How to Clean a Bathtub, No Matter How Dirty it Is

On the surface, cleaning the tub should be easy. But with tile, grout and tight corners, it’s actually more of a chore than it appears. So, how do you clean a disgusting bathtub? If you’ve been a little tardy, here’s a step-by-step to make your tub sparkle.

Published February 21, 2019, Updated April 7, 2021

A white renovated bathroom with a stand-alone tub

Lauren Kolyn

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Let’s Begin!

In order to cover all the best tips and tricks for cleaning an icky bathtub, let’s go with the worst-case scenarios. We’re not here to judge, but if your tub is filled with stains, rust and grime, then you’ve got some work to do. Luckily, we’ve got some pointers that’ll have your tub sparkling like new in no time, beyond just relying on a little elbow grease.

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The Average Dirty Tub

To start, preheat the surface in advance to help loosen any gunk or stains. Now that your surfaces are warmed up, you can begin cleaning. After draining the hot water, spray your cleaner of choice on the tub and tiles. Start at the top and work your way down. Make sure you wear rubber gloves if you’re using chemicals. Give the cleanser time to sit before wiping everything down and drying it off.

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Rust Stains

There are several ways to get rid of rust stains. Your local hardware store carries products specifically for cleaning these kinds of stains. However, you might prefer to use something that’s natural and better for the environment. In this case, you have several options.

A row of sliced lemons and salt against a pastel blue background

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Rust Stains: Lemony Fresh

A nifty trick is to use table salt and lemons. Cover the rust stain with table salt and then squeeze a lemon (or pour some lemon juice) over the salted area. If you can, leave the paste on the stain for several hours while the rust is absorbed into the salt. Rinse when done.

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Rust Stains: Baking Soda and Vinegar

If lemon juice and salt don’t do the trick, embrace the magical cleaning powers of baking soda and vinegar. Make a paste and apply. Let it sit for half-hour and then give the area a good scrub. Repeat as necessary. Find more things you should be cleaning with baking soda.

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Rust Stains: Coca-Cola

Our final natural method of cleaning rust stains from your tub involves Cola-Cola. Soak the area overnight (or longer) and then give it a good scrub before rinsing. We’re not sure how it makes us feel about drinking Coke, but we appreciate the quick cleaning hack.

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Showerheads

If your tub is gross, then your showerhead probably is too. Thankfully, cleaning it is pretty easy. Simply fill a plastic bag with distilled white vinegar and tie it around the showerhead. Leave it to soak overnight and then remove the bag in the morning. Wipe off any residue and then run the shower for a few minutes with warm water.

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Shower Curtains

If your shower curtain is covered with mildew, you can freshen it up easily. Simply toss in your washing machine with a towel. Use the gentle cycle and medium temperature water. Most detergents will work just fine. Hang to dry.

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Grout: Lemon + Toothbrush

There are plenty of commercial products you can use to clean your grout, however, if you want to go natural, we’ve got some fab ideas. If the grout isn’t super dirty or mildew-y, you can brighten it up with little more than some lemon juice and an old toothbrush. Soak the toothbrush in the lemon juice and give your grout a good scrub.

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Grout: Baking Soda

Of course, baking soda with also help clean grout. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply. After a few minutes, use a toothbrush to scrub the paste off and then rinse.

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Grout: Add a Little Vinegar

If the water and baking soda paste doesn’t have enough oomph, try using a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Apply, wait for a few minutes and then give it a good scrub. Rinse and behold the cleanliness!