What not to clean a bathtub with?

Author: Dr. Justus Willms DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, March 16, 2025

It's important that you do not clean an acrylic bathtub or a fiberglass bathtub with abrasive cleaners, as these can cause irreversible damage to these types of finishes. Since bathtubs are awkwardly shaped, they can be kind of a challenge to clean, so let your cleaning product do most of the work.

What not to use to clean a bathtub?

Don't Use These to Clean Your Bathtub
  1. 1 – Borax. Avoid using these natural cleaning agents on your tub to avoid damaging it. ...
  2. 2 – Baking Soda. ...
  3. 3 – Ammonia. ...
  4. 4 – Vinegar. ...
  5. 5 – Pumice Stones.

What is the best thing to use to clean a bathtub?

Sprinkle baking soda on all tub surfaces. For extra-dirty tubs, use tub-and-tile cleaner instead. Fill your bucket with a half-gallon of hot water and two tablespoons of dish soap. Dip a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush into the bucket, and scrub all bathtub surfaces.

Can vinegar damage a bathtub?

Use mild cleaning products: When you do clean your bathtub, use mild, non-abrasive cleaning products to avoid damaging the surface. Baking soda and white vinegar are effective and safe options. Avoid abrasive scrubbing: Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the tub's finish.

Does bleach damage a bathtub?

Bleach is safe for many bath and shower surfaces

Do not use on aluminum, chipped or cracked enamel, copper, brass, silver or unsealed wood, marble, tile or granite. Always read and follow label instructions.

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Can I use Clorox wipes on an acrylic tub?

Many acrylic tub manufacturers warn against using bleach or other abrasive cleaners as this “may void the warranty” on your bathtub. This is a fair point, and certainly something to consider when trying to protect your investment.

Will soft scrub scratch my tub?

For example, AJAX, Comet, Soft Scrub, Scrubbing Bubbles, Tilex, are very damaging to any new or refinished bathtub.

Is Dawn good for cleaning bathtubs?

The toughest jobs call for even tougher cleaning products: disinfecting cleaners, vinegar, sometimes even bleach. But if have persistent stains and want to remove the soap scum, add one more product to your cleaning caddy: Dawn dish soap.

What happens if you put white vinegar in your bath water?

Vinegar soaks can help with various skin conditions such as dryness, itchiness, and minor irritations. The acetic acid in vinegar has antimicrobial properties that may aid in reducing bacteria on the skin's surface.

Why did bleach stain my bathtub yellow?

Ever notice a yellow tint in your tub? Using bleach or bleach-based products to clean your bathtub will denature the finish and leave a yellow hue to the gloss. This is especially important to remember for refinished surfaces.

Can I use Windex on my bathtub?

Windex can be used to clean bathtubs on a regular basis. Simply spray the solution on, and use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe down and scrub the tub, then rinse.

Is CLR safe for bathtubs?

Multi-surface cleaner that has a powerful foam spray formulated to quickly cut through dirt, calcium, lime, hard water deposits and soap scum. Use on most bathroom surfaces including: porcelain, ceramic tile, shower doors, sinks, bathtubs, white grout and caulk, toilet bowls, and fiberglass.

What do baking soda and vinegar do?

Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!

What not to clean a shower with?

Definitely avoid using harsh acids, vinegar or bleach, and also avoid abrasives as they can cause scratches. To remove limescale, you can use a citric acid-based product. After cleaning, rinse the shower tray with cold water.

What is the best homemade bathtub cleaner?

Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into squirt bottle. Add the Dawn soap. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate. You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything.

What is best for cleaning a bathtub?

The best way to clean a tub is with baking soda, vinegar, dish soap or a disinfecting solution. Spread baking soda on the tub. Then spray a solution with one part vinegar, one part water, and dish soap or disinfecting solution.

What does baking soda and vinegar do in bath?

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda Bath

Just like baking soda, apple cider vinegar (ACV) can potentially soothe irritated skin and battle itching. By using these two ingredients together, you can maximize the effect of your bath. To make a soothing bath, mix ½ cup of baking soda and ½ a cup of ACV powder.

What to put in your bath water for yeast infection?

Thyme and rosemary. A thyme and rosemary sitz bath is rich in antifungal substances, like thymol, carvacrol and camphor. These act by blocking the multiplication of fungal cells, especially Candida albicans cells, which help to reduce discomfort and inflammation in the genital region.

Why squirt Dawn in bathtub at night if alone?

Time to Rest: Allow the dish soap to work its magic overnight. As you sleep, the solution will begin to dissolve and loosen the grime, preparing your bathtub for a radiant reveal. Rinse and Squeegee: In the morning, turn on the water and rinse the bath thoroughly.

How long to let Dawn and vinegar sit?

Apply liberally, let sit for 10 minutes, scrub with a sponge, and rinse with a damp cloth. Spray directly on soap scum, wait 10 minutes, scrub with a brush, and rinse off. Soak a cloth in the solution, wrap around the fixture for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Will Magic Eraser scratch my tub?

Clean Magic Eraser Bath is safe to use on acrylic tubs, but definitely skip the bleach. If you're going to use a ready-made cleaner on your acrylic tub, carefully read the label to make sure it won't damage the tub's surface.

How can I deep clean my bathtub without scrubbing?

Fill the bathtub with hot water, ensuring that the stained areas are submerged. Add a generous amount of dish soap or liquid detergent to the water. Allow the bathtub to soak for at least 30 minutes or longer for stubborn stains. Drain the water and use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away loosened grime.

Can you use fabuloso to clean the bathtub?

What can I use Fabuloso® Multipurpose Cleaner 2X Concentrated Formula on? Use Fabuloso® 2X Concentrated Formula on sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, floors, sealed wood surfaces, appliances, counters, windows, mirrors, walls, doorknobs and furniture.

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