There’s no better feeling than ending a long, tiring day with a relaxing soak in your bathtub. Whether you’ve got a fancy jacuzzi tub with aromatic bath bombs or you have to squeeze away the kids’ bath toys to fit into a standard-sized bathtub with your wine glass, you surely get to live a few moments of bliss every evening.
However, while we see bathtubs as a place where we can relax and clean ourselves, there comes the point where we realize that our gunky tubs need a wash too. Sure, you’ve probably tried many old-school, hands-and-knee methods, but each time the scrubbing and scouring always end up being useless and ineffective.
Keeping that in mind, we’ve compiled plenty of sure-fire ways to help you clean a dirty tub and bring back its shine without scrubbing. From dirty jets and rust to a clogged drain and rigid soap scum, this blog has solutions for each one of you!
3 Magical Ways To Clean A Bathtub Without Scrubbing
Cleaning a grimy bathtub and returning it to its original sparkle can be back-breaking. But that’s only if you don’t use the right methods.
Below we’ll discuss some of the savviest techniques to simplify cleaning your bathtub by answering the most common question, “How to clean a bathtub without scrubbing?”.
Method #1:
Supplies Needed:
- Angled broom with synthetic bristles
- Dish soap (preferably Blue Dawn)
- White vinegar
Steps:
Start by splashing warm water around the tub with a handheld showerhead. Take ¼ cup of dish soap and pour it in streaks. Wait for a few minutes until the soap scum and other build-up loosen, and use the angled broom to remove the remaining stains.
If your tub is grimy, combine equal parts of dish soap with equal parts of white vinegar and heat it in a microwave for about 30 seconds. Pour the solution over the tub and allow it to work for 30 minutes before you start wiping (not scrubbing). Follow this with rinsing the tub (use cold water, as it can chase suds away faster than hot water).
Method #2:
Supplies Needed:
- Vinegar
- Bucket
- Hot Water
- Essential Oils (optional)
- Microfiber Cloth
Steps:
Pour piping hot water into a bucket and mix in a good amount of vinegar. Add a few drops of essential oils to lighten the strong smell of vinegar. Next, pour the solution over the tub and let it sit for about 15 minutes, after which you can drain the mixture, wipe the tub with the microfiber cloth, and rinse it with cold water.
Method #3:
Supplies:
- Liquid chlorine bleach
- Gloves and goggles
- Cotton balls or paper towels
Steps:
Traditional bathtub caulking is the main spot for dirt and mold.
Cleaning bathtub caulking with bleach is an easy and simple method. Start by wearing your gloves and goggles to be as safe as possible. Soak a few cotton balls or paper towels in liquid chlorine bleach. Place the wettened pieces along the edges of the tub where mold and grime can be seen. Wait for a few hours (or overnight). You can then swipe the bleach in one quick motion, followed by a quick rinse with soap and water.
Voila — your bathtub caulking will be clean and bright and won’t stand out against the tile!
Safety Tip: Do not carry out this process until later in the day when showers have been taken and teeth have been brushed. Also, make sure to properly ventilate the bathroom overnight.
How To Clean An Acrylic Bathtub Without Scrubbing?
Harsh chemical cleaners can dull the surface of acrylic tubs. A homemade solution made of natural ingredients — lemon juice, baking soda, and dish soap — will be a safer and more effective option.
Create a 1:1 solution of baking soda and dish soap and add some drops of lemon juice. Continue stirring until the mixture is foamy. Use a sponge to coat the entire surface with the mixture and leave it for 30 minutes. Once the stains have loosened, use a clean sponge to wipe the tub from top to bottom and rinse it with cold water.
How To Clean Mold And Mildew In A Bathtub Without Scrubbing?
Though mold and mildew are difficult to clean, using a gel toilet bowl cleaner mixed with bleach is a smart trick.
First, squirt the toilet bowl cleaner on the mildewed and moldy areas. For the corners, sprinkle extra gel and cover it with a towel. Allow the gel to sit on the surface for a few hours so the bleach can work properly. Once the mixture has had enough time to cling and sink into mold and mildew, wash the tub from top to bottom with a scrub brush. Remember, there’s no need to scrub and scour, and make sure to avoid splashing the bleach when rinsing the tub.
Can I Use Dryer Sheets To Clean My Bathtub?
Fabric softener-based dryer sheets are a great way to transform your bathtub from drab to fab. If you’ve got a spare pack of dryer sheets lying around, give them a try out of your laundry room.
All you have to do is wet a dryer sheet. This will activate its cleaning powers. You can then go on and wipe it over the stuck-on soap scum. The grime and build-up will easily peel off the tub without any scratches.
You can also reuse the ones that have made their way through a dryer cycle. What’s better than that — less waste and a clean, lovely-smelling tub, simultaneously!
Essential Tips To Remember
- If you also want to clean the shower wall tiles, leave cleaning your tub to the last thing you so you can get any dirt that falls from the wall into the tub.
- When cleaning your bathtub, remember to unclog your drain with a mesh drain catcher.
- Cleaning your tub shouldn’t be painful. Consider creating a pad for your knees by folding a towel lengthwise multiple times.
- You can use a Magic Eraser for drain rings and tub rings.
- Adding hydrogen peroxide to your baking soda and dish soap mixture (in Method #1) can make it more powerful.
- Make sure to carry out a spot test for any solution you choose.
Q&As
Is mixing dish soap and vinegar safe?
Yes, it is completely safe. In fact, it works wonders on soap scum! You can also replace white food vinegar with cleaning-grade vinegar.
Can I use grapefruit and salt to clean my tub?
Dipping grapefruit into salt and applying it to the tub’s surface is a great natural cleaner if you don’t have hard water.
How can I unclog my drain naturally?
Pour boiling hot water over the drain. Follow this with a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup baking soda. Then, cover it with the drain plug and wait for around 10 minutes. Once the mixture has done its magic, remove the drain plug and pour in boiling hot water again.
Give Your Bathtub An Effortless Shine!
Maintaining a regular bathtub cleaning routine will bring down a semiannual two-hour-long job into a simple and quick 15-minute job every month. So, pick any of the aforementioned methods and keep your favorite hideaway clean, bright, and prepared for your next night of relaxation!
Remember, with the right recipes and smart techniques; your bathtub can become the centerpiece of your bathroom once again!
