How to Clean a Bathtub

By
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
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Updated on 05/24/22
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.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
a clean bathtub

The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

Project Overview
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When you bathe in a tub that's visibly dirty, it doesn't truly feel like you're getting clean, despite all the soap and water that you're using. Therefore, you should clean the bathtub regularly to keep surface grime at bay, and then give it a deeper scrubbing at least once a month to make sure it's truly clean. Getting your tub free of limescale, soap scum, mineral deposits, and dirt can seem like a tough job, but in just a few steps you can get your bathtub squeaky clean.

How Often to Clean a Bathtub

The frequency of bathtub cleaning is, in some respects, a judgment call. A tub that's used regularly by four people in a one-bathroom home will need to be cleaned more often than a tub used infrequently by someone who lives alone. If you use the bathtub regularly, give it a cleaning once a week and a deep clean that has a lot of scrubbing power behind it once a month.

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Click Play to Learn How to Clean a Bathtub

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Grout brush
  • Cleaning cloths or sponges
  • Old toothbrush or small cleaning brush

Materials

  • Tile cleaner
  • All-purpose spray or bathroom cleaner

Instructions

materials for cleaning a bathtub
The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

How to Clean a Bathtub

Do your due diligence prior to cleaning to make sure that you have the right products for your particular bathtub. For example, if your bathtub is acrylic, be careful not to damage it with scrubbers with any metal parts. Even enamel bathtubs can be damaged by using the wrong type of brush.

Warning

Wear gloves to protect your hands and skin, and ventilate the bathroom anytime you are using cleaning products to protect your lungs. Wear goggles or safety glasses if you select a strong bathroom cleaner that contains bleach.

  1. Remove Everything From the Tub

    Prior to cleaning, remove all toiletries, toys, bottles, and loofahs—you don't want to get any cleaning products on them. This is a great time to toss anything that is empty, broken, or not going to be used anymore.

    Wipe down all the items that you have removed; after all, slimy soap scum can build up on these items, too. You can put bath toys in the dishwasher to get them squeaky clean, too. If you don't need to do that, set them aside to be placed back in the bathtub later.

    empty bathtub
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

  2. Clean the Tiles and Walls Around the Tub

    If your grout is mildewed and dirty, use a tile cleaner and grout brush. Work from top to bottom, following the instructions on your tile cleaner, and then fully rinse away any tile cleaner residue. Spray down the walls with an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner that's formulated for your tub surround.

    Wipe down the walls thoroughly, paying special attention to any sticky or obviously dirty areas. Ventilate the area with an open window or fan if your cleaner is bleach based or has any other strong scent.

    Warning

    Exercise caution when mixing tile cleaners with other bathroom cleaners. Ensure that you are not mixing solutions that contain bleach and acidic bathroom products like vinegar or hard water removers, as the combination with create a toxic gas.

    scrubbing the walls
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

  3. Clear Out the Drain

    If you think there's a clog in your bathtub drain or it's been a while since the drain has been cleaned, pour a half-cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half-cup of white distilled vinegar. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to work out the clog, and then flush it with hot water.

    clearing the tub drain with vinegar
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

  4. Apply an All-Purpose Cleaner or Tub Cleaner to the Interior of the Bathtub

    Let the cleaner sit for three to five minutes to allow it to power through much of the grime, making your job easier. Afterward, wipe down the tub from top to bottom. Rinse this area thoroughly.

    using a spray cleaner
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

  5. Get Rid of Soap Scum

    Tackle soap scum with an old toothbrush or other small cleaning brush. Begin scrubbing the corners where the tub meets the wall. Watch out for other places where soap scum has been collecting. The soap scum might be a darkened color, or it might just feel like buildup in your tub. Take the time to gently scrub it away.

    removing soap scum with a toothbrush
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

  6. Scrub Away Any Stains

    A stained ring may form around the interior of the bathtub. This will need special attention with a scrub brush and cleanser. You might need to really scrub to get this fully removed. Rinse thoroughly.

    using a scrub brush
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

  7. Wipe Everything Down Again One Last Time 

    Dry out the bathtub by wiping it down with a clean towel or cleaning cloth, making sure no water spots or residue remain in the bathtub.

    wiping down the tub
    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

    Tips for Keeping the Tub Clean Longer

    • Every time you take a bath, rinse the tub's surface and wipe off excess moisture. This can help prevent mildew, soap scum, and grime from building up on the surface.
    • Dish soap can clean the most stubborn, slimy soap buildup.
    • Keep an eye on mildew growth on the caulk by quickly getting rid of it with a bleach-based spray so it doesn't spread and cause a bigger problem.
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