If your bathtub is looking lived-in rather than loved, we show you how to bring that sparkle back with our very own tried and tested cleaning tips and tricks.
We all enjoy a good long soak in the bath, don’t we? It’s a great way to unwind after a long hard day and the perfect place in which to switch off and relax. However, none of us look forward to cleaning our baths. It really is one of the most tedious domestic chores imaginable (although, you might be able to come up with some others!).
If you’re fed up spending precious time scrubbing and rinsing your bathtub, you’ll be happy to hear that help is at hand. With our tried and tested tips and tricks, we’ll help you whizz through your bath cleaning in what’ll seem like next to no time. If you haven’t already done so, watch our video guide above, then follow the instructions below. As well as this “how to” guide, we’ll also answer some of your most commonly asked questions about bath cleaning. Read on for more bath cleaning advice.
Keep your new bath looking pristine with our expert cleaning tips
What will you need?
To clean your bath, you will need the following:
- Baking soda
- Paper towel or toilet roll
- Soft, non-abrasive cloths
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
Preparing your bath
Before you begin, make sure you remove your bath mat, if you have one. You’d be amazed how many people miss this one vital step! Also, if you have any toiletries, soaps or even bath toys resting on the side of the bath, store these somewhere safe—you don’t need these getting in the way.
Here’s how to clean your bath
- For a homemade bath cleaner, dilute equal parts white vinegar and water and use a spray bottle to apply all over your bath.
- Leave the solution to work for 15 minutes, then wipe away with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
- Sprinkle the bath with baking soda and spray on the white vinegar and water solution.
- Allow the mixture to bubble for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge until a paste forms.
- Leave the paste for 15 minutes, then wipe away and rinse clean.
- Baking soda is ideal for unclogging the drain too. Simply apply to the plughole and add some white vinegar. Leave the mixture until it’s finished reacting, then rinse for a clean, odour-free drain.
- For limescale and hard water stains, hold a paper towel or some toilet roll to the affected area and soak in white vinegar. Leave for a couple of hours, then remove the paper and scrub down with the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Then rinse and buff with a dry cloth.
- Sometimes, the best method is prevention. A quick rinse each time you use your bath can help reduce the build-up of soap scum and grime, meaning less time spent deep cleaning.
How long will it take?
The great thing about using this method is this; while the whole process takes around 35 to 40 minutes to complete, you’ll only need to be active for around 5 to 10 minutes. In the meantime, while you wait, why not pop the kettle on and enjoy a nice cuppa, read a book or flick through Facebook?
Cleaning a bath: Step-by-step images
a. Spraying on the white vinegar and water solution.
b. Wiping away with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
c. Sprinkling the bath with baking soda, before spraying with water/vinegar solution.
d. Wiping away and rinsing clean
e. Using a paper towel soaked in white vinegar for limescale and hard water stains.
Some frequently asked questions about bath cleaning
How often should you clean your bath?
It depends on how often you use your bath. However, on average, we’d suggest a deep clean of your bath once a week. This way, you can ensure your bathtub is kept in a hygienic state for you and your family.
What is the best thing to clean a bathtub with?
You don’t need to use harsh chemicals or expensive brands to clean your bath. We would recommend using a solution of white vinegar and water to initially soak your bath. The natural acidity in the vinegar helps to dissolve soap scum and limescale, the normal residues you’ll find in a bath. Follow this up by sprinkling baking soda and then spraying your white vinegar/water solution. If you know your science, baking soda is at the opposite end of the pH scale to vinegar, being an alkali. Both chemical compounds dissolve grease, dirt and other common deposits, and when combined, act to lift these particles from the surface. Simply wipe and rinse away, using a non-abrasive cloth. This way, you’ll be happy to know you’re using ingredients which aren’t harmful, yet able to bring that new-bath sparkle back to your bathroom.
How do I get my bathtub white again?
By cleaning your bath with a mixture of white vinegar, water and baking soda, you should be able to rid your bath of most common stains and maintain its white finish. However, if your bath does start “yellowing” over time, there may not be a huge amount you can do about this, other than replace with a new bath.
Why is my bathtub so dirty?
Frequent use of your bathtub will often mean a build-up of soap scum, grime and hard water stains. If you don’t clean your bath regularly, your tub will get dirtier over time. In this case, prevention is better than cure. Once you have drained your bath, give it a quick rinse with the shower head or a water jug, to wash away the accumulated dirt. This will leave your bathtub in a much better state.
More tips and tricks for cleaning your bathroom
At Victoria Plum, you’ll find plenty of handy bathroom cleaning advice, to help you breeze through your chores in next to no time.
Starting with the basics, we’ve created a number of similar guides, showing you the best ways to clean your toilet, get rid of limescale and clean your shower screen. To keep your water flowing as it should, we’ll also demonstrate how to clean a shower head, clean a tap cartridge and clean a shower cartridge. And, finally, to ensure your walls and surfaces get the treatment they deserve, we’ve guides on cleaning your tiles and keeping shower wall panels clean.
If you’re searching for more general bathroom cleaning tips, you’ll find our guide to bathroom spring cleaning a must-read article! And, if you like to keep green when cleaning your bathroom, we’ll even show you how to make your own eco-friendly reusable wipes.
Of course, as we’ve emphasised several times in this article, prevention is better than cure. Creating a bathroom that’s easy to clean is an important factor when planning your next renovation, and, by using Showerguard bathroom coating kit, you’ll enjoy years of protection from soap and limescale, not to mention cut the amount of time you’ll spend cleaning.
Naturally, your bathroom is just one small part of a much bigger picture. Thankfully, our fabulous customers have helped us out when it comes to the rest of your home, with their top 10 home care cleaning hacks. After reading that, you’ll never look at lemons in the same light again!
Time to enjoy your nice clean bath
Shop baths
If your current tub has seen better days, you’ll find one of the widest selections of baths right here at Victoria Plum. From fabulous freestanding designs to multi-purpose shower baths for busy family bathrooms, you’re bound to find the perfect bathtub at a price that’s right for your budget. Simply click on the image below to begin browsing.
