How to Make a Bathtub White Again

Yellow and dull bathtubs can quickly take an otherwise clean and bright bathroom and make it feel drab and dated. However, not all hope is lost! Most of the time, a discolored bathtub can be whitened through effective cleaning methods. 

After reading this blog post, you will have a better understanding of the common reasons for bathtub discoloration and how to tackle those stains with the correct cleaning tools and products. Let’s dive in!

Common Causes of Bathtub Discoloration

If your family is regularly using a bathtub, stains and discoloration will inevitably occur. However, understanding the common causes of those stains can help you prevent or quickly address them. 

Cause #1: Hard Water Stains

Many areas of the country face household issues caused by naturally hard water - even including bathtub stains. The mineral content of hard water can cause yellow-colored stains on your tub’s enamel or acrylic surface. While we will cover how to clean stains caused by hard water, you may also want to look into total-home solutions like water softeners or household filters to prevent them. 

Cause #2: Soap Scum Buildup

If your bathtub is not getting regular scrubs, soap scum will quickly build up, leading to a dull bathtub surface or lines in the interior of the tub. The amount of soap scum built up in your bathtub can largely be determined by the type of products being used in it. For example, the dyes in bath bombs can be a major cause of soap scum rings. 

Cause #3: Mildew and Mold

Most bathrooms inherently have moisture issues. Coupled with poor ventilation and a lack of consistent cleaning, mildew and mold can quickly spread, causing stains and discoloration in your bathtub. Cleaning mildew and mold is tricky because if you don’t address the root cause, it’s likely to come back or spread - even with cleaning. 

Now that you have a better understanding of the common causes of bathtub discoloration, let’s talk about the different types of bathtub surfaces and how to work with them. 

Acrylic Bathtubs

While acrylic bathtubs are incredibly common, they’re also a more delicate surface, so you’ll need to be careful with how you clean them. The most important thing is to avoid scratching them with abrasive cleaners, scrub brushes, or rough sponges. 

Instead, let your cleaner sit longer and do the hard work for you. If it’s a new cleaning solution, spot-test it on an inconspicuous area. 

Enamel Bathtubs

Most commonly found as claw-foot tubs, enamel bathtubs have a metallic sound when hit. Their enamel coating (hence the name) should not be cleaned with acidic chemicals like vinegar or bleach. 

Similar to acrylic, enamel can also be easily scratched, so again, avoid scrub brushes or rough sponges and instead allow your cleaning agent to sit. 

Essential Tools and Supplies

While the most effective tool for tackling bathtub stains and discoloration is a little elbow grease, at the minimum, you will also need your: 

• Bathroom cleaning solution 
• Microfiber cloths
• Soft bathroom sponge

Because there are multiple causes (or a combination of causes) of bathtub discoloration you will find that there is no one-size-fits-all cleaning solution to tackling bathtub stains. Instead, plan on some trial and error. 

Common bathtub stain cleaning products include: 

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Dish soap
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Mildew or mold solutions

No matter which cleaning solution you use, you can follow this standard cleaning checklist: 

Step-By-Step to Making Your Bathtub White Again

Step #1: Remove Your Bathtub Accessories

Whether it’s the kids’ toys or the tub jets, make sure you’re removing any accessories that can get in the way of your cleaning. 

Step #2: Start Cleaning

Take your choice of cleaning solution and apply it to your bathtub (after a spot test, of course). The severity of the stain will dictate how long the solution should sit. The more aggressive the discoloration, the longer you should leave your cleaner. A good rule of thumb is anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. 

Step #3: Work the Cleaner In

Once the cleaning solution has sat long enough to do its job, take your sponge or microfiber cloth and scrub it away. This step is the most satisfying!

Step #4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse away the leftover cleaning solution and dry the tub for a spot-free shine!

While you’re always going to have to clean your bathtub, regular cleaning and preventative measures like using a squeegee and ventilation can help ensure you don’t have to do any deep cleans to tackle intense discoloration and staining. 

However, if it does happen again, you can always contact the pros at Cleandae to take care of it for you. Contact us today to schedule your one-time or regular cleaning service!