Bathrooms can be challenging to keep looking their best, especially with soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew commonly building up in showers and tubs. High-traffic areas deserve regular care to maintain a clean, inviting, and healthy space. By using natural, gentle products like baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap, you can keep your bathroom surfaces gleaming without relying on harsh chemicals.
Let’s explore a step-by-step guide for keeping your bathtub and shower fresh and tips for making upkeep simple.
Bathtub and Shower cleaning tips
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Having your cleaning essentials ready at the start makes the process faster and more organized. Here’s what you’ll need for a thorough yet gentle clean:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Scrubbing brush or sponge
- Microfiber cloth or squeegee
- An old toothbrush (for tight areas)
- Gloves to protect your skin
With these common household items, you’re all set to tackle tough grime and stains effectively.
Step 2: Clear Out the Shower or Tub Area
To clean thoroughly, it’s best to clear the area of all personal items like soaps, shampoos, and other toiletries. This will give you more space to work and ensure that you can easily reach all surfaces that need cleaning.
Step 3: Ventilate the Space
Even natural cleaning products work best in a well-ventilated area. Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan to allow any odors to dissipate and help the area dry more quickly once you’re finished.
Step 4: Tackle Grime with Baking Soda and Vinegar
A baking soda and vinegar mix is perfect for breaking down soap scum and grime. Here’s how to use it:
- Dust with Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the tub and shower surfaces.
- Spritz with Vinegar: Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it over the baking soda, which will fizz and bubble as it starts to break down grime.
- Allow to Sit: Leave this combination on for 10–15 minutes to lift stubborn buildup.
Step 5: Scrub with a Dish Soap Solution
Dish soap works wonders to dissolve any remaining residue and grease.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture generously onto all surfaces, paying extra attention to areas prone to soap scum.
- Use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub in circles, focusing on the tub bottom, sides, and corners.
- For grout lines or hard-to-reach places, use an old toothbrush to scrub gently.
Step 6: Rinse Everything Clean
After scrubbing, it’s important to rinse thoroughly. Use warm water to wash away the cleaning solutions and any grime that has lifted. If you have a detachable showerhead, rinse the entire area, or use a container to pour water over the surfaces.
Step 7: Polish Fixtures
Metal fixtures often collect water spots and limescale over time. To keep them shiny, give them a quick polish:
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with a bit of vinegar and wipe down metal parts, like the faucet and handles.
- To clean the showerhead, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, place it around the showerhead, and secure it with a rubber band. Let it soak for 30–60 minutes to loosen mineral deposits.
- Once finished, run the water briefly to flush out any vinegar inside.
Step 8: Remove Tough Stains
For areas with particularly tough stains, a baking soda paste works well:
- Combine baking soda with a little water to create a thick paste.
- Spread this paste over stained areas and leave it on for 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub with a sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
This gentle method helps remove stains effectively without scratching surfaces.
Step 9: Dry Surfaces to Prevent Water Spots
Once cleaned, use a microfiber cloth or squeegee to dry all surfaces. This prevents water spots and reduces the likelihood of mold growth by keeping the area dry.
Step 10: Routine Care to Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your bathroom clean becomes much easier with a few consistent habits:
- Squeegee or Wipe After Each Use: Remove water from walls and glass doors after every shower to minimize water spots and buildup.
- Quick Weekly Clean: A simple wipe-down once a week helps keep surfaces clean and reduces the need for deep cleaning.
- Use a Drain Cover: Placing a cover over the drain traps hair and debris, reducing clogging and buildup over time.
These easy maintenance tips make it simpler to keep your bathroom fresh and reduce deep cleaning sessions.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your bathtub and shower doesn’t have to be time-consuming or require harsh cleaners. With everyday products and a few regular upkeep steps, you can enjoy a spotless and pleasant bathroom year-round. Try out these tips to keep your tub and shower clean, welcoming, and always ready for a relaxing bath or refreshing shower!