A hot bath at the end of any day is enjoyable, until it starts becoming grimy from soap scum and has a few visible stains. Use our cleaning guide to get your bathtub looking as bright and sparkling as before. Whether you have an acrylic finish or a copper finish, we’ve curated steps that work for all surfaces.
How to clean every type of bath
Cleaning your bath can seem like a tedious task, but when done regularly, it shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes. Without the regular twice-a-week clean, your bath is more susceptible to soap scum buildup, hard water deposits, mildew, and stubborn stains (from leaking taps or bath-time accessories). Professional cleaners additionally recommend that you deep-clean your bath at least once a month (with daily use) or every other month (with inconsistent use) to ensure that stains and mildew don’t develop or spread.
When you start cleaning, always ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated, no matter whether you’re using commercial or DIY cleaning products. The ventilation not only dilutes the cleaning fumes, but the fresh air also helps to remove musty odours and dust.
You can use your go-to commercial cleaning product to clean your bath, but most professionals recommend a natural cleaner instead. Commercial cleaners might include harsh chemicals (like bleach or rough abrasives) that can strip your bath of its shine and lead to unwanted stains.
What you’ll need to clean any bath:
- Water
- A small bowl
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Liquid dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft-bristled brush
1. How to clean an acrylic & porcelain bath
- In a small bowl, mix equal parts bicarbonate of soda and water, adding a drop of dish soap. Combine well until a paste forms.
- Wet the bathtub with water.
- Apply the paste to the bathtub with a damp microfibre cloth or soft-brisled brush. Gently rub the paste in circular motions.
- Leave to sit for 15 minutes.
- Dampen a microfibre cloth with hot water and wipe down the bath.
- Rinse with warm water to remove any remaining residue.
2. How to clean a fibreglass bath
- In a spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water.
- Wet the bath with warm water.
- Spray the bath with the mixture and then sprinkle an even layer of bicarbonate of soda on the surface.
- Leave this to bubble and soak for 10 minutes.
- Use a microfibre cloth (avoid any brushes as they are too harsh) to gently scrub the mixture in circular motions over the surface or until clean.
- Rinse with warm water, ensuring all residue has been removed.
3. How to clean a stone resin & copper bath
Avoid any acidic cleaners when cleaning stone resin baths. The acidity can corrode the finish, resulting in a dull surface.
- In a bowl or spray bottle, mix about a cup or so of warm water with two drops of dish soap.
- Wet the bath with warm water.
- Spray the soapy water mixture onto the surface and scrub it using a damp microfibre cloth. Alternatively, dip the cloth into the bowl of soapy water and scrub.
- Rinse the bath with warm water, ensuring all residue is removed.
- Dry thoroughly (to avoid water marks and stains) with a dry microfibre cloth.
- If needs be, use a bath wax to buff and shine the bathtub.
Tips for bath maintenance
- Avoid harsh chemicals (like bleach) and abrasive tools (like steel wool or hard brushes) – these will strip the surface layer and may lead to more stains, scratches, and other damages
- Rinse out the bath and do a quick wipe down after every use to prevent soap scum and mildew
- Treat stains proactively
- A mild all-purpose cleaner is great to spray on and wipe baths down with in between deep cleans
- Keep your bathroom exhaust fan on or windows and doors open to help air out and dry the bath to prevent mould and mildew from developing
- Avoid storing any metal accessories on the rim of the bath that aren’t non-corrosive or rust-proof – constant contact with water will lead to stubborn rust stains
