Bathtub stains are caused by various reasons, from minerals in our water supply to oils, shed skin, and many other substances. Getting rid of stains is no easy task. We have to deal with mold, rust stains, and stubborn buildup caused by shampoo and soap. On top of this, we have to be careful not to damage our bathtub while trying to get it clean at the same time.
Tubs come in three main types of finishes: acrylic, enamel, and porcelain. The latter is the most durable, and most of these cleaning tips should help you in removing most types of stains from your bathtub. Enamel finishes are also quite durable. This means that you can use the same tips to clean enamel-finished bathtubs as well. Getting rid of bathtub stains from plastic bathtubs requires a slightly different technique, but removing stains from acrylic bathtubs does not take much effort.
How to Remove Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub
In the process of cleaning your bathtub and removing stubborn stains, it is crucial to understand that many household detergents are more than capable of achieving great results. Cleaning a tub with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda is affordable, easy, and safe. When you’re cleaning your tub, it’s important that you remember to wipe your shower curtain as well.
Steps to Remove Stains From Acrylic Bathtub
- Pour some hot water over the tub.
- Sprinkle baking soda sparingly over the tub.
- Spray a 1:1 mixture of water and distilled white vinegar all over the tub.
- Using a sponge or cloth, rub the mixture into the tub until it forms a paste.
- Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse the tub with hot water and check to see whether any stains are left.
- Use a mixture of two parts baking and one part hydrogen peroxide to remove any stubborn spots.
- Allow the mixture to work on the stains for at least one hour.
- Rinse the tub with hot water.
- Place some paper towels on top of the stains.
- Soak the towels in white vinegar.
- Let the vinegar break work on the stains for at least two hours.
- Rinse the tub with hot water and check to see whether any stains are left.
- Make a water and baking soda paste, and use a clean cloth to wipe the stains.
- Rinse the tub with hot water.
How to Clean Bathtub Stains Caused by Rust
Bathtub stains caused by rust occur mainly due to using a rusty water heater, old iron plumbing, or water with high iron content. Regardless of the source of the rust, rust stains can ruin the natural appeal of your tub and make it look unhygienic. Here’s how to remove rust stains from your tub.
- Pour hot water over your bathtub.
- Make a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Gently apply the mixture on stained sections of your tub.
- Let the cleaning solution work on the stains for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse the tub with hot water and check to see whether any stains are left.
- To remove stubborn stains, pour a few drops on the remaining stains and wipe down with a sponge and some baking soda.
- Rinse the bathtub and repeat the baking soda and lemon juice cleaning process if the stains are still left.
How to Clean A Bathtub With an Enamel Finish
Porcelain and cast iron enamel tubs are common in older homes, as well as newer constructions and renovations. They’re beautiful, low- maintenance, and durable. However, they easily get stained, making it vital to know how to get rid of stains from tubs with these specific types of finishes.
Avoid using steel wool scrubbers or abrasive cleaners on enamel or porcelain cast iron tubs. Whether your enamel tub is a modern vintage throwback or an antique, here’s how to remove stains from your tub and have it looking good as new.
- Pour some hot water over your tub.
- Spray white vinegar on stained sections.
- Allow the vinegar to work on the stains for at least 20 minutes.
- Pour some baking soda on any stains that are still left.
- Use a cloth to clean the affected area.
- Rinse the tub with hot water and check for stains.
- Use hydrogen peroxide if any stains are still noticeable.
- Soak some paper towels in hydrogen peroxide and place them on the stains.
- Leave the paper towels to work on the stains for 20 minutes.
- Rinse the tub with hot water.
Cleaning Enamel and Porcelain Bathtub Stains Caused by Hard Water
Although porcelain isn’t porous, a tub with a porcelain finish can still absorb some of the compounds in hard water causing stains to develop. All you need to get rid of these stains is a good amount of patience, an old toothbrush, white vinegar, and a magic eraser.
- Pour a half vinegar/half water solution on the stains.
- Let the solutions work on the stains for at least 20 minutes, then clean with a toothbrush.
- Apply the half vinegar/half water solution again and wait for another 20 minutes.
- Use a damp magic eraser to remove any visible stains using a circular motion.
- Rinse the tub with hot water.
How to Clean an Enamel Bathtub with Rust Stains
Rust stains can ruin your gorgeous enamel bathtub and even expose your family to toxic compounds. To bring back that sparkling shine and get rid of all the toxic rust compounds, all you’ll need is a nylon scrub brush, some table salt, and lemon juice for cleaning.
- Pour some lemon juice on the rust stains.
- Sprinkle salt on the stains making sure to cover them.
- Scrub the stains with a nylon scrubber.
- Allow the salt and lemon juice to work on the stains for at least one hour.
- Repeat these processes if any stains are still left.
- Rinse the bathtub.
The most effective way to ensure your tub doesn’t get stains is to clean it regularly with a solution of white vinegar. Make a solution of half water and half vinegar and store it in your bathroom so that you can spray down your bathtub every evening. It’s recommended to leave it overnight and rinse off the solution before using the tub again.
Last Note From the Professionals on How to Clean Bathtub Stains
Having a clean bathtub is such a good feeling, and we hope the above tips help you achieve just that. Of course, stains happen, but knowing how to clean bathtub stains is clean in keeping your tub in pristine condition. If you need more cleaning tips or professional cleaning services, call Clean Heart Maids! We are committed to providing excellent service to customers. Contact us today to learn more!