Is your bathtub discolored and grimy with soap scum? If so, then I can help you whiten your bathtub in a few simple steps. Regardless of what type of tub you have, you can remove those stubborn stains. Read on to learn how to make a bathtub white again.
Whiten your bathtub and make it look new again
Each type of bathtub has different requirements. So you need to know the kind of bathing material used for your tub. The most common bathing materials are acrylic, fiberglass, cultured marble, and white porcelain/enamel.
Acrylic bathtubs are non-porous and have a smoother surface than fiberglass tubs. Fiberglass surfaces are softer, making them prone to damage. Like acrylic, porcelain has a smooth surface. However, they differ in that porcelain surfaces are harder than acrylic.
The cleaners and methods you use to get your bathtub clean depend on the bathtub’s material. Generally speaking, an acrylic and fiberglass tub will use the same cleaners. Interestingly, if you have a porcelain bathtub, you will need to use a different cleaner and method.
How do I deep clean a bathtub?
Deep cleaning a bathtub is not as difficult as you might think. It only takes a few natural cleaning products and some elbow grease to get your tub clean and looking new.
Best of all, you do not have to use harsh chemicals. You can use tea tree oil, white vinegar, and baking soda to give your bathtub a thorough deep cleaning.
Related: How to clean a bathtub with bleach
Start with natural cleaning products
No one wants to expose themselves to toxic chemicals. And, if you use cleaners with toxic chemicals, you run the risk of absorbing them during your shower. That is why it is a better idea to use natural products.
Gather all supplies before you begin your project. For example, the material of your bathtub determines the type of cleaner you will use. Do not worry; no special supplies or tools are needed to whiten your bathtub.
Regardless of the type of bathtub you have, you will need some general cleaning supplies. You will be able to find all of the supplies at your local hardware store.
Your shopping list of supplies will include a spray bottle, bucket, soft sponge, and microfiber cloths. You will also need a few different types of brushes. So add to your list a scrub brush and a nylon brush.
Know your tub material
Bathtubs are smooth and made of non-porous materials. Because of this, you want to avoid using harsh chemicals and clothes that can scratch the surface.
For instance, avoid using steel wool and hard bristle brushes. Also, avoid abrasive cleaners.
To avoid exposure to toxins, use natural cleaners. White vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, tea tree oil, and lemon juice are what we will use to make your tub white again.
A key ingredient to making your tub squeaky clean by removing grime is a degreasing dish soap. You will also want to use a Mr. Clean magic eraser.
How to make Fiberglass tub white again
My tub has mineral deposits and hard water stains even with regular cleaning. To remove these, I do a deep clean. Luckily for you and me, this is a simple process.
Step 1: Supplies
Gather all your supplies before beginning your project. This will make the job go smoother and more enjoyable.
To freshen up your fiberglass tub, you will need baking soda and white vinegar. You will also need several microfiber cloths, a spray bottle, decreasing dish soap, and a scrub brush.
Step 2: Baking soda
Rinse the tub with warm water. Spread baking soda over the entire tub and cover it with old towels.
This works because sodium bicarbonate and grease create glycerol. And most soaps contain glycerol.
Step 3: Baking soda paste
Warning: Do this with caution, so you don’t burn yourself.
In a pot on the stove, boil a gallon of water. Pour the boiling water over the towels in the tub.
Doing so will create the paste. Next, make sure to thoroughly soak the towels.
Step 4: Scrub
Let it sit until the towels cool down. Once they are cool to the touch, use the towels to scrub the floor. But, again, be careful not to burn yourself.
For difficult spots, use a brush. This will be necessary for surfaces with thick soap sum.
Step 5: Cleaning solution
You can make an effective cleaner out of vinegar and dish detergent. To do so, mix two cups of vinegar and two tablespoons of dish detergent.
Heating the solution will make it more effective. Put the solution in a microwave-safe container and heat for two minutes.
Step 6: Make it sparkle.
Saturate the entire tub surface with the homemade cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the tub, then scrub with a brush.
The end results are a sparkling white bathtub that looks new. And you saved money by doing it yourself.
Make an acrylic tub white again.
Acrylic is a smooth, non-porous material. That is why you need to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrub pads on an acrylic bathtub.
To do this, I make a simple cleaning solution from household products. Gather the vinegar and degreasing soap to make a natural bathtub cleaner.
Step 1: Dish soap and vinegar
Gather the materials, including vinegar and degreasing dish soap. You will also need a bottle and a microfiber cloth or soft sponge.
Step 2: Spray bottle
Fill a bottle one-quarter full with dish soap. Add vinegar until the bottle is full. Shake well.
If the bathroom is in a rough condition heat the solution in the microwave for a few minutes. Be careful, it will be hot.
