How to Clean and Maintain a Bathtub– A Definitive Guide in 2023

We are halfway through 2023. We are pretty sure that it is time for us to focus on cleaning our bathtub. On paper, it looks easy. Just take a cleaner and brush, and you are good to go. You are 50% correct. Why just 50%? When it comes to cleaning the bathtub, there are factors that you should consider to get perfect results without damaging the bathtub. Damaging the bathtub, you say? Yes, most people may not know this, but your cleaning method can damage your bathtub. Talk about irony! 

 

So, how do you clean and maintain your bathtub properly in 2023? That is what we are going to discuss in this article. 

Things You Need to Thoroughly Clean a Bathtub

First things first, before cleaning your bathtub, check the severity of the dust and dirt. For example, if your bathtub is new and still in its original color, you can pretty much clean the bathtub in 5-10 minutes max. But, if your bathtub is one or two years old, and has not been cleaned for a while, we are talking about an hour of maintenance. And that too depends on the condition of your bathtub. If your bathtub has mold, discoloration, and water damage, it might take more than cleaning it to resolve the issue.

So, first, check the level of cleaning that your bathtub requires. Based on that choose your cleaning equipment.

If you cannot determine the level, that is okay. Let’s take a look at cleaning equipment that can satisfy any cleaning level:

• Two big buckets
• All-green, non-abrasive bathtub cleaner
• Three to four rolls of paper towel or a soft cloth (preferably cotton)
• Soft sponge
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Bleach (in certain conditions)
• Room freshener

10 Steps to Clean and Maintain a Bathtub

When it comes to cleaning, we have to be mindful of water usage. Some tend to overuse water for cleaning appliances, such as cars or even our bathrooms. Water scarcity is one of the main issues in our world today. Even if we save a liter of water, it can greatly help to save our water resources all over the world. With that being said, we are going to use the two-bucket method. 

 

STEP #1 – Fill one bucket with hot water and the second one with cold water. We will try to use these two buckets as our reservoir for most of our cleaning.

 

STEP #2 – Take a half bucket of hot water and pour it into your bathtub. Make sure you cover the surface of your bathtub.

 

STEP #3 – After pouring the hot water, you must decide which cleaner are you going to use. This is where the severity plays an important role. For example, if your bathtub is filled with mold and mildew, it is better to use bleach to treat the affected areas, instead of using baking soda. But if your bathtub is free from mold and mildew, it is better to use a baking soda and vinegar mixture instead beach, since it can damage the surface of the bathtub. So for discoloration and a few dirt patches, use a baking soda and vinegar mixture. For mold and mildew, use bleach.

 

STEP #4 – In our case, we are going to go with the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Once you find the affected area, take the mixture and spray it on the area with a spray bottle. For the mixture, use a 1:2 ratio of baking soda and vinegar respectively. 

 

STEP #5 – Let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit on the area for 15-20 minutes. During that time, check the bathtub surrounding area and the cupboards. If you have time to clean the bathtub, you can also find a way to clean your bathroom. It is a two-birds, one-stone situation. 

 

STEP #5 (ii) – Use a paper towel and all-green, non-abrasive cleaner (which can be found in local hardware stores or online) to clean your bathroom floor, tiles, and even your sink.

 

STEP #6 – After 15-30 minutes, take the remaining hot water and rinse the bathtub entirely again. 

 

STEP #7 – Now take the all-green non-abrasive cleaner and spray it on the surface of your bathtub and surroundings. Ensure you cover the area where normally you cannot reach that includes the drain area. 

 

STEP #8 – Take the soft sponge and scrub away the bathtub and surrounding area completely until you see the lather. 

 

STEP #9 – Let the lather sit. After 5 minutes, you can go ahead and wash all the lather with cold water.

 

STEP #10 – Take a pair of clean towels and completely dry off your bathtub. If you have an exhaust fan, use that to drive off excess moisture from the room. It really helps to fight against water damage in your bathtub and bathroom.

Does Bathtub Material Matter When It Comes to Cleaning?

YES. Bathtub material plays a huge role in cleaning your bathtub. Bathtub materials, such as acrylic, ceramic, fiberglass, copper, natural wood, stone resin, and cast iron have different types of maintenance steps. For example, you should not use abrasive materials, bleach, or vinegar to clean a bathtub made of natural wood. But you can use it for cast iron or even an acrylic bathtub. So, make sure you know your bathtub type before starting your cleaning project. 

 

Suggested Reads:

How To Unclog a Bathtub Drain – 5 of the Best Steps to Know

How to Repair a Solid Surface Bathtub in 2023 - Important Tips

3 Best Materials and Approaches to Clean Bathtub in 2023

FAQs

What is the best way to clean the bathtub?

There is no best way to clean the bathtub since the situation varies. One of the correct approaches is to assess the situation and make a decision on your cleaning project before going blindly into cleaning the bathtub. 

How do I keep my bathtub clean every day?

After your bathing session, dry off your bathtub with a paper towel and ensure there is no moisture in the bathtub. If you have installed an exhaust fan, run it for at least ten minutes after your bathing session. This helps to dissipate the excess moisture in the room.

How often should I clean my bathtub?

For a better bathing experience and overall hygiene of your bathtub and bathroom, it is best to clean your bathtub at least every two weeks.

Final Thoughts

Bathtubs are a great tool when it comes to relaxing and getting free from reality at least for thirty minutes. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a spa, you can get that experience in the comfort of your home, thanks to a nice, clean bathtub. Taking care of your bathtub not only gives you the best bathing experience but can also help to increase the resale value of your home. So keep your bathroom and bathtub clean, to be stress-free both in body and financially. This article hopes to provide you with cleaning steps that help to keep your bathtub clean.