How to Clean Bathtub
What You'll Need
- 2 tbsp
- 1/2 cup
- Spray bottle
- Spray bottle
- 1
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Run warm water to rinse the tub surface. This softens any buildup and makes the cleaning solution more effective.
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire tub surface. For acrylic and fiberglass tubs, baking soda is the safest scrubbing agent available. For porcelain, you can use slightly more pressure.
Squirt dish soap over the baking soda. Using a damp sponge, scrub the entire surface in circular motions. The combination of baking soda (mild abrasive) and dish soap (degreaser) handles soap scum and body oil simultaneously.
For rust stains: apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, let sit 15 minutes, scrub. For yellowing: spray hydrogen peroxide, let sit 10 minutes, scrub. For hard water rings: spray vinegar, let sit 15 minutes, scrub.
Pull out the drain stopper or cover. Remove any hair. Sprinkle baking soda into the drain, follow with vinegar. Let fizz 5 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Rinse the entire tub with clean water. Wipe dry with an old towel. Drying prevents new water spots from forming.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners on acrylic or fiberglass tubs (permanent scratches)
- Do not use bleach on colored or older tubs (can discolor the finish)
- Do not use vinegar on natural stone tubs (marble, travertine)
- Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners
- After every bath, do a quick rinse of the tub walls. This 30-second habit prevents soap scum from hardening.
- For jetted/whirlpool tubs: fill the tub above the jets, add 2 tablespoons of dish soap and 1 cup vinegar, run the jets for 15 minutes, drain, refill with clean water, run jets 5 minutes, drain.
- Yellowed caulk around the tub usually means mold behind the caulk. See our mold removal guide for caulk replacement steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yellowing in bathtubs is usually caused by hard water minerals, body oils, or aging of the tub finish. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide on the yellow areas and let sit 15-30 minutes. Scrub with baking soda. For persistent yellowing, a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide left on for 30 minutes is highly effective.
Fiberglass scratches easily. Use only baking soda as your abrasive (never scouring powder or Magic Erasers). Clean with dish soap and a soft sponge. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and dish soap, apply, wait 15 minutes, then scrub gently.
Sources & Methodology
Bathtub cleaning methods differ by material. Baking soda (Mohs hardness 2.5) is safe on all common tub materials. Hydrogen peroxide provides oxidative bleaching for organic stains without damaging finishes.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026