How To Clean A Bathtub With Ease: Top Tips
A long soak is far less appealing when your bath looks tired, stained or coated in soap scum. Find out how to clean a bath in this guide.
Of course, grabbing the cleaning spray isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of relaxation. The upside? You don’t have to spend all afternoon scrubbing to get your bath back to its best.
With a few smart tricks and the right products, you can restore a sparkling finish in less time — and with far less effort — than you might expect.
Key takeaways: How to clean your bathtub
- Cleaning little and often prevents soap scum, limescale and other grime from becoming stubborn.
- Pick a cleaner that’s safe for your bath’s surface — acrylic, enamel, stone resin or cast iron each have their own needs.
- Everyday items such as baking soda, vinegar and washing-up liquid can be surprisingly effective.
- If you want to clean a dirty bathtub without scrubbing, try a soak method instead. Always rinse away residue and dry the bath afterwards to avoid slippery spots.
- Don’t forget your bath mat — it can trap bacteria and mildew if neglected.
Why baths get dirty so quickly
If you use body wash or soap every time you bathe, residue soon builds up.
Soap scum forms when soap reacts with minerals in the water, and in hard water areas limescale adds a chalky coating to the surface.
Add body oils, hair and the occasional product spill, and your bath can lose its shine quickly.
If you skip regular cleaning, the damp environment can encourage mildew and bacteria — so good ventilation and frequent rinsing are essential.
A new bathroom can add 6% in value to a property, according to Nationwide. But if the bath is stained so badly that it can’t look as good as new ever again, that’s a problem – again, regular cleaning can keep the situation under control.
What to check before you clean
Before deciding on a method, find out what your bath is made of.
Most are acrylic or enamel-coated steel, but you may have cast iron or stone resin.
Knowing the material matters because the wrong cleaner can scratch or dull the surface. Acrylic is easily marked, while enamel can chip if knocked.
It’s wise to patch-test any product on a discreet spot before using it on the whole tub.
Step-by-step: how to clean a bath
A general routine works well for most baths:
- Start by rinsing the tub with warm water to remove loose dirt.
- Apply your chosen cleaner — whether it’s a shop-bought product designed for bathrooms or a homemade recipe — and let it sit for around five to ten minutes.
- Next, wipe the surface using a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, making sure to clean around taps, drains and corners.
- Rinse everything away with warm water, then dry with a cloth to stop streaks and water spots from forming.
A proper rinse also avoids unnecessary slipperiness. Note: if you’re needing help getting in and out of the bathtub, we have a number of effective solutions.
How to clean a dirty bathtub without scrubbing
When a bath is heavily stained, the “soak method” can save you a lot of elbow grease.
Plug the drain and fill the tub with warm water until the stained areas are covered.
Add two cups of white vinegar and a squeeze of washing-up liquid, then let the mixture sit for half an hour to 45 minutes.
This gives the solution time to loosen grime and soap residue. Once the soak is done, drain the bath and rinse well — you’ll often see stains disappear without any scrubbing.
This method is especially useful if you want to avoid bending or leaning over the bath for long periods.
If you have a shower-bathtub combined, you might want to read our blog on how to clean a shower head effectively.
Homemade cleaner ideas
You may already have some effective cleaning tools in your kitchen cupboards.
A mix of baking soda and vinegar is great for tackling stains: sprinkle the baking soda, spray with vinegar, let it fizz, and then wipe clean.
Warm water and a dash of washing-up liquid works well on greasy marks left by body oils. For mild limescale deposits, lemon juice is a natural choice — its gentle acidity helps lift the marks without harming most bath surfaces.
One important safety note: never mix bleach with vinegar, lemon juice or any other acidic liquids. Combining them creates toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe in.
How to clean a bath mat
Bath mats take a lot of wear and tear, and if left damp they can harbour mould. For fabric mats, shake them outdoors to get rid of debris, then wash them on a warm machine cycle with mild detergent if the label says it’s safe.
Always let them dry fully before putting them back down.
Rubber or plastic mats benefit from a soak in warm water with either mild detergent or vinegar for about 30 minutes.
Use a soft brush to lift any stubborn grime, rinse well and hang to dry.
Maintenance tips
A quick rinse after every bath will stop residue from setting on the surface. Once a week, give the bath a light wipe with a microfibre cloth.
Keeping the bathroom well ventilated — by opening a window or using an extractor fan — will reduce moisture and help prevent mildew growth.
Eco-friendly cleaning options
If you’d rather skip strong chemicals, eco-friendly cleaning products are widely available. Choose biodegradable formulas and use washable cloths instead of single-use wipes.
Natural options like vinegar and baking soda are not only better for the environment, they’re often kinder to your skin and to delicate bath finishes.
FAQs: How to clean bathtub guidelines
- What is the easiest way to clean a bathtub? Apply a gentle bathroom cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a soft cloth and rinse. For stubborn stains, try the vinegar soak method.
- Can you use Easy-Off on bathtubs? No. Easy-Off is meant for ovens and can damage acrylic or enamel baths. Stick to products designed for bathroom use.
- What is the best thing to use to clean a bath? A non-abrasive bathroom cleaner works best. Baking soda mixed with washing-up liquid is an effective homemade option.
- What is the best tub cleaning method? Stay consistent — rinse after each use, do a weekly wipe-down, and deep clean once a month to prevent heavy build-up.
- Does bleach damage a bathtub? Bleach can cause discolouration or surface damage, especially to acrylic. If you use it, dilute it heavily and rinse thoroughly.
Final thoughts: How to clean a bath
Cleaning your bath doesn’t need to be a major chore.
By picking the right products for your bath’s material and keeping on top of light maintenance, you’ll avoid tough stains and keep the space fresh.
We hope you found this guide useful For other articles, please take a look at our full blog – with articles including:
- Replacing a bath with a shower
- Wet room ideas for the disabled
- Shower room ideas to inspire you
- Bathroom ventilation guide
If you’re in the South-West and need a bathroom refurb, with either a clean bathtub or a shower, the Ability Bathe team have you covered. We are bathroom fitters Devon loves and also bathroom fitters Torquay trusts.
In fact we’re bathroom fitters Exeter loves, bathroom fitters Plymouth… you get the picture. We’re a local family-run bathroom design and installation business, offering a free design visit to your home.
We have 35+ years of experience and our 10-year guarantee covers all our installations. Please get in touch for more details!
