vinegar.

Bicarbonate of soda

Use bicarbonate of soda to create a paste that serves as a regular cleaning agent as well as a tough rust remover. To form the paste you should add slowly add water to the bicarbonate of soda until a paste forms. Use a sponge to rub the paste into the areas you want to clean, and scrub vigorously until clean. Once finished, rinse away the remaining paste.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is perfect for cleaning areas that are susceptible to limescale, such as your taps or showerhead. The acidity helps to dissolve any hard water deposits and results in a brilliant shine. Plus, it leaves behind a wonderful citrus smell in your bathroom.

Chemical bath cleaners

Many different brands of chemical cleaner are available and they should all do roughly the same job. Remember not to rinse the product away immediately after applying. Always read the label of your specific product, but most cleaners should be scrubbed in and left for at least 5 minutes to experience the full effect.

We also recommend trying out a magic eraser, as these are designed to help you clean all the hard to reach corners and crevices with minimal elbow grease. Simply add water to moisten the eraser and away you go! If you do choose to use a commercial cleaner, always remember to wear gloves to protect your skin and NEVER mix chemical products. This can cause toxic fumes and even burn your skin, so stick to one product only and keep the bathroom well ventilated while you clean.

Cleaning the bath

Once you’ve decided on a cleaning product that you like, all you need is a bit of elbow grease! The more vigorously you’re able to scrub the bath, the more effective your cleaner will be at breaking down any dirt or stains.

If you have limited mobility or find it difficult to clean your bath effectively, one of our top tips is to try using a long handled brush to scrub around the bottom and edges of the tub. This is a surprisingly effective way to clean the bath quickly and thoroughly without lots of bending and twisting.

Once you’ve finished scrubbing away the dirt and grime, make sure to give the tub a thorough rinse out so you don’t leave behind any residue or chemicals that could spoil your next bath.

Keeping your bathtub clean over time

Once you’ve given your bath a deep-clean, it’s likely that you’ll want to avoid doing it again for as long as possible! Practise everyday cleaning by simply rinsing your tub down after each bath or shower, and this can help to keep things cleaner for significantly longer.

However, you should still give your bathtub a full clean as soon as you notice grime starting to build up again. Leaving dirt to form over time can make residue much harder to remove when you finally get round to it, and leaves you vulnerable to stains.

What not to do

Never mix chemicals while cleaning as this can create toxic fumes that are hazardous or potentially fatal.
Don’t rinse hair or slimy residue down the plughole as this can lead to clogged drains.
Don’t use steel wool on your bath as this can damage the surface and leave behind nasty scratch marks. Steer clear of abrasive cleaning products if possible – especially if you’re cleaning an acrylic bath – as these could damage the finish. You should stick to less aggressive cleaning products first, and only use these as a last resort.
So there you have it! Whether your bathtub is your safe haven, your pampering spot, or simply a means to an end, now you can reclaim that squeaky clean feeling it once had. Happy bathing!

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