How to Deep Clean a Bathtub

Having an inviting and immaculate bathtub provides a luxurious experience that’s hard to beat. The time it takes to deep clean depends on the materials used on the tub but the average bathtub takes an hour and a half. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to deep clean every type of tub with ease.

Step-by-step Cleaning Process

Before we go any further, make sure you get the proper cleaning supplies and you have any additional materials available. We recommend cleaning the tub and shower first and then the walls. Here’s what you’ll need for the job:

• A container for hot water or a bucket
• Microfiber cloths and scrubbing pads for heavy stains
• Mild non-abrasive cleaner or a cleaning product designed specifically for bathtubs
• A bathroom fan and appropriate ventilation if needed
• Gloves

Cleaning the Tub and Shower

1. Take off all the towels and other items inside the bathroom.
2. Before starting, make sure the room is aired out with the bathroom fan on or a window open.
3. Fill your container with hot water (not boiling) and add a mild cleaner or use a cleaning product specifically designed for bathtubs.
4. Start scrubbing the tub in sections with a lint-free cloth dipped in hot water. In case of difficult stains, use a scouring pad. Microfiber cloths work great for regular cleaning.
5. Use a second cloth dampened with hot water to rinse and to prevent from leaving any soap residue behind.
6. Repeat this cycle on section at a time before moving on to the walls of the shower.

Cleaning Shower Walls

To start, first use a cleaning brush specifically designed for showers as it is much shorter and easier to handle. Spray with your cleaner and let it work into the grout before scrubbing. Scrub both vertical and horizontal sections with the brush. At this point you may need to switch tools depending on the material on your walls. For instance, if you’re using tiles you may need to resort to a scouring pad while if they’re plastic walls you can stick with your short brush from before. Move from top to bottom on each section before rinsing with hot water. Don’t forget about shower doors as you go. If you need to get rid of thick built-up dirt or discoloration, you can use a combination of your scrubbing pad and cleaner as needed. Always use a lot of caution and try not to slosh cleaner around because of overspraying as it may damage items such as mirrors.

Preventive Measures

It takes more time to clean a tub that has been neglected but there are a few preventive measures you can take in order to make the process easier. Begin by using a bath mat while showering which keeps soil, bacteria, and other stuff away from the bottom of your tub. You can also try to clean the walls with warm water once a week in order to save time for deep cleaning later. Overtime this little routine should help decrease soap build-up around the tub and make it look cleaner for longer periods of time. Additionally, you can use vinegar or any other acid-based cleaner once in two weeks to further reduce stone build-up on particular sections of your bath tub, like the jets.

Types of materials used on Bathtubs

Nowadays there are many bathtub types available, each with its own needs when it comes down cleaning and care. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common types of materials and how to deal with them when it comes time to deep clean:

• Acrylic Bathtubs: Acrylic is one of the most common materials used on baths due to its lower cost and high durability. They require special cleaners specifically designed for acrylic which can be found in home improvement stores or directly from the manufacturer.
• Porcelain Bathtubs: Porcelain baths are elegant but have certain quirks when it comes down to cleaning them. The nature of porcelain is that it easily collects soap scum build-up and it requires special non-abrasive cleaners in order to remove them.
• Fiberglass Bathtubs: Fiberglass baths offer great resistance and look great in any room. Unfortunately, fiberglass is also prone to heavy build-up that requires harsh abrasive cleaners alongside special brushes or scours in order to remove them.
• Cultured Marble Bathtubs: Cultured marble tubs are slowly gaining popularity thanks to their luxurious look and removable surface that makes cleaning easier than other materials. The only downside is that they also require special strong cleaners capable of removing soap deposits quickly.
• Solid Surface Bathtubs: Solid surface tubs are becoming popular due to their durability, cost and being non-porous materials, which means they don’t collect germs as easily. These types of tubs require special cleansers that won’t damage the surface.
• Cast Iron Bathtubs: Cast iron is sometimes used in more classic bathrooms and they require special treatment in order to remain looking new for longer periods of time. These types of baths require specific cleaners, plus it’s essential to avoid abrasive cleansers that may damage their delicate surfaces.
• Enameled Steel Bathtubs: Enamel plumbing fixtures are sometimes used in bathrooms but they’re highly sensitive items that require frequent treatment with oil in order not to corrode or rust over time.

Conclusion

Deep cleaning a bathtub is no easy task but the results are well worth it! From adding years of life back into your fixture to creating an appearance that matches your style, it’s one of the best ways to spend some time on home maintenance.

Knowing which type of handler your bathtub has is essential in order to determine which is the best cleaning product. Acrylic baths require mild cleaners while porcelain baths can withstand stronger cleaning products. All other materials have their own needs too so double check them before buying any cleaning product. Additionally, preventive maintenance helps a lot in saving time when it comes down the deep cleaning process as it greatly reduces soap build-up over time.

We hope this guide has proven useful for learning how deep clean your tub with ease—for more information check out Lifehackes’ comprehensive Guide for Cleaning Bathrooms, an inspirational resource where you can find information on deep cleaning your bathroom in general.