How to Deep Clean a Bathtub: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ah, the humble bathtub—a sanctuary for bubble baths, stress relief, and, if we’re honest, years of accumulated grime. If you’re a bath bomb connoisseur (because who can say no to those fizzy, colorful explosions of joy?), but your tub hasn’t seen a deep clean since your last TV binge finale, it’s time to channel your inner cleaning superhero and tackle that grime head-on.

This guide is here to reclaim your tub’s former glory, turning it from a grime-ridden relic into the sparkling throne of cleanliness it was always meant to be—no matter how many layers of bath bomb battle scars it’s wearing!

 

Where Do Bathtub Stains Come From?

Bathtub stains can come from a variety of sources. Hard water, for instance, is a major culprit, leaving behind mineral deposits that result in unsightly rings and streaks. Soap scum, created by the residue of soap mixing with water minerals, loves to cling to tub surfaces like it’s auditioning for a long-term role. And let’s not forget about rust stains, caused by iron in your water or those aging metal fixtures.

Then there’s the aftermath of colorful bath bombs, shampoos, and body washes, which can leave behind pigmented stains if not rinsed off properly. All these elements conspire over time to turn your once-pristine tub into a patchwork of grime.

 

Why Deep Clean? Isn’t Regular Cleaning Enough?

Before diving into the how, let’s tackle the why. Regular cleaning—your weekly swipe with a sponge—removes surface dirt and prevents buildup. Deep cleaning, however, goes full detective mode, tackling hidden gunk, stubborn stains, and mildew lurking in the grout. Deep cleaning rejuvenates your tub, making it a pristine haven rather than a grudgingly tolerated hygiene station.

 

How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Bathtub?

Aim for a deep clean every 1–2 months, depending on usage. Regular light cleaning (once a week) can reduce the need for deep scrubbing marathons.

 

What to know before you deep clean your bathtub

Before diving into a deep clean, it’s crucial to identify your bathtub’s material. Different materials—like acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain, or enamel—have unique cleaning needs and limitations. Using the wrong cleaner or tool could lead to scratches, discoloration, or even permanent damage. For example, abrasive scrubs might work wonders on porcelain but could ruin the glossy finish of acrylic. Understanding your tub’s surface ensures you choose the safest and most effective cleaning method for a spotless result.

For this blog, we’ll focus on deep cleaning acrylic and fiberglass tubs—the most common bathtub materials. These two are favorites among homeowners because they’re lightweight, budget-friendly, and available in a wide range of shapes and designs to suit any bathroom style. While they’re durable and easy to maintain, acrylic and fiberglass tubs require special care during deep cleaning to avoid scratches, dulling, or discoloration. By understanding their unique properties, you can keep these popular tub materials looking their best for years to come.

 

What You Need for Bathtub Deep Cleaning

The right tools and agents make all the difference. Here’s your deep-cleaning checklist:

Your Dream Team of Tub Cleaners:

• Baking Soda: A gentle abrasive to scrub away grime and stains without scratching surfaces.
• Bleach (Optional): Powerful for whitening and killing mold/mildew, but use cautiously on certain tub finishes.
• Dishwashing liquid detergent: Cuts through grease, soap scum, and residue cleaning and tackling built-up grime in your tub. It’s gentle yet effective, so you can clean without worrying about damaging delicate surfaces.
• Lemon Juice: Natural acid for tackling rust stains and adding a fresh scent.
• White Vinegar: Natural disinfectant and hard water stain remover.

Your Bathtub Deep Cleaning Battle Gear:

• Spray Bottle: Great for evenly distributing cleaning solutions across the tub.
• Scrub Brush: Ideal for deep cleaning grout lines and tackling tough stains.
• Bucket: Essential for mixing cleaning solutions or holding rinse water.
• Face Mask or Respirator: Protects you from inhaling fumes, especially when using strong cleaning agents.
• Household Cleaning Gloves: Keeps your hands safe from harsh chemicals and hot water.
• Microfiber Cloth: Perfect for drying and buffing without leaving streaks or lint.
• Sponge: Versatile for applying cleaning solutions and wiping down surfaces.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Surprisingly effective for removing stubborn tub rings and discoloration (test first!).

