Nobody likes having a filthy bathtub, however cleaning it is no fun at all. As much as you fear this job, there are many ways to simplify the process. In fact, you can use natural products, such as grapefruit and salt, or industrial detergents to thoroughly clean the tub.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Tub with Natural Products
Step 1. Rinse hair and residue
Use the shower jet to rinse off any residue. If you have a removable one, use it to spray water all over the tub. Alternatively, you can use a cup or small bucket to pour the water.
- If there is a lot of hair and dirt in the tub, it is best to wipe with a paper towel before rinsing the tub with the shower head. Otherwise, you risk clogging the drain.
- If you actually clog the drain, you'll need to clean that as well as well as the rest of the tub.
Step 2. Try a grapefruit-based detergent and salt
The acids contained in the fruit combined with the abrasive properties of the salt help eliminate dirt. In addition, grapefruit leaves a pleasant citrus smell in the bathroom.
- Cut the grapefruit in half. Cover the cut half with salt.
- Sprinkle the salt on the wet tub.
- Scrub the tub with the grapefruit, squeezing the juice. If necessary, use the other half of the grapefruit to clean up all the dirt, or even use more than one fruit.
- Rinse off the salt and pulp of the fruit.
Step 3. Make a bath and sink detergent
Chances are you already have all the ingredients you need at home, especially if you like organic soaps.
- Mix 180g of baking soda with 90g of liquid castile soap and a few drops of mint or tea tree essential oil.
- Put the mixture on a sponge and scrub the tub. This cleaner is ideal for cleaning up soap residue. Rinse after cleaning.
Step 4. Make a vinegar-based spray
Vinegar is slightly acidic, so it is useful for removing stains and bacteria.
- In a clean spray bottle, pour 230ml of water and 230ml of vinegar. Shake vigorously.
- Spray on the tub. Scrub with a sponge and rinse off the vinegar.
Step 5. Use a baking soda paste
This compound is perfect for rust stains, however, it can be used as a general cleaning detergent. To make the mixture, add water to the baking soda until you get the consistency of a paste. Rub the surface with the product to remove stains. Finally, rinse everything off.
If the tub is very dirty or full of stains, apply the paste to the affected areas, then sprinkle it with white vinegar. Leave the baking soda and vinegar on for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a fist. Finally, rinse everything off. This should remove the stains
Step 6. Try sodium borate and a lemon
This combination is very effective for the most stubborn stains.
Dust the sodium borate on the stain. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on the stain. Leave on for 15 minutes then rinse
Step 7. Clean daily
If you clean the tub after each use, you won't find yourself having to clean up dirt build-ups in the future.
Use the shower to spray hot water on the tub and to wash off the dirt. Scrub with a sponge or towel
Method 2 of 3: Clean the tank with Industrial Products
Step 1. Put on your gloves
Some chemicals are harsh to the skin, so it's best to wear gloves to protect yourself.
Step 2. Clean the debris from the tub
Hair and residues will get in the way of cleaning, rinse them off with the shower.
Hair and debris can clog the tub drain, so you should remove most of it with a paper towel and then rinse everything off with the shower
Step 3. Choose a sponge
Do not use sponges that are too abrasive, such as steel wool. Opt for a mildly abrasive sponge to not remove the finish from the tub.
Products like the magic sponge can be perfect for acrylic tubs, which tend to scratch easily. The magic sponge, in particular, is a rather cheap and easily available solution, whether it is in hardware stores or in large shopping centers. All you have to do is moisten it, scrub the tub and then rinse it thoroughly
Step 4. Choose a detergent
The products available on the market are many. The choice depends on your preferences.
Step 5. Read the manufacturer's instructions
Each detergent is slightly different from the others. To make the most of its properties, follow the instructions. For example, some detergents need to be sprayed or scrubbed and left on for a set amount of time.
Step 6. Apply as instructed
Leave the detergent on or scrub it as instructed.
Step 7. Rinse the product
Use hot water to wash off the chemicals.
Step 8. Use a deep cleansing detergent once a month
Products like Cillit Bang are very powerful and clean the tub deeply.
Apply the product to the tub and tiles. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse
Method 3 of 3: Clean the tiles above the tub
Step 1. Turn on the hot water in the shower
Close the bathroom door and let the hot water run from the shower for a few minutes. The steam that forms helps dissolve the dirt.
Step 2. Test the detergent first
Whichever product you are going to use, test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage or discolor the tiles.
Step 3. Apply the detergent
Rub the tiles carefully or apply the product as per the instructions. Rinse thoroughly when finished, to avoid mixing the chemicals in the products you will apply later.
Step 4. Scrub the joints (the spaces between tiles) with bleach
Dip an old toothbrush in bleach. Scrub the grout to whiten it.
- If you don't want to use bleach, there are products just as effective as Lysol for cleaning the bathroom. Alternatively, you can mix white vinegar and water to make a homemade cleaning solution.
- Small or medium-sized grout brushes are a great option for cleaning grout lines. You can find them in different sizes where they sell cleaning products.
- Make sure the previously used detergent is compatible with the bleach before applying. For example, vinegar and ammonia cannot be mixed with bleach.
Step 5. Rinse off the bleach
Let the tiles dry.
Step 6. Seal the joints
The joints should be sealed twice a year to protect them from bathroom moisture.
- Use a penetrating joint sealant. These sealants cover the joints while allowing moisture to escape, helping to prevent cracks.
- Clean up anything that might be blocking the joints so you can apply the sealant properly.
- Clean the grout. If they are yellow, apply the bleach as explained above. Let it dry.
- Make sure the room is ventilated. Open the window and leave the bathroom door open, turn on the fan to allow for a good air exchange.
- Apply the sealant with the applicator brush or a sponge. Put the sealant on the applicator and apply it to the joints. Only work on a limited area to monitor the effects.
- After about 10 minutes, remove the excess product from the joints and tiles. In the meantime, the sealant should have been absorbed.
Warnings
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from detergents. If you don't have gloves, put plastic sandwich bags on your hands.
- Never mix different chemicals together. You could create noxious fumes in the bathroom.