Step 3: Spray and spray again.
Spray a soft sponge with the soap/vinegar solution. Make sure to saturate the sponge.
Spray the cleaner on the tub surfaces. Again, make sure to completely cover the area.
Step 4: Scrub the tub
Use some elbow grease to scrub the bathtub surfaces with a microfibre cloth.
Steps to make a porcelain enamel tub white again
Cleaning the stains off an enamel involves a few more steps than cleaning a fiberglass or acrylic tub. This is because you use different cleaners.
To whiten a porcelain tub, you will need to use chemical cleaners. This process uses a Mr. Clean eraser, oven cleaner, and a non-ammonia cleaner.
Step 1: Supplies
Gather the supplies you will need to whiten an enamel tub. For this type of tub, you will use chemical cleaners.
Make sure to read and follow the safety guidelines on the products you use. And ensure there is good ventilation in the room.
Wear protective gloves when using cleaners. And it is a good idea to wear safety goggles.
To clean an enamel bathtub, you will need a Mr. Clean magic eraser, oven cleaner, and non-ammonia cleaner. You also need paper towels, a bucket of water, and a nylon brush.
Step 2: Saturate the surface
Before beginning, turn on the bathroom fan to exhaust any noxious fumes. And put on protective gloves and eye protection before handling the cleaners.
Next, spray the oven cleaner on the entire tub bottom. You want to ensure you cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Get rid of the grime
Get your bucket and fill it with tap water. Take your brush and get it wet. Then scrub the tub.
Will will take some effort. Especially if the tub has a lot of build-ups. You will have to use some elbow grease to get the grime and mineral deposits off the tub.
Step 4: Wipe it out
Use dry paper towels to wipe the grime off the tub. This gets the majority of the cleaner off the surface.
You will want to follow up by wiping the surface with wet paper towels. This gets any residue off.
Step 5: It’s magic
Spray the tub with a non-ammonia general-purpose cleaner. Let it sit for a minute. Scrub the tub with a Mr. Clean eraser.
Next, wipe the surface with a paper towel. The idea is to remove the cleaner residue. So, alternate between the eraser and the paper towels until all the cleaner is gone.
Scrub the bathtub with a wet brush. Then rinse out the dirty water. Keep rinsing until all dirt and residue is out of the tub.
Finish up by using a paper towel or microfiber cloth to wipe the surface dry.
Whiten your cultured marble bathtub
Avoid using abrasive cleaners on delicate surfaces because they scratch easily. Lemon juice and white vinegar are good natural cleaners to use on marble. To make a cleaning solution, mix either equally with water.
Saturate the surface with the cleaning solution and wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid using scrub brushes or any other material that may scratch the surface.
Rinse off the excess cleaning solution. Then wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Some manufacturers suggest applying wax to this type of tub. After verifying that your bathtub needs waxing then follow these steps.
First, apply wax to the surface. Let it dry for fifteen to twenty minutes. It is important to check the product directions for the exact drying time.
After the wax dries, use a dry, clean cloth to remove the excess wax. Continue wiping with a clean cloth to remove any remaining wax.
After removing the wax, test the slipperiness of the tub. Wax residue can cause the surface to become slippery when wet.
Bathroom with stone resin tub
Stone resin bathtubs adorn many bathrooms. The natural surface of the stone resin is soft. Because of this, you cannot use abrasive cleaners or cloths. And do not use vinegar and baking soda because they will etch the surface.
How do to clean the bathroom door?
When my bathtub/shower door is grimy, I use a mixture of vinegar and sodium bicarbonate.
How do I remove yellow stains from my tub?
To remove yellow stains, use a baking soda paste. Make the paste by mixing white vinegar and baking soda. Add only enough vinegar to turn the baking soda into a paste. Smear the paste on the entire tub surface. Let it stand, then scrub it with a brush. Finally, rinse with water.
How do I remove stains from my bathtub?
I remove stains from your bathtub by using a natural cleaning solution of vinegar and water. Combine two parts vinegar and one part water in a bottle. Spray the solution on the tub and allow it to sit for twenty minutes. Afterward, scrub the surface with a soft cloth and rinse with water.
How can I make my tub look new again?
You can make your tub look new again with a Mr. Clean magic eraser and sodium bicarbonate. Cover the tub surface with baking soda, then spray it with water. Wait ten to twenty minutes. Use the Mr. Clean magic eraser to scrub the tub to remove the stains. Rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Do It Yourself
The idea of deep cleaning your bathroom can seem like a daunting task. And, it was to me at first too. But, after learning how easy it is to make a bathtub white again, I was confident I was capable. I did research and gathered my supplies and tools. I was ready to go. Like me, you can make your bathtub white again with a few common cleaning supplies.
How to Make Bathtub White Again
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