 

Step-By-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Bathtub

Step 1: Declutter and Prep

• Remove everything from your tub: rubber ducks, shampoo bottles, and your favorite loofah (that’s probably overdue for replacement).
• Remember to ventilate the area well and wear face mask and gloves especially when handling bleach!
• Rinse the tub with warm water to loosen surface grime.

 

Step 2: Mix Your Cleaning Solution

In your bucket, mix up a powerful cleaning solution:

• Dishwashing liquid detergent (1-2 tablespoons)
• White vinegar (1 cup)
• Hot water (a couple of cups to dilute)

This mixture will break down soap scum, grime, and any stubborn residues in your tub.

 

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Pour your cleaning solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture liberally over the tub’s surface, focusing on areas with visible grime or soap scum. Allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes to give the solution time to work its magic.

 

Step 4: Target the Tough Spots with Baking Soda

While the solution is working, sprinkle baking soda on tough areas with stains or grime. The baking soda will act as a gentle abrasive, helping to lift stains without scratching your tub’s surface. Use your scrub brush to gently scrub these areas. If you’re dealing with extra dirty spots, you can sprinkle a little more baking soda and add a few drops of lemon juice for its natural rust-busting power.

 

Step 5: Clean the Grout Lines and Corners

Use your scrub brush to tackle any grout lines or hard-to-reach corners where soap scum or mold might be hiding. For mold or mildew, apply a diluted bleach solution separately (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to these areas. Be cautious if you have an acrylic or fiberglass tub, as bleach can damage these materials over time. Allow it to sit briefly, then scrub away any stubborn spots. Don’t leave bleach on the surface for too long.

 

Step 6: Rinse Away the Grime

After scrubbing, fill your bucket with clean water and rinse away the cleaning solution and loosened grime. For a more efficient rinse, use your sponge to wipe down the surfaces as you rinse. Make sure you remove all traces of the cleaning agents to prevent any residue.

 

Step 7: Buff and Dry

Take your microfiber cloth to dry the tub and give it a final buff. This will remove any leftover water spots and leave your tub shining without streaks.

 

Step 8: Finish with a Sparkling Touch

For that final touch, if you still notice some stains or discoloration, a little toilet bowl cleaner can work wonders on stubborn tub rings or areas that need extra whitening. Apply it to any remaining trouble spots, give it a quick scrub with your scrub brush, and rinse thoroughly.

 

Prevention is Key: Tips to Keep Your Bathtub Fresh and Clean

With these simple tricks, your tub will stay fresh, clean, and ready for your next luxurious soak without the hassle of deep cleaning. Prevention truly is the best—and easiest—form of defense!

 

Tip 1: Avoid Staining Agents

Brightly colored, heavily pigmented bath bombs may give you a fun, Instagram-worthy soak, but they often leave your tub looking like a watercolor painting gone wrong. To avoid turning your tub into a canvas of regret, opt for non-staining bath bombs like Tub Therapy Soakshow CBD Bath Bombs. These gems use polysorbate 80 to keep your colorful soaks stain-free and super easy to clean. Or, if you’re feeling extra cautious, go for color-free bath bombs that not only keep your tub spotless but also pamper your skin.

 

Color-free and relaxing, plus no exhausting scrubbing required: Tub Therapy Soakshow CBD Bath Bomb in Milk & Chamomile, $15 each with free shipping

 

Tip 2: Rinse After Every Use

After each bath, take a moment to rinse your tub with warm water. This quick step will remove soap residue, body oils, and shampoo remnants, preventing them from turning into stubborn soap scum and grime. A little rinse goes a long way in keeping things clean and fresh.

 

Tip 3: Dry It Down

Water spots, mold, and mildew thrive in damp conditions. To fight back, give your tub a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth after each bath. It only takes a minute, but it’ll help keep moisture from lingering and prevent the growth of mildew or the formation of those pesky water spots.

 

Our verdict?

Deep cleaning your bathtub doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools, techniques, and a little elbow grease, your tub can go from grimy to gleaming. And remember, the secret to prolonging that shine is prevention. Stick to gentle cleaners, rinse regularly, and treat yourself to bath products that respect your tub as much as they pamper you.

So, fill that tub (luxuriously, of course), drop in a non-staining CBD bath bomb, and soak away your worries—knowing your bathtub is as pristine as your vibes.