How To Clean Old Stained Bathtub

Over time, bathtubs can accumulate unsightly stains from hard water, soap scum, and other minerals. Cleaning these stains can be a daunting task, but with the right methods and products, you can restore your bathtub to its original shine.

Before you begin cleaning, it's important to determine the type of stain you're dealing with. Hard water stains are caused by calcium and magnesium deposits, while soap scum is a combination of body oils and soap residue. Rust stains are caused by iron in the water, and mildew stains are caused by mold and bacteria.

Once you've identified the type of stain, you can choose the right cleaning method. Here are some tips for cleaning different types of stains:

Hard Water Stains

To remove hard water stains, you can use a commercial hard water stain remover or a homemade solution of white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the stain with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

Soap Scum

To remove soap scum, you can use a commercial soap scum remover or a homemade solution of baking soda and water. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the stain with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

Rust Stains

To remove rust stains, you can use a commercial rust remover or a homemade solution of lemon juice and salt. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the stain with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

Mildew Stains

To remove mildew stains, you can use a commercial mildew remover or a homemade solution of bleach and water. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the stain with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

Preventing Stains

Once you've cleaned your bathtub, there are a few things you can do to prevent stains from coming back. First, rinse your bathtub thoroughly after each use. This will help to remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that could cause stains. Second, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the bathtub after each use. This will help to prevent water spots from forming.