If you just moved into your first apartment, you might be eyeing that dirty bathtub with dread. We get it. Cleaning bathtubs isn’t fun. Still, you don’t want to step into a tub covered in black grime!
In this article, we will share our beginner-friendly guide on achieving a sparkling clean bathtub so it doesn’t feel like back-breaking work.
Clean Your Bathtub Regularly
Although this might sound like we’re adding more work to your chores, this is the best way to avoid unnecessary scrubbing when cleaning the bathtub. A good cleaning every two weeks will keep it manageable and, more importantly, remove bacteria that can make you sick. A monthly deep cleaning then keeps your tub sparkling.
Use the Right Tools
Porcelain and fibreglass tubs have delicate surfaces. Using the right tools will protect your tub from wear while providing enough scrubbing power to remove stubborn stains. You’ll need the following:
- A cup (if you don’t have a handheld showerhead)
- Angled broom with soft bristles
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Eraser sponge
- Baking soda
The soft-bristled broom acts as your scrubber, so you won’t ruin your back and knees. However, you can’t use this broom for other jobs. It needs to be kept nice and clean.
How to Clean Your Bathtub
Make your monthly tub-scrubbing easy with these steps:
- Use your showerhead or cup to splash the tub with warm water.
- Squirt the areas that look dirty with dish detergent.
- Grab your broom and scrub the tub to remove the grime.
- Rinse the tub with cold water.
Stand back and admire your work. If there are still signs of grime and black streaks, follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap in a microwave-safe dish and zap it for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the mixture along the rim of the tub, allowing it to trickle down the tub walls.
- Let it sit for half an hour.
- Scrub the tub with your broom.
- Rinse the tub thoroughly with cold water to remove the soap and vinegar residue.
Once you’re done, give your broom a good rinse and then let it dry.
Bonus Whitening Tip
If it seems you can’t get your tub clean, baking soda is a gentle abrasive that brings back the white. Lightly wet the tub and sprinkle the baking soda around. Spritz it with a mix of equal parts water and vinegar, and let it sit to create a paste. Then, use your broom to scrub it away. Rinse, and you should see a whiter tub.
How to Avoid Buildup
The main dirty culprits in your tub are mould, mildew, soap scum, and lime buildup caused by hard water. You can help keep your tub sparkling by preventing buildup with these tips:
Spritz Your Tub Daily
Handy “no scrub” tub cleaners help remove soap scum that can cause those ghastly black rings. We won’t lie; they don’t actually “scrub,” and won’t work on existing black rings. Unfortunately, that mess needs scrubbing with your handy broom. However, using the cleaner to spritz your tub and surrounding tile walls daily helps break down soap scum, thus preventing dark rings.
Rinse Away Soap
If you have a handheld shower head, use it to rinse the soap and shampoo residue on the tub and walls down the drain. You can also keep a cup in the bathroom for rinsing if you can’t use the shower head.
Towel Dry
This is a bit of an extreme thing to have to do every time you use the tub. However, if you have hard water, sopping it up helps prevent water spots from forming.
Always Use the Fan
Bathrooms have fans for a reason. They help reduce moisture caused by steamy hot water. Always use the fan when bathing or showering to avoid mould and mildew growth.
Keep the Drain Clear
Hair and other debris will eventually lead to clogs that slow the draining of soapy water. This increases the odds of soap scum buildup and unsightly tub rings. Keep your drain clear by either using a drain strainer that blocks hair from entering the drain or removing hair weekly. It’s gross work, but it helps keep the tub clean.
Spritz Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew tub sprays should be used whenever you spot that weird orange, discoloured staining or black mould. The spray usually kills growth on contact.
Use Mould/Mildew-Resistant Caulking
Pop into your local home improvement store and buy a tube of tub caulking that is mould and mildew resistant. Use it along the seam where your shower walls meet the tub to prevent mildew and mould growth.
To Bleach or Not to Bleach
As long as your tub is not acrylic, you can use bleach to help kill germs and bacteria. Never use bleach in hand with any other type of cleaner, as it can produce toxic gas. Follow the instructions to be safe.
Eraser Sponges
If you notice a particularly black or stubborn stain in the tub before your monthly deep clean, use an eraser sponge to tackle the spot right away. The eraser also works on stubborn tub rings if you’ve let the tub cleaning go for too long. They’re easy to use and don’t need rinsing after use.
Bathtubs can become icky pretty fast. Using these tips will keep your tub sparkling and ready for a nice hot soak on those stressful days.
Contact the Cleaning Experts
If you aren’t ready to clean that bathtub yet, Maid4Condos can help. Click here for a free quote on our apartment cleaning services or to book a cleaning. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information.
Share , Like & Engage On Social Media:
