Natural Methods to Remove Stubborn Bathtub Stains
Your bathtub should feel like a calming place to unwind and enjoy an inviting soak after a long day. But over time, soap scum, hard water deposits, rust stains, and mildew can accumulate on the surface, leaving discolored areas that are difficult to remove. Fortunately, most stains can be removed with natural cleaning products you likely have in your home already, such as baking soda and vinegar. If you act quickly enough, these stubborn marks can be removed with some light scrubbing. Ahead, cleaning experts share their dependable methods for removing stubborn stains from your bathtub so you can restore its polished look.
Meet Our Experts
Becky Rapinchuk is the founder of Clean Mama, the author of four books, and the creator of the popular Clean Mama Routine. Robin Murphy is a cleaning expert and chief cleaning officer of Maid Brigade.
Different Types of Stains and How to Treat Them
When cleaning your bathroom, you may encounter several different types of stains, such as soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew stains. How you treat each one will depend on the type of stain you’re dealing with.
Soap Scum
To treat soap scum, Becky Rapinchuk recommends making a paste with baking soda and Castile or dish soap. Apply the paste to the stain and gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.
Hard Water Stains
White vinegar is the best way to remove hard water stains, as the acid helps break down the minerals. Robin Murphy says to spray it on the stain, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse and wipe clean. For stubborn stains, soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the area.
Mildew and Mold
Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to treat mildew and mold stains. Rapinchuk says to spray it directly onto the affected area and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Once the stain breaks down, gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse with warm water, and wipe dry.
Rust
Murphy recommends making a paste using baking soda and a dash of hydrogen peroxide to lift rust stains without scratching your bathtub. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit, then gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.
How to Prevent Bathtub Stains
With proper hygiene, there are ways to slow the buildup of bathtub stains. “The best habit is to squeegee or wipe the tub dry after each use,” says Rapinchuk. “This prevents mineral deposits and soap scum from building up in the first place.”
In addition to this, Rapinchuk says to keep bottles off the floor to prevent rust rings and to run the bathroom fan or open a window to reduce humidity. Both experts note that keeping up with routine cleaning will help prevent stains from setting in. “I always recommend dedicating one day a week to the bathroom, so it never gets out of hand,” Rapinchuk notes.
Considerations for Specific Bathtub Materials
Not all bathtub stains can be treated the same way, as certain materials are more vulnerable to scratches and damage than others. While porcelain is very durable and handles baking soda well, Murphy notes that acrylic and fiberglass scratch easily. “Stick with non-abrasive sponges and avoid anything gritty. Even baking soda should be used gently,” she says. Stone or specialty finishes are also sensitive, so avoid vinegar and acid-based products, which can etch the surface of these materials.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Bathtub
Certain cleaning mistakes can make bathtub stains worse. Here’s what our experts say to avoid.
- Using harsh cleaning products: Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, when cleaning a bathtub. “These can damage the finish and are also really harsh to breathe in, especially in a small, enclosed space like a bathroom,” says Rapinchuk.
- Using abrasive scrubbers: Steel wool and scouring pads can scratch the surface of your bathtub, causing stains to build up faster.
- Using foam cleaning sponges on glossy finishes: If your bathtub has a glossy finish, avoid using foam cleaning sponges to remove stains. “They act like very fine sandpaper and can dull surfaces,” says Murphy.
- Using too much product: Applying too much product to your bathtub when cleaning leaves residue behind, attracting more dirt and buildup. Similarly, not thoroughly rinsing away cleaning products leaves a layer of grime.
- Skipping regular cleaning: Aim to clean your bathtub once a week to prevent stain buildup. “Stains get harder and require stronger methods later,” Murphy explains.
