Cleaning a bathtub may seem like a straightforward task, but when mildew, soap scum, and mold begin to accumulate, it requires the right products and techniques to restore its sparkle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to rejuvenate your bathtub, with some eco-friendly alternatives as well.
What You’ll Need:
- Bleach
- Bucket filled with hot water
- Scrub brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Safety mask
- Eye protection
- Rubber gloves
Before You Start Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent, so prepare accordingly. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained and ensure you’re equipped with a high-quality KN95 mask, safety goggles to protect your eyes, and rubber gloves to shield your skin. Proper ventilation is crucial, so open any bathroom windows or turn on the exhaust fan to dissipate bleach fumes.
Cleaning with Bleach:
- Prepare the Tub: Remove all toiletries and items from the tub.
- Rinse: Use hot water to rinse the tub thoroughly. If you don’t have a handheld shower nozzle, a sponge can work for this step.
- Bleach Solution: Mix approximately 1/4 cup of bleach with about 3/4 gallon of water. Dip a sponge into the solution and scrub the tub, paying extra attention to corners and crevices where mold and mildew tend to accumulate.
- Let It Sit: Allow the bleach solution to sit on the tub’s surface for 5-10 minutes to effectively remove stains.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the tub with cold water and wipe it dry using a clean microfiber cloth.
Tackling Stubborn Stains:
For stubborn soap scum and mildew, create a paste using equal parts baking soda and bleach. Apply the paste to the affected areas and scrub with a brush to leverage the bleach’s cleaning power and the baking soda’s abrasive quality. Rinse with cold water and wipe dry.
A Natural Alternative:
If you prefer to avoid bleach, you can use natural ingredients:
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with a few drops of liquid dish soap and lemon juice to create a paste. Apply it to soap scum and mildew, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.
- Vinegar Solution: Combine equal parts distilled vinegar and water, then spray the solution over the tub’s surface. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, rinse with cold water, and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
In Conclusion:
Regularly cleaning your bathtub is essential to prevent the buildup of soap scum and mildew, which can make the cleaning process more challenging. Whether you opt for the powerful cleaning action of bleach or prefer natural alternatives, maintaining a clean tub ensures a more enjoyable bathing experience. Happy cleaning!
images sources : source: HGTV/Emily Fazio – iStock/irina88w – gettyimages
