How to Clean Bathtub Stains (DIY) | Family Handyman

Oct 17, 2024

No one likes stepping into a creepy, stained bathtub, even if it's just for a quick shower where only your feet touch the tub. As for taking a long, hot bath? Absolutely not. When I was in my 20s, I moved into an apartment that was, on a good day, a bit of a dump. I could deal with the shabby exterior and the curious noises in the walls, but the rust-stained bathtub only fit for a horror movie needed attention ASAP.

I scrubbed and scrubbed, and it got a little better, but I didn't know as much about cleaning as I do now. I ended up damaging the acrylic with my abrasive choices. I sure wish I had pro cleaners at my disposal to set me on the right path. To help you where I failed, Family Handyman talked to pro cleaner Dan Deonarain, owner of NYC-based Galaxy Maids, and Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean eco-friendly cleaning products. These two know cleaning, and below, they give multiple cleaning options for any tub type.

Here's how to get your bathtub looking like you can't wait to jump in.

Sokolowski says it’s important to figure out what’s happening in your tub before starting. Here’s the breakdown:

Ready to go? First, Deonarain talks about general stain cleaning, then Sokolowski breaks down methods for each type of stain so that you can tackle them specifically.

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Deonarain says he always starts with an easy, homemade cleaner: “When cleaning tough stains from bathtubs, start with the simplest approach, vinegar and dish soap,” which he says works for all types of mineral build-up and stains. Vinegar and dish soap are safe for porcelain, acrylic and fiberglass. Do not use vinegar on stone.

Next, you can try hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, Deonarain says. “We usually go with the vinegar and soap option first since it is milder,” but if stains are still present, he and his crew up the ante. “You may need to repeat for extremely stubborn stains,” he says. This method is safe for all types of tubs.

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Sokolowski prefers lemon and salt to clean red rusty stains: “The lemon’s citric acid helps dissolve the rust, while the salt’s abrasive action assists in lifting the stains.” Don’t use lemon on stone and avoid abrasives like salt on acrylic and fiberglass tubs. (Believe me, acrylic will scratch!)

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Pro tip: Vinegar is also a time-tested rust remover that can be used on everything except stone.

Mold finds a home wherever there is moisture, but Sokolowski says a baking soda paste will take care of these gross stains. Baking soda is gentle enough for all kinds of tubs.

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Pro tip: To reduce the chances of mold setting up shop in your bathroom, run your exhaust fan during and for 15 minutes after your shower.

Sokolowski says lemon and salt are a good choice for copper-caused blue and green stains, just like the rusty red ones. Again, do not use salt on acrylic or fiberglass and avoid acidic cleaners if you have a stone tub.

A pink stain in your bathtub, caused by biofilm-forming bacteria, may be scrubbed away with a good general cleaning. For lingering stains, Sokolowski says to use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is safe for all tub surfaces.

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Hard water leaves behind ugly rings and deposits ranging from yellow to brown, Sokolowski says. To dissolve hard water stains in your tub, do this:

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Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your tub shining. Use Deonarain’s dish soap and vinegar solution for general cleaning, or choose an eco-friendly cleaner that’s designed for tubs, Sokolowski says.

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It depends. Bleach is safe for many bathroom surfaces, and it’s a great disinfectant, but it can damage stone and tile, especially if it’s chipped or cracked. The pros prefer less caustic solutions like vinegar, baking soda and commercial cleaners designed for tubs.

Also, learn how to unclog bathtub’s drain without chemicals.

It depends. Vinegar is safe for acrylic, fiberglass and porcelain. Do not use vinegar on stone tubs, as the acid could etch the stone or sealant.

It could be hard water deposits, or rust if it’s reddish-brown. General grime from body oils and soap scum might be brown, too.

If you’re looking at rust stains from dripping pipes, fix them. You could have degrading or corroded pipes. Sokolowski adds: “If stains persist despite cleaning efforts, it may be necessary to investigate the water quality or consult a professional plumber for further assistance.”

Dan Deonarain owns Galaxy Maids, a residential and commercial cleaning and maid service. He has decades of experience cleaning homes, apartments and offices in the New York City area.

Alicia Sokolowski is the president and co-CEO of AspenClean, maker of environmentally conscious and cruelty-free cleaning products.