How to Clean a Bathtub So It’s White and Gleaming Again

A bathtub should be a relaxing haven, but over time soap scum, hard-water limescale, and everyday use can leave it dull, yellowish, and—let’s be honest—unappealing. Suddenly that soothing bath doesn’t look so tempting. If you’re wondering how to clean a bathtub to bring back its original white finish, you’re in the right place. You don’t need pricey products or hours of scrubbing.

With a few basic ingredients and the right technique, you can remove grime, limescale, and stains—leaving your bathtub disinfected and shining like day one.

Why Do Bathtubs Get Dirty and Yellow?

Understanding the enemy is the first step to beating it. Main culprits include:

• Soap Scum: Soap, gels, oils, and dead skin cells form a sticky film that adheres to surfaces.
• Hard Water (Limescale): Minerals like calcium and magnesium deposit on the surface, creating white spots or scale.
• Yellow Staining: Often due to limescale and soap build-up oxidizing over time—or rust if pipes are old.
• Mold: Corners and seams are a paradise for mold thanks to constant moisture.

The Go-To Home Method: Baking Soda + Vinegar

This combo is the star of general cleaning—budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and highly effective at disinfecting and descaling.

Deep-Clean Steps

1. Initial Rinse: Wet the entire tub with hot water using the shower. This helps baking soda adhere.
2. Sprinkle Baking Soda: With the tub damp, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the walls and base. It acts as a gentle abrasive cleanser.
3. Spray with Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with white cleaning vinegar and mist over the baking soda. It will fizz—this reaction lifts grime and limescale. Let sit for 15–20 minutes.
4. Scrub & Rinse: Using a sponge or soft brush (to avoid scratching enamel), scrub all surfaces, focusing on the worst areas. Finish with a thorough rinse.

Targeted Solutions for Specific Problems

Whitening a Yellowed Bathtub

If the tub still looks yellow after the basic clean, use a stronger whitening treatment:

• Option 1: Hydrogen Peroxide. Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Apply on stains, let sit for one hour, then scrub and rinse.
• Option 2: Sodium Percarbonate. Dissolve 2–3 tablespoons in a basin with very hot water. Pour around the tub, wetting the walls. Let sit until cool, then rinse.

Removing Limescale and Mold

• Limescale: Soak paper towels with white vinegar and press them onto the deposits. Leave for at least an hour, then remove and scrub.
• Mold: Undiluted vinegar is an excellent fungicide. Spray directly onto moldy seams, let sit 30 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush.

Maintenance: The Secret to a Forever-Clean Tub

The best clean is the one you rarely need to do. These quick habits keep your tub spotless longer:

• Always Rinse: After every use, give the tub a quick rinse with the shower to remove soap residue.
• Dry It: Wipe with a microfiber towel after bathing to prevent new limescale.
• Ventilate: Open a window or run the extractor fan after showers to reduce humidity and prevent mold.

Good maintenance applies across the home. Just as you care for your bathtub, it’s essential to know how to clean your washing machine inside so your clothes always come out perfectly.

Bathtub Cleaning: Frequently Asked Questions

With these simple tricks, your bathtub will be that spotless, relaxing space you deserve. Give these methods a try and enjoy the results!