What is that grimy ring around your bathtub making your whole bathroom look dingy and uninviting? That unsightly stain is called a bathtub ring. It’s a common problem when moving into rentals or if you’ve neglected deep cleaning your home for quite some time. As frustrating and gross as it looks, the good news is it’s not permanent. With the proper tools and correct home cleaning techniques, you can still restore your now yucky bathtub to its former glory. In this blog, we’ll share expert cleaning tips on how to get rid of bathtub rings effectively.
What causes bathtub rings?
A bathtub ring is inevitable if you use it regularly, whether for your nightly self-care rituals or bathing your kids before bedtime— but don’t bother giving it the scrubbing it deserves. It’s the pesky stain at the side of the tub marks the waterline and where the dirt settles as all the water slowly drains. Bathtub rings are typically caused by a combination of different factors, including:
- Soap scum: The residue left behind by soaps and shampoos can accumulate over time, forming a sticky film.
- Hard water: Water with high mineral content can leave behind deposits that contribute to the rings.
- Hair: Hair can trap soap scum and other debris, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Mold and mildew: In humid environments, mold and mildew can grow on the rings, making them more difficult to remove.
- Anti-slip bath mats: When these mats are placed in the tub, they can create a barrier that prevents water from flowing freely, allowing soap scum and hair to accumulate and become embedded.
How to get rid of bathtub rings?
Even the most stubborn bathtub stains are surprisingly easy to remove using natural home cleaning remedies and a little elbow grease. Here are some of the tried-and-tested cleaning strategies recommended by our local Milwaukee cleaners.
How to clean enamel and porcelain bathtub
You can use different natural cleaning solutions when cleaning deep-seated stains on your enamel or porcelain bathtubs. We especially love baking soda as it’s an eco-friendly cleaning wonder with gentle abrasive properties that can help lift stains and neutralize funky odors from trapped dirt and water. To clean bathtub rings, you can create a baking soda paste by mixing it with water, or better yet, ammonia, to achieve streak-free cleans, because it evaporates quicker.
Check out this step-by-step guide on how to clean a porcelain or enamel bathtub.
- Fill a bucket of water with ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup ammonia.
- Wet and activate the affected area with the cleaning solution. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Soak a soft sponge in the solution and use it to scrub the stains. Be sure to use the non-abrasive side to avoid scratching the surface permanently.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth or towel.
How to clean plastic bathtub
We highly recommend using white vinegar as an eco-friendly and pocket-friendly alternative to chemical-based commercial cleaners for deep cleaning plastic bathtubs. The mild acetic acid in vinegar helps to break down the mineral deposits and soap scum that contribute to the formation of bathtub rings. When vinegar is applied to the rings, it reacts with the buildup, loosening it and making it easier to scrub away. In addition, it can also help to disinfect the tub, killing bacteria and mold that may be contributing to the problem.
Here’s what you need to do to deep clean a plastic bathtub using vinegar.
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of white vinegar and water.
- Spray the solution on the entire surface of your bathtub, focusing on the heavily stained areas.
- Let it work its magic for 10 to 30 minutes, and then scrub with a sponge.
- Rinse with water and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.
Can you use alcohol to clean your bathtub?
Yes! You can use 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol to clean and disinfect your bathtub. Aside from eliminating germs, viruses, and bacteria, it can also melt dirt, grime, and stains.
- Simply mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
- Spray and soak stained areas of your bathtub.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Rinse the alcohol cleaning solution and wipe dry. Do not air dry if you want a streak-free surface.
- In some cases, professional cleaners will also spritz bathtubs with rubbing alcohol and water solution and then buff dry with a microfiber cloth to sanitize and make the surface shine.
How often should you deep clean your bathtub?
Ideally, you should clean and disinfect your bathroom every week to prevent mold and bacteria overgrowth, particularly if you share it with several people in your household. This includes wiping down the toilet, sinks, and countertops. On the other hand, the floor, glass doors, bathtub, and shower curtain should be deep cleaned at least once a month as part of proper home maintenance.
Bathtub rings don’t stand a chance with BetterCleans!
With BetterCleans’ deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and regular cleaning service, you will never see bathtub rings in your home again. Experience premium cleaning with our top-rated professional cleaners and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
