Are you one of many who have to deal with the back and knee pain that visits after cleaning a bathtub? Looking for a better way? If your answer is “yes,” you’re in the right place.
A bathtub can be home to soap scum, grime, mildew, and other mineral deposits. Cleaning them can be really painful if you follow the old-school, scrubbing on your hands-and-knees technique. Thankfully in this article, we are going to talk about the best way to clean a bathtub that will not only leave it in pristine condition but will also save your back and knees from pain.
The best part of this cleaning trick is you don’t need any fancy tools or supplies. In fact, you probably already own everything necessary. Ready to learn more?
Cleaning Your Bathtub Has Never Been This Easy
We’re sure the suspense is killing you, so let’s get straight to the big reveal! To clean your bathtub easier you’ll need a broom with synthetic bristles, and dish soap. This may sound funny, but we promise it works! This secret weapon was revealed by Jill Nystul, the woman behind the blog One Good Thing by Jillee.
The long handle of the broom will prevent you from bending down, one of the primary causes behind post-cleaning back pain issues, and the bristles can easily remove grime. Another thing that can work in your favor is a handheld showerhead. You can use it to rinse the tub easily.
A broom and dish soap are likely a part of every household. If not, you can get it easily from your local store. Once sorted, follow the below-mentioned pain-free steps to see your bathtub sparkle in no time.
How to Clean Your Bathtub
Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- An angled broom with synthetic bristles (make sure it’s clean)
- Dish soap
- White vinegar (this is optional)
Now let’s get to cleaning!
Step 1: Squirt the Dish Soap on Your Bathtub
The first step is squirting dish soap on your bathtub. You can use any commonly available dish soap. Grab its bottle and squeeze some onto the sides as well as the bottom of your bathtub, as well on any accessories like jet spas. Make sure to use it generously.
Step 2: Scrub Your Bathtub
This is an important step, as scrubbing will remove all the dirt and grime. But don’t worry—you don’t have to bend down and do all the hard work.
Take your broom, make it slightly wet, and start scrubbing the soap around the tub. Use more pressure on the areas that need better cleaning. The combination of the grease-cutting action of the dish soap and the scrubbing action of your clean bristles will remove all the stubborn dirt, soap scum, stains, mildew, grime, and all other residues that have probably formed a layer on your bathtub.
Step 3: Rinse Your Bathtub
This step will be easier if you have a handheld showerhead. Alternatively, you can use a bucket or cup, whatever is available and works best for you.
Rinse your tub and drain all the scrubbed soap and loosened grime accumulated after scrubbing. That’s it. Take a step back and look at your bathtub. Isn’t it sparkling clean?
Why This Trick Works Best for People with Limited Mobility?
Although this trick can be helpful to anyone who cleans their bathtub, it’s going to be a game-changer for anyone with limited mobility.
As you use the long-handled broom here, you totally eliminate the need for stretching, bending, or kneeling to reach every nook and corner of the bathtub. It can be accomplished relatively easily from a sitting position. This makes the cleaning process less painful and hence is best for people with limited mobility.
How Often Should You Clean a Bathtub?
How often you need to clean your bathtub depends on a variety of factors. You should consider the number of people using it, and at what frequency, first and foremost.
A tub that is used regularly by a family of four will demand more frequent cleaning than a tub that is used by someone who lives alone. In general, it’s best to clean it once a week.
Some Helpful Tips on Cleaning Your Bathtub
While our cleaning hack helps, it might not be best for tough stains! Consider the following methods if you have stains that are hard to budge:
How to Remove Mild Stains
If you want to remove mild stains from the bathtub, do the following:
- Take baking soda, sprinkle it all around the tub (especially where you see the stains)
- Fill a spray bottle with equal quantities of vinegar and warm water. Spray this mixture on the bathtub
- Let them sit for several minutes
- Once the mixture begins to bubble, scrub that stained spot with a soft cloth or a sponge. Continue scrubbing till a paste is formed
- Let this paste sit again for the next 15 minutes
- Wipe and rinse your bathtub
How to Remove Tough Stains
Removing tough stains is possible with the following steps:
- Take baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a 2:1 ratio to make a bathtub cleaner paste
- Once done, rub the paste on the stubborn stains properly
- Leave it for 30 minutes to one hour
- Wipe and rinse your bathtub
- Repeat the process if necessary or until the stain is gone
How to Remove Hard Water Stains
You may think it’s impossible to remove the mineral deposits from your bathtub. But the reality is, they are easy to remove. All you need is to follow these steps:
- Take white vinegar and dip paper towels in it
- Now, place these soaked paper towels on the stained areas
- Leave it for one to two hours
- Scrub with baking soda and vinegar paste
- Rinse and clean your bathtub
How to Remove Rust Stains
Does your bathtub have rust stains? Don’t worry; simply do the following:
- Take borax powder and sprinkle it all over the rust stains
- Cut a lemon into half and use it to rub each stain till you see a paste
- Leave the paste for around 15 to 30 minutes
- Wipe and rinse the bathtub
Additional Do’s and Don’ts While Cleaning Your Bathtub
- Avoid using extremely abrasive brushes or even steel wool and scouring powders to scrub your bathtub as they tend to scratch the surface
- Never try mixing cleaning products. Certain chemical combinations like, for instance, ammonia and chlorine bleach can burn your skin while creating toxic fumes
- Be sure that the area is ventilated properly while using cleaning chemicals
- Wear rubber gloves while using cleaning products to protect your skin from harmful chemicals
- It’s best to wear old clothes while cleaning your bathroom. Chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and bleach can discolor the fabrics
- Make sure to rinse and wipe your bathtub thoroughly as soon as you are done with the cleaning. This will avoid any residue formation due to cleaning products
- Keep your bathtub cleaning for the last if you have plans of cleaning your shower wall tiles.
- If you see a drain blockage, take four tablespoons of baking soda and sprinkle it over the drain. Next, add two cups of vinegar to it. You’ll see the mixture bubbling. Flush the drain as soon as the bubbling settles. It’s best to use boiling water here
- Add a mesh drain catcher to keep your bathtub drain clean and clear
- Keep a close check on the caulk where there are high chances of mildew growth. As soon as you find it growing, use a bleach-based spray to get rid of it.
- Make sure to rinse your tub and wipe off the moisture whenever you take a bath. This will prevent mildew, soap scum, grime, and dirt from developing
In Conclusion
Cleaning a dirty bathtub can be a dreaded chore, but if you follow the above-mentioned trick, you’re sure to get a super clean tub with a minimal amount of sweat and no back pain.
Keeping your bathtub clean requires a combination of effort and discipline. If you simply rinse your bathtub and wipe it dry every time you take a bath, it will prevent dirt formation in the first place. Additionally, cleaning it will become a breeze as there won’t be so many stubborn stains to be removed.
Do you have any bathtub cleaning tips? Let us know in the comments!