how to clean an old stained bathtub

How to Clean Bathtub Stains

These tips on how to clean a stained tub will get it looking great again.

Introduction

Stubborn stains in your bathtub are eyesores, typically caused by mineral deposits left behind from hard water. The color of the stain will depend on what's in your water. No matter what's causing the stains, here's how to get rid of them.

Tools Required

Materials Required

Baking soda
Dry abrasive cleaner
Hydrogen peroxide
White vinegar

Project step-by-step (8)

Step 1

Types of Stains

stains

Removing stains from a tub will depend on two factors: type of mineral causing the stain and the material the tub is made from. Porcelain is the most popular type of bathtub surface and is more forgiving. You can use any of the methods described below to remove common bathtub stains on porcelain. If you have an acrylic tub, do not use abrasive cleaners because they can damage the surface. Here's How To Clean with Bleach In a Bathroom.

Common stain colors caused by mineral deposits and more:

Reddish-brown = iron
Rust-colored and blue-green stains = low pH/acidic water
Black = sulfur bacteria
Yellow = accumulation of human oils

Step 2

For Yellow Stains, Use Vinegar

Vinegar

Getting your bathtub clean doesn't have to require a bunch of cleaning products. For yellow stains and soap scum, vinegar will do the trick. This is the preferred bathtub stain remover, to use on the delicate surface of an acrylic tub.

Follow these 13 tricks for cleaning a bathroom faster and better.

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Step 3

Spray

tub

Fill a spray bottle with vinegar. Apply the vinegar liberally over the stained area. Wait about 20 minutes, then wipe away the stain with a sponge. Rinse with warm water. Check out How To Clean Bathroom Chrome.

Step 6

For Rust-Colored and Blue-Green Stains, Use Abrasive Cleanser

sponges

For super-stubborn rust-colored and blue-green stains, you will have to use an abrasive cleanser and eraser/melamine sponge (shown here). However, do not use this method on an acrylic bathtub—it will scratch the surface. If you have an acrylic tub, use the vinegar cleaning method only.

Find out how often you should clean your bathtub.

Step 7

Apply the Paste

bathtub

Make a paste of equal parts cleanser powder and water. Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Moisten the eraser sponge with hot water and scrub. Then, rinse clean with hot water. Learn more from 30 Cleaning Essentials You Should Have in Your Home by Age 30.

Step 8

Regular Cleaning

Spray

The best way to keep bathtub stains at bay is regular cleaning and by using a daily shower spray. Make a DIY version with one part white vinegar and three parts water. Spray the mixture liberally over the surface of a clean tub or shower after each use, to prevent soap scum build-up and stains.

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