How do you clean a badly stained bathtub?

Having a stained bathtub can be an eyesore and make bathing an unpleasant experience. Over time, bathtubs can become stained from soap scum, hard water, mildew, mold, dirt, grime, and other buildups. While regular cleaning can prevent some stains, often a deeply stained bathtub needs a deep cleaning to remove tough, set-in stains and restore it to its original bright, shiny finish.

What Causes Bathtub Stains?

There are several common causes of bathtub stains:

• Soap scum – This builds up over time from regular bathing. Soap combined with hard water forms a film that adheres to the tub surface.
• Hard water – Minerals in hard water can leave behind limescale and mineral deposits.
• Mildew and mold – Moisture that doesn’t completely dry out allows mildew and mold to grow, leaving behind stubborn stains.
• Dirt and grime – Oils, dirt, and other grime from bathers’ bodies can build up over time.
• Hair products, cosmetics – Shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, and cosmetics can stain the tub when they come into contact with the surface.
• Iron or manganese in the water supply – This can cause orange, brown, or black stains.
• Chemicals in cleaning products – Some chemicals can discolor bathtub surfaces over time.

Supplies Needed

Removing tough bathtub stains takes the right supplies. Here is what you’ll need:

• Rubber gloves
• Old rags or scrub pads
• Abrasive cleaner or soft scrub (like Comet or Soft Scrub)
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Liquid dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Plastic scraper
• Steel wool pads
• Protective eyewear
• Old toothbrush
• Pumice stone

Cleaning a Stained Bathtub

Here is a step-by-step guide to getting a badly stained bathtub sparkling clean again:

Prep the Tub

Before scrubbing, prep the tub to boost cleaning power:

1. Remove any bath mats or appliances, like racks or benches, from the tub.
2. Give the tub a quick rinse to wash away any loose dirt or debris.
3. Let the tub dry completely so it’s not slippery during cleaning.

Make a DIY Scrub

For seriously stained tubs, a DIY scrub can help blast away stubborn buildup. Here are two easy homemade scrub recipes:

Baking Soda and Vinegar Scrub

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup liquid dish soap
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup warm water

Mix the ingredients in a bowl until a thick, spreadable paste forms. The baking soda is a gentle abrasive and the vinegar helps dissolve soap scum, mineral deposits, and grime. This works well for mold stains too.

Soft Scrub Alternative

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup liquid dish soap
• 10 drops essential oil (optional, for scent)

Mix the baking soda and dish soap, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until a scrub-like texture forms. The baking soda lifts stains while the soap cuts through grease and grime. Add lemon essential oil for its cleaning properties and fresh scent.

Spot Clean Stubborn Stains

For challenging stains, spot clean before scrubbing the whole tub:

• Rust stains – Make a paste with cream of tartar and lemon juice. Apply and let sit 20 minutes before scrubbing.
• Mildew stains – Spray straight white vinegar and let sit 15 minutes before scrubbing.
• Hard water stains – Lay a cloth soaked in white vinegar over the stain for 1 hour before scrubbing.

Scrub the Bathtub

Now for the elbow grease! Using your homemade paste or abrasive cleaner, scrub every inch of the tub’s surface:

1. Apply the cleaning paste/scrub to the tub walls and floor.
2. Let it sit 5-10 minutes to penetrate stains.
3. Scrub vigorously with a scrub brush, old toothbrush, or steel wool pad.
4. Pay extra attention to stained areas, scrubbing in a circular motion.
5. Rinse thoroughly when finished scrubbing.

For really tough mineral deposits around the drain or soap scum in the corners, scrub with a pumice stone to scrape off the built-up grime.

Disinfect the Tub

After scrubbing away stains, kill any lingering mildew and bacteria:

1. Spray straight white vinegar over all surfaces.
2. Let sit 10 minutes to disinfect.
3. Rinse tub thoroughly with hot water.

Seal and Protect the Surface

As a final step, seal and protect the tub to make it more stain resistant:

• Dry tub completely with a clean cloth.
• Apply a thin coat of car wax or gel gloss and buff to shine.
• Reapply wax 1-2 times per year for ongoing protection.

Tips for Preventing Bathtub Stains

To help keep your bathtub looking new, do these things to prevent stains in the future:

• Wipe down the tub after every use to prevent buildup.
• Rinse soap scum immediately after bathing – don’t let it dry on.
• Shower 1-2 times per week with hot vinegar or limescale remover solution.
• Use a squeegee on glass doors and tile walls after showering.
• Leave the door open after use to allow moisture to escape.
• Clean behind movable tub accessories where mildew grows.
• Skip oil-based bath products that build up greasy residue.
• Install a water softener if you have stubborn hard water stains.
• Clean grout lines regularly with diluted bleach or tub cleaner.
• Caulk cracks and re-seal surfaces annually to prevent mildew.

When to Call a Professional

DIY cleaning can remove most bathtub stains. But if you have extensive staining or damage, call in a pro for help:

• Stains remain after multiple scrubbing sessions
• Chips, cracks, or etching in the surface
• Significant hard water scale or limescale
• Suspected lead paint underneath old porcelain tubs
• Re-glazing an antique clawfoot or cast iron tub

Professionals have commercial-grade cleaners and tools to address damage beyond regular staining. For expensive material like stone resin, professional refinishing may be warranted to protect your investment.

Conclusion

While stained bathtubs can look unsightly and be embarrassing, they don’t have to stay that way. With the right supplies and some elbow grease, most types of set-in stains can be removed. Prevention is also key – wipe and rinse your tub regularly, and address minor stains before they get out of hand. Follow these tips to restore your bathtub’s shine and maintain its cleanliness.