Bathtub Stains Won't Come Out? Here's How to Get Rid of Them

Bathtubs are a common household fixture, but they can also be a breeding ground for stains. These stains can be unsightly and difficult to remove, but with the right cleaning techniques, you can get your bathtub looking spotless again.

Causes of Bathtub Stains

There are many different things that can cause bathtub stains, including:

Hard water minerals: Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up on the surface of your bathtub, creating a white or yellow film.
Soap scum: Soap scum is a combination of soap, body oils, and dead skin cells. It can build up on the surface of your bathtub, creating a slippery, slimy film.
Rust: Rust stains can occur if there is a build-up of iron in your water. Iron can come from old pipes or from the minerals in your water.
Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew can thrive in the warm, humid environment of a bathroom. They can cause black, green, or pink stains on your bathtub.
Hair dye: Hair dye can stain your bathtub if it is not rinsed off properly.
Berry juice: Berry juice can stain your bathtub if it is not cleaned up immediately.

How to Remove Bathtub Stains

The best way to remove bathtub stains depends on the type of stain. Here are some tips for removing common bathtub stains:

Hard Water Stains

White vinegar: White vinegar is a natural acid that can dissolve hard water stains. To use white vinegar to remove hard water stains, pour a cup of vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the stains. Let the vinegar sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub the stains with a sponge. Rinse the bathtub with water and dry it with a towel.
Commercial hard water stain remover: You can also use a commercial hard water stain remover to remove hard water stains. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

Soap Scum

Baking soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help to remove soap scum. To use baking soda to remove soap scum, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the stains and scrub them with a sponge. Rinse the bathtub with water and dry it with a towel.
Commercial soap scum remover: You can also use a commercial soap scum remover to remove soap scum. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

Rust Stains

White vinegar and baking soda: A mixture of white vinegar and baking soda can help to remove rust stains. To use this method, mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the stains and scrub them with a sponge. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse the bathtub with water and dry it with a towel.
Commercial rust stain remover: You can also use a commercial rust stain remover to remove rust stains. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

Mold and Mildew Stains

Bleach: Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold and mildew. To use bleach to remove mold and mildew stains, mix one part bleach with 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the stains and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub the stains with a sponge, then rinse the bathtub with water and dry it with a towel.
Commercial mold and mildew stain remover: You can also use a commercial mold and mildew stain remover to remove mold and mildew stains. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

Hair Dye Stains

Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can help to remove hair dye stains. To use rubbing alcohol to remove hair dye stains, apply the alcohol to a cotton ball and rub it on the stains. Rinse the bathtub with water and dry it with a towel.
Commercial hair dye stain remover: You can also use a commercial hair dye stain remover to remove hair dye stains. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

Berry Juice Stains

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide: A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can help to remove berry juice stains. To use this method, mix equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the stains and scrub them with a sponge. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse the bathtub with water and dry it with a towel.
Commercial berry juice stain remover: You can also use a commercial berry juice stain remover to remove berry juice stains. Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

Preventing Bathtub Stains

The best way to prevent bathtub stains is to clean your bathtub regularly. Here are some tips for preventing bathtub stains:

Rinse your bathtub after each use. This will help to remove soap scum and other residues that can cause stains.
Clean your bathtub weekly with a mild detergent and a sponge. This will help to remove stains and keep your bathtub looking its best.
Use a commercial bathtub stain preventer. These products can help to prevent stains from forming in the first place.

By following these tips, you can keep your bathtub looking spotless and stain-free.