DIY Cleaning Methods for Bathtub

How to Clean Your Bathtub with Baking Soda and Vinegar

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, distilled white vinegar, a spray bottle, a non-scratch sponge or soft brush, and a bucket of warm water. If you have a drain cover, it’s handy to keep hair and debris from washing down while you work.

 

• Sprinkle baking soda: Generously dust the entire surface of your dry bathtub with baking soda. Pay extra attention to areas with visible soap scum or grime. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive, which means it helps scrub away buildup without scratching most tub surfaces.

 

• Spray with vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz it over the baking soda. You’ll see some fizzing—this is the reaction between the acid in vinegar and the alkaline baking soda. The fizz helps loosen grime, but don’t expect it to do all the work for you.

 

• Let it sit: Allow the mixture to bubble and sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the reaction time to help break down soap scum and mineral deposits. If you have stubborn spots, you can let it sit a bit longer, but don’t let it dry out completely.

 

• Scrub gently: Using a non-scratch sponge or soft brush, scrub the tub in circular motions. Focus on corners, around the drain, and any textured areas where buildup likes to hide. If you hit a tough spot, sprinkle a little more baking soda and add a splash of vinegar directly to that area.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: Use a bucket of warm water or your showerhead to rinse away all the baking soda and vinegar residue. Make sure to rinse well, as leftover baking soda can leave a gritty film if not washed away completely.

 

• Dry the surface: Wipe down the tub with a clean, dry cloth or towel. This helps prevent water spots and keeps your tub looking fresh a little longer.

• Pro tip: For chrome fixtures or drain covers, you can use the same baking soda and vinegar combo, but always rinse and dry thoroughly to avoid any dulling of the finish.

 

• What is “soap scum”? It’s that cloudy, filmy residue left behind when soap mixes with minerals in your water. Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps lift it, while vinegar’s acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits.

How to Clean Your Bathtub with Lemon Juice and Salt

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need a couple of fresh lemons, a small bowl of table salt, a soft sponge or cloth, and a little elbow grease. If you have sensitive skin, consider wearing gloves—lemon juice can sting if you have cuts.

 

• Prep the area: Give your tub a quick rinse with warm water to loosen up any surface grime. This helps the lemon juice and salt do their thing without fighting through a layer of dust or hair.

 

• Apply the lemon juice: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly onto the stained or grimy areas of your tub. For extra scrubbing power, you can rub the cut side of the lemon right on the surface. The acidity in lemon juice helps break down soap scum and some mineral deposits.

 

• Sprinkle salt: Generously shake salt over the lemony areas. Salt acts as a gentle abrasive, which means it helps physically scrub away buildup without scratching most tub surfaces. Table salt works fine, but coarse salt (like kosher salt) gives a bit more scrubbing oomph.

 

• Scrub gently: Use your sponge or cloth to work the lemon and salt mixture into the tub, focusing on stains, rings, and soap scum. Move in small circles and don’t press too hard—let the salt do the heavy lifting. If you’re using the lemon half as your scrubber, just keep squeezing gently as you go.

 

• Let it sit (optional): For stubborn spots, let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes. This gives the lemon juice a little more time to work on mineral deposits and soap residue.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: Use warm water to rinse away all the lemon and salt. Make sure you get every bit—leftover salt can feel gritty underfoot, and lemon juice can leave a sticky residue if not fully rinsed.

 

• Dry the tub: Wipe down the tub with a clean, dry cloth or towel. This helps prevent new water spots and keeps your tub looking freshly cleaned.

 

• Know your surfaces: This method is generally fine for porcelain and enameled tubs, but if you have a stone, marble, or specialty finish, skip the lemon juice—acids can etch or dull these surfaces. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area if you’re unsure.