How to Clean
Bathtub Stains Naturally

Bathtub stains come from various sources, from shed skin and oils to the minerals in our water supplies, and staying on top of stains can be a challenge. We have to contend with mold, rust stains, and the nasty buildup caused by soap and shampoo. And We also have to be careful not to damage the finish on our tubs in the process.

Tubs come in various finishes, the three most common of which are porcelain, enamel, and acrylic. Porcelain is the most durable, and most of these tips will work fine for removing bathtub stains safely. Enamel finishes are also very durable, so you can use the same stain removal techniques used for porcelain. Removing bathtub stains from plastic bathtubs requires a slightly different approach, but learning how to clean bathtub stains from acrylic is just as easy.

How to Remove Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub

When you’re learning how to clean a bathtub and remove stains, it’s important to understand that many household products are more than up to the task. Cleaning a tub with baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide is safe, easy, and affordable. When you’re cleaning your tub, it is a good time to clean your shower curtain too.

• Dampen the tub with hot water.
• Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over the tub
• Spray a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water on the baking soda.
• Use a sponge to rub the solution into the tub until it gets pasty.
• Let the cleaning solution sit for 20 minutes.
• Rinse the tub with hot water and check the stains.
• Use hydrogen peroxide if the stains are still visible.
• Make a paste of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts baking soda.
• Use a sponge to scrub the stubborn spots with baking soda and peroxide.
• Let the paste work on the bathtub stains for an hour.
• Rinse the bathtub with hot water.

How to Clean a Bathtub With Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains can seem daunting when you’re learning how to clean a bathtub. Calcium, iron, and magnesium, common ingredients in hard water can create some stubborn bathtub stains. Here’s how to get rid of them.

• Lay paper towels on top of the bathtub stains.
• Soak the paper towels with white vinegar.
• Let the vinegar break down the stains for about two hours.
• Rinse the bathtub with hot water and check the stains.
• Use baking soda if the hard water stains are still visible.
• Make a baking soda and water paste, and use a sponge to scrub the stains.
• Rinse the tub with hot water.

How to Clean Bathtub Stains Caused by Rust

Rust stains in your tub can be caused by water with high iron levels, old iron plumbing, or a rusty water heater. No matter where they come from, they ruin the look of your bathtub and make it look dirty all the time. Here’s how to clean a bathtub with rust stains.

• Spray down the bathtub with hot water.
• Mix a paste using water and baking soda.
• Gently rub the paste into the bathtub stains.
• Let the paste work on the rust stain for 20 minutes.
• Rinse the tub and check to see if the rust is gone.
• Use a lemon cut in half and squeeze limit juice on any visible stains.
• Leave the juice for at least 30 minutes so the acid can break down the rust.
• Scrub the stain with a sponge and baking soda.
• Rinse the tub and repeat the lemon juice and baking soda stain treatment if needed

How to Clean A Bathtub With an Enamel Finish

Cast iron enamel and porcelain bathtubs can be found in older homes and more and more remodels and construction. They’re durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful. But they’re still susceptible to bathtub stains, so it’s important to know how to remove stains from bathtubs with these finishes.

Whether your enamel tub is an antique or a modern vintage throwback, here’s how to get stains out of a bathtub and bring back that brilliant finish.
Never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool scrubbers on porcelain or enamel cast iron bathtubs.

• Spray down the tub with hot water.
• Pour white vinegar all over the tub.
• Let the vinegar work on the stains for 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle baking soda on any stains that are still visible.
• Use a soft sponge to scrub the stained area.
• Rinse the tub with hot water and check the stains.
• Switch to hydrogen peroxide if stains are still visible.
• Lay paper towels on the stains and soak them with hydrogen peroxide.
• Wait 20 minutes and remove the paper towels.
• Rinse the tub with hot water.

How to Clean Bathtub Stains Caused by Hard Water

The minerals in hard water build up over time, and while porcelain isn’t porous, it can still absorb some of the minerals and discolor. All you need to get the job done is a magic eraser, white vinegar, an old toothbrush, and a good dose of patience.

• Spray the bathtub stains with a half water/half vinegar solution.
• Let the vinegar sit for 20 minutes, then scrub the stains with a toothbrush.
• Retreat the hard water stains with vinegar and water and wait 20 minutes.
• Use a damp magic eraser to scrub any remaining stains using a swirling motion.
• Rinse the tub with hot water.

How to Clean a Bathtub With Rust Stains

Rust stains can ruin the look of a brilliant white enamel bathtub and can even expose your family to toxic lead. To get the lead out and bring back that sparkling shine, all you’ll need is a lemon, table salt, and a nylon scrub brush.

• Soak the rust stains with lemon juice.
• Pour enough salt on the stains to completely cover them.
• Scrub the stains with a nylon scrubber.
• Let the lemon juice and salt work on the rust for at least an hour.
• Repeat the process for stains that are still visible.
• Rinse the bathtub.

The best way to keep bathtub stains at bay is to make cleaning the tub with vinegar a regular bathroom cleaning routine. Mix up a bottle of half white vinegar and half water and keep it in the bathroom to spray down the tub each evening. Leave it overnight and just rinse it off before using the tub again.

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