Skip to content
Home-and-garden — Bathroom design — Home — Southernliving — Lifestyle

Eliminating Bathtub Stains: 4 Techniques Revealed

Removing Persistent Bathtub Ring: A Step-by-Step Guide

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Eliminating Bathtub Rings: 4 Ways to Achieve a Spotless Tub
Eliminating Bathtub Rings: 4 Ways to Achieve a Spotless Tub

Eliminating Bathtub Stains: 4 Techniques Revealed

Ready to bid adieu to that dingy bathtub ring? We've got you covered with a few easy and effective methods! Regardless of your tub's material, fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain, or stone resin, this guide will help you remove the ring and maintain a sparkling clean bathroom.

Get the Scoop on Your Tub

To ensure you're using the right cleaning products for your tub, it's essential to determine its material. Each material requires tailored care to maintain its appearance and durability. While commercial cleaning products can work wonders, overlooking the tub's material can lead to scratches, discoloration, or chips that make your tub less durable and less desirable.

Remember to keep your bathroom well-ventilated, and wear protective gloves when working with chemicals to avoid irritations.

The Tools You Need

Here are the tools needed to clean a bathtub ring, depending on the method you choose:

  • Spray bottle
  • Bleach (for fiberglass and porcelain tubs)
  • Ammonia and baking soda (for porcelain and stone resin tubs)
  • Ajax powder (for porcelain and stone resin tubs)
  • Non-abrasive bath cleaner (for acrylic tubs)
  • Non-abrasive sponge

Clean Up Time!

Now that you're ready, here are some proven methods to use when cleaning a bathtub ring.

Method 1: Bleach Attack

Bleach works wonders for tackling tough stains on fiberglass and porcelain tubs. To use bleach:

  1. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 solution of water and bleach.
  2. Spray the solution onto the ring.
  3. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Scrub the area with a scrubbing brush.
  5. Rinse the tub thoroughly.
  6. Repeat if necessary.

Method 2: Ammonia and Baking Soda Combo

Ammonia and baking soda are a potent combination for bathtub rings. To use this duo:

  1. Combine half a bucket of water with 1/4 cup of ammonia and 1/4 cup of baking soda.
  2. Use a non-abrasive sponge soaked in the solution to scrub the bathtub.
  3. Focus on areas with heavy staining.
  4. Rinse thoroughly.

Method 3: Ajax Powder Cleaner

If you've already got Ajax in your cupboard, create a homemade cleaner! Ajax is perfect for lifting grime from tub surfaces, especially porcelain and stone resin baths. Just be sure not to use this method on fiberglass tubs to preserve the material's appearance and durability.

  1. Mix Ajax powder with water to create a paste.
  2. Spread the paste over the bathtub ring.
  3. Let the paste sit for 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse it away thoroughly.

Method 4: Acrylic Wonder Cleaner

Acrylic tubs demand special care due to their sensitive nature. Opt for non-abrasive shower cleaners such as The Pink Stuff or Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Bathroom and Shower Cleaner Spray. Allow the cleaner to sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing gently and repeating as necessary. Avoid using an abrasive scrubber to keep the surface scratch-free.

Stinky Situations

Smelly bathtubs can be troublesome! To combat this problem, use a natural mix of baking soda and vinegar to deodorize the area. Be mindful of a regular cleaning routine to keep musty or unpleasant smells at bay.

Seasonal Tips for Bathtub Maintenance

Maintaining your bathtub is crucial in preventing buildup and keeping it looking fresh. While cleaning your tub and shower once a week is ideal for avoiding rings, the frequency may vary depending on your usage. Less frequent bathers may be able to clean their tubs every other week, while those who shower or bathe daily might need to clean once a week to keep the rings at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What causes those ugly bathtub rings? Bathtub rings are caused by soap scum, body oils, and water minerals that build up on your tub.
  • How can I keep bathtub rings from coming back? Regular cleaning is the key to preventing the return of rings. Clean your bathtub and shower at least once a week or every other week.
  • Are there natural ways to clean bathtub rings? Yes! Mission Grove makes a beautiful lemon essential oil cleaning spray that combines the power of plants to tackle bathtub rings while leaving a fresh, invigorating scent!
  • Can I use the same method for all tub materials? Some materials, like fiberglass, require specific cleaning methods due to their delicate nature. To avoid damage, always refer to the Material-Specific Cleaning section of this article before starting.

Sources:[1] Bush, A. (2020, August 28). How to Clean a Bathtub: 5 Methods to Get Rid of Grime. The Spruce. The Spruce Crafts, LLC.[2] Staff, T. (n.d.). How to Clean a Bathroom: 15 Steps (with Pictures). wikiHow. wikiHow, Inc.[3] Thorpe, J. (2019, October 1). DIY Bathtub Cleaning Hacks for Deep Cleaning Your Tub. The Krazy Coupon Lady. The Krazy Coupon Lady, LLC.

Southern Living offers a variety of bathroom design ideas to suit your lifestyle and home-and-garden space. With cleanliness and housekeeping being crucial for maintaining a sparkling clean bathroom, employ the methods provided to remove those unsightly bathtub rings. By determining the material of your tub, you can use tailored cleaning products such as bleach, ammonia, or non-abrasive cleaners to restore the tub's shine. Regular upkeep is essential in preventing buildup, so make sure to incorporate a cleaning routine into your home maintenance schedule.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest