How to Clean a Bath

Woman Cleaning a Bathtub
4 Min Read

A sparkling clean bath is indispensable for a relaxing soak. The major downside is that with frequent use, a bath can quickly accumulate soap scum, body oils, limescale, and even mould. However, cleaning a bath is much easier than you might think.

A spotless bath is both hygienic and aesthetically pleasing. This detailed guide will show you exactly how to clean your bath.

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What You Need to Clean a Bathtub

Dish soap, lemon juice, citric acid, white vinegar, and baking soda are the most commonly used and effective items for cleaning a bath. Essential cleaning tools include a microfibre cloth, squeegee, scrub brush, spray bottle, and vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.

Eco-friendly bath cleaning products are made from natural and non-toxic ingredients. Hence, they make cleaning a bathtub more sustainable, safer, and easier.

Traditional chemical products, such as Ecozone 3-in-1 Bathroom Cleaner, Flash Bathroom Cleaner Spray, and Cillit Bang 3-in-1 Power Cleaner, are highly effective at cleaning a bath, but they pose significant risks to both human health and the environment.

How to Clean a Bathtub

How to Clean a Bathtub

The following is a step-by-step cleaning routine for general use:

  1. Remove any bath items such as bath mats, toys, or toiletries before starting.
  2. Fill hot water in a bucket and pour it all over the bathtub to loosen grime.
  3. Sprinkle baking soda over the bath surface uniformly.
  4. Pour two tablespoons of dish soap and half a gallon of hot water into the bucket.
  5. Dip a scrub brush or nylon brush into the bucket and gently scrub the bath surface.
  6. Rinse the brush using the soapy water in the bucket.
  7. Once the bath looks clean, you can use the bath hand sprayer to rinse the bath.
  8. After draining the water from the bath, wipe it clean with a microfibre cloth.

How to Clean a Stained Bathtub

For general, rust, and hard water stains, readily available household solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda, are effective.

Follow the steps listed below to clean a stained bathtub:

  1. Open the windows or ensure good ventilation before cleaning.
  2. Wear protective gloves to avoid skin irritation from hydrogen peroxide.
  3. Mix the cleaning ingredients baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a ratio of 2:1 to create a paste.
  4. Dip a dry cloth into this paste and apply it to the stains on the bath surface.
  5. Wait for 15 minutes for the paste to act before scrubbing it off with a soft brush.
  6. For stubborn stains, apply the paste a second time and wait for 30 minutes before scrubbing it off.
  7. Rinse the paste with water and wipe the bath surface dry with a microfibre cloth.

How to Remove Soap Scum from a Bathtub?

Soap scum is a build-up of dirt, body oils, dead skin cells, soap residue, and minerals from hard water. This deposit can build up when soap reacts with the dissolved minerals – calcium and magnesium – in hard water.

Follow the steps listed below to remove soap scum from a bathtub:

  1. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it on the bath surface.
  2. Allow the vinegar to act for 15 minutes so that the soap scum is loosened.
  3. Sprinkle baking soda on the bath surface and gently scrub with a cleaning sponge.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Repeat this process to remove stubborn soap scum stains.
  6. Dry the surface with a microfibre cloth to maintain shine and prevent residue.

How to Clean Bathtub Mould and Mildew

How to Clean Bathtub Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew build-up causes black stains that can be difficult to remove. High moisture and poor ventilation are the primary causes of mould and mildew stains.

Follow the steps listed below to remove mould and mildew stains from a bathtub:

  1. Fill a spray bottle with two parts white vinegar and one part water.
  2. Spray this mixture on the affected bath surface.
  3. Allow it to stand for 30–45 minutes.
  4. Wipe the sprayed area with a clean cloth and rinse with water.
  5. Repeat this process to remove stubborn mould and mildew stains.

For deep cleaning tips, please refer to our detailed blog post, How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom.

How to Clean a Bathtub Drain

Grime, hair, and soap residue can quickly build up in the bathtub drain. So, you need to clear this debris periodically to maintain proper hygiene and smooth drainage.

Follow the steps listed below to clear slow-draining issues and deodorise the drain:

  1. Wear protective gloves and remove the stopper or strainer at the bottom of the bathtub.
  2. Remove the visible debris, such as hair and soap scum, from the drain.
  3. Fill a kettle or pan with boiling water and pour it down the drain to dislodge the accumulated grease and other residues.
  4. Mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of vinegar, then pour the mixture down the drain.
  5. Allow the fizzing mixture to sit for 15–20 minutes.
  6. Pour boiling water into the drain once again.
  7. Scrub the drain with a soft brush and add a few drops of essential oils to the drain.
  8. Clean the drain stopper in a soapy solution and rinse it well.

Bathtub Cleaning FAQs

What not to use to clean a bathtub?

Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaners, such as bleach, acetone, scouring powders, and ammonia, as they can damage the bath surface.

Also, avoid using abrasive sponges and steel wool, as they can cause deep scratches on the bath surface.

How often should you clean your bathtub?

Cleaning your bathtub after every use will prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. If you use your bath frequently, it’s best to deep clean it once every week.

For a complete guide on how frequently to clean other parts of your bathroom, check out our article: How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom Essentials.

Can you use bleach to clean a bathtub?

No. Bleach can damage acrylic or enamel surfaces if used improperly.

Since a majority of the bathtubs sold in the UK are made of acrylic, it’s safer to use other natural ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda to clean a bathtub.

How long should you wait to bathe after cleaning your bathtub?

Once the bathtub is rinsed thoroughly, you can use it immediately. If your bathroom is well-ventilated, you don’t need to wait for the bathtub to air dry.

Shop Baths

At Bathroom City, we have a wide variety of baths – from ultra-luxury to high-end and from premium down to affordable.

You can select from a vast range – freestanding baths, shower baths, corner baths, whirlpool Jacuzzi baths, and more. Explore our collection today and redesign your bathroom.

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