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Having a clean bathtub helps keep your bathroom beautiful and free of mold and mildew. If you feel like your tub appears dull, it might need refinishing. It might also just need a thorough cleaning. Here are a few steps to try if you want to restore its original color and texture.

How to Clean Your Bathtub

1. Wipe Your Belongings

Before beginning, remove everything inside the tub, including shampoo bottles, soap, bath toys, and stoppers. These may have accumulated soap scum, mildew, and hair, so rinse them off before drying. Set them aside.

2. Unclog the Drain

Tubs sometimes get dirty because clogs cause water to move too slowly after a bath or shower. Dirt and soap linger for a prolonged period, leaving debris on the sides and floor of the tub.

To ensure this isn’t the source of your problem, make sure your drain is free from hair and other grime. Pour half a cup of baking soda first, then pour half a cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain. Finish with the same amount of hot water, which should wash down any residue.

3. Purge Soap Scum

A small brush or toothbrush will get rid of soap scum, especially in corners and around the drain.

Mix two parts of baking soda with one part of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Apply this mix to areas with caked-on soap scum and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing with clean water.

4. Tackle Tiles & Grout

refinishingGrout can look brown or yellowed when mildew sets in. A tile cleaner and sponge or brush should do the trick.

Start from the top of your bathtub and work your way down. After each application, rinse completely. You may also scrub with white vinegar and rinse with cold water to remove any mineral deposits. Make sure to wipe the tiles with a soft, dry cloth to prevent further mildew.

5. Create a Habit

The best way to avoid buildup is to rinse the tub after every use. This is particularly helpful for keeping mildew at bay.

Wipe down moisture and try to remove as much soap residue as you can after a bath or shower to keep the tub clean.


If your bathtub never seems to be completely clean, you may need refinishing to restore its original appeal. Serving St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding areas, Contemporary Refinishing will revive your bathroom fixtures and ceramic tiles with polishes. They also resurface and reseal counters, tubs, and sinks to prolong their lifespans. Learn more about what they do online or call (314) 520-0857 to schedule a refinishing appointment. 

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