How to Clean a Bathtub the Right Way

By
Kate Van Pelt
Kate Van Pelt, home decor and home improvement expert for The Spruce
Kate Van Pelt
Kate Van Pelt is a contributing writer for The Spruce, based in the PNW. Kate has been a full-time digital content creator for nearly a decade, covering everything from home decor to personal finance.
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Updated on 04/15/24
Reviewed by
Melissa Homer
Melissa Homer headshot.
Reviewed by Melissa Homer
Melissa Homer is a trained cleaning professional, consultant, and educator with a two-decade career spanning commercial and professional residential cleaning.
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Fact checked by
Nikki Elmwood
Fact checked by Nikki Elmwood
Nikki Elmwood is a fact-checker, editor, and proofreader with over six years of fact-checking experience. Her areas of interest include botany, ornithology, and home improvement. She received a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University.
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In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 1 hr, 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0-10

It's important to clean your bathtub regularly to not only prevent build-up, but to keep up your own hygiene as well. Experts recommend deep-cleaning your bathtub at least once a month, but the tools and solutions you use depend on the type of bathtub you own.

Whether you have an acrylic, fiberglass, or porcelain bathtub, follow the steps below to keep it free of limescale, soap scum, mineral deposits, and dirt.

a clean bathtub

The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

Before You Begin

To protect your toiletries, bath toys, loofahs, and other items, remove them from your bathtub before you start cleaning. We also recommend wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands and skin as well as opening doors and windows to ventilate the bathroom as you clean. If you use bleach or a cleaner that contains bleach, consider wearing goggles or safety glasses as an additional safety measure.

Warning

Avoid mixing bathroom cleaners, since certain combinations like bleach and acidic bathroom products like vinegar or hard water stain removers can create a toxic gas.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sponge(s)
  • Spray bottle
  • Towels
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Microfiber towel(s) for drying
  • Eye goggles (optional)
  • Face mask (optional)

Materials

  • Baking soda
  • Cleaning vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Chlorine bleach/household bleach (optional)

Instructions

materials for cleaning a bathtub
The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

How to Clean an Acrylic Bathtub

Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight and affordable, making them a popular bathtub material. However, they are also prone to scratches, so it's important that you use the proper supplies and solutions for cleaning. A great, natural combo for cleaning acrylic bathtubs is vinegar and baking soda.

  1. Sprinkle the Tub With Baking Soda and Vinegar

    Start by sprinkling a thin, even layer of baking soda over the tub, then combine equal parts warm water and cleaning vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture over the baking soda and allow the pair to sit for 10 minutes until it starts to fizz and bubble.

  2. Scrub Away Grime

    Gently scrub the baking soda and vinegar solution together until they form a paste. To prevent scratches and scuffs, avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool and opt for a sponge or a soft bristle brush instead. Leave the paste a second time for 20 minutes.

  3. Rinse and Dry

    After the paste has had a chance to sit on the tub's surface, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Finish the process by wiping away any excess moisture with a towel.

    Tip

    Use an old toothbrush to remove dirt and dust from hard-to-reach places like your bathtub's drain.

How to Clean a Fiberglass Bathtub

Like acrylic bathtubs, fiberglass is another material that is fairly affordable. In fact, fiberglass tubs are typically less expensive than acrylic ones. Unfortunately, they're also less durable and are especially prone to stains and scratches, so cleaning with the proper tools and products is essential.

  1. Create a paste out of baking soda and warm water. Spread it over the tub's surface, across the floor and up the walls.
  2. Next, soak an old towel in cleaning vinegar and cover the tub's surface. You may need to use more than one towel if necessary. Leave the combination to sit for an hour.
  3. Remove the towels. Gently scrub away dirt and debris, paying special attention to stains.
  4. Rinse the tub thoroughly. Use warm water.
  5. Dry the tub's surface. Use a microfiber towel for the best results.

Stains in fiberglass bathtubs can be particularly challenging to remove, but that doesn't mean your bathtub is a lost cause. If the method above doesn't restore your tub to its former glory, you can refinish the bathtub's surface yourself or hire a professional.

How to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub

Porcelain-enameled steel bathtubs are generally more durable and easier to clean than acrylic or fiberglass alternatives. However, the material is much heavier and can also chip and rust. To clean your porcelain bathtub thoroughly, follow the steps below.

How to Clean Soap Scum and Debris

  1. To clean soap scum and other debris in your tub, first close the drain of your tub. Add a few spoonfuls of dishwashing soap and a gallon of hot water.
  2. Scrub the soapy mixture throughout the tub. Use a soft sponge.
  3. Rinse away the soap with water. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber towel.

How to Remove Rust Stains

  1. To remove rust stains from your bathtub, cover the stain in lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt. Allow the pair to sit on the stains for as much as an hour.
  2. After the lemon juice and salt have worked their magic, return and scrub with a sponge. Repeat the process until the stain has disappeared.
  3. Rinse and dry thoroughly. If this combo doesn't do the trick, it is likely time to refinish the tub.

How to Clean Mold and Mildew in Your Bathtub

To rid your bathtub of mold and mildew, chlorine bleach or household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) will be most effective for fiberglass and porcelain. Bleach is a harsh cleaner, so dilute the solution before you use it to clean.

  1. Mix one part bleach with four parts warm water in a spray bottle. Spray any mold and mildew stains and leave the solution for five to 10 minutes.
  2. Return and gently scrub with a sponge or bristle brush. To be sure you rid your bathtub of any residual bleach, finish up by scrubbing the tub with dishwashing soap and warm water.
  3. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly. Dry with a microfiber towel.

Avoid using bleach to clean your tub if it's an acrylic bathtub, since it can damage the surface. Vinegar can also get rid of mold and mildew, so follow the steps for cleaning an acrylic bathtub outlined above to tackle these stains.

Warning


You should use rubber gloves, goggles, and even a face mask when working with bleach, to avoid agitating your skin, eyes, and lungs. Open doors and windows for this step as well.

Additional Tips to Keep Your Bathtub Clean Longer

  • After cleaning your tub or taking a bath, take a moment to rinse off and wipe down the tub walls and floor. Removing excess moisture can help prevent mildew, soap scum, and grime from building up on the surface.
  • If you're in a hurry, use a little dishwashing soap to clean soap scum buildup.
  • Keep an eye on mold and mildew growth. Use a bleach-based spray to tackle the issue before it spreads (use vinegar for acrylic tubs instead).
  • Keep toys and other items out of your bathtub (when not in use) to avoid watermark stains on your tub floor.
How To Remove Rust Stains From Toilets, Tubs, and Sinks