How to Clean A Bathtub without Using Harsh Chemicals

    Cleaning a bathtub isn't difficult, but ignoring a dirty tub makes it harder to clean. Doing so is also potentially bad for your health, says Vera Peterson, president of Molly Maid. "Bathtubs can accumulate a lot of germs, mold, mildew, and gunk," says Peterson. "The buildup is mostly due to all the body oils, soaps, and bath bubbles you put in it on a regular basis."

    "Bathtubs can accumulate a lot of germs, mold, mildew, and gunk," says Peterson. "The buildup is mostly due to all the body oils, soaps, and bath bubbles you put in it on a regular basis." While how often you need to clean a tub will vary by frequency of use, bathroom traffic, and the type of material a tub is made of, it's inevitable that your tub will get dirty, says Peterson.

    Before you begin

    When it comes to cleaning a bathtub, there are some materials you absolutely want to stay away from. To start, Peterson stresses you should be very careful with the type of drain cleaner you use.

    "Caustic drain cleaners (those that contain potash or lye) are extremely corrosive to organic materials and many metals. While they may clear out a clog, they can also damage everything else that they come in contact with," she says. If you happen to spill one on your tub, it could corrode the material and stain.

    How to clean a porcelain tub

    One of the most common tub types, porcelain can be easily damaged as a result of heavy impact or frequent use of harsh products, says Peterson.

    Avoid using abrasive cleaners when cleaning a porcelain tub, as they can chip away at the surface of the bathtub, says Peterson. Other products to avoid include scouring powder, white vinegar, and steel wool, all of which can damage the bathtub's finish.

    First, fill a bucket with hot water and pour it over the tub to wet the surface. Next, in the bucket, make a non-abrasive cleaner by combining ½ gallon of hot water and 2 tablespoons of dish soap.

    Use a sponge to scrub all bathtub surfaces with the water and soap mixture, adding more of the hot water and soap to the bucket as needed. When the tub is clean, rinse the surface with clean hot water. With a clean dry cloth, polish the faucet, drain, and shower handles.