How to Remove Stains from Bathtub

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Hard-to-remove stains in the bathtub are typically caused by minerals left behind by hard water. Stains vary in color depending upon what is in your water. Whatever the cause of the stain, here’s how to remove it.

Also check: 7 Effective Ways How to Clean Toilet Bowl Stains

Table of Contents

How to Remove Stains [Step by Step]

What You’ll Need:

Baking soda
Dry abrasive cleaner
Hydrogen peroxide
White vinegar
Spray bottle
Eraser/melamine sponge
Sponge

Identify the stain

There are two factors that affect the removal of stains from a tub: the type of mineral causing the stain and the material of the tub.

Bathtub surfaces made of porcelain are the most popular and more forgiving. To remove porcelain stains from a bathtub, you can use any of the methods described below.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners for acrylic tubs since they can damage the surface.

Common stain colors caused by:

Iron = redding-brown
Sulfur bacteria = black
Low pH/acidic water = rust-colored and blue-green stains
Accumulation of human oils = yellow

You may want to check: Why is My Toilet Water Yellow? (And How to Remove It)

For yellow stain

Step 1. Use vinegar

You don’t need a bunch of cleaning products to clean your bathtub. Vinegar can be used to get rid of yellow stains and soap scum. On the delicate surface of an acrylic bathtub, this is the preferred stain remover.

Step 2. Fill in a spray bottle

Pour vinegar into a spray bottle. Spritz vinegar liberally onto the stained area. Let the stain sit for 20 minutes, then wipe it away with a sponge. Use warm water to rinse.

For red and black stains

Step 1: Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

The brightening ability of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can help you remove tough red or black stains.

This method should not be used on an acrylic tub. The surface may be scratched.

Create a paste by mixing two parts of baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2: Apply the paste to the stain

Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Use a sponge or nylon brush to scrub away the stain. Rinse the tub well with water that is warm and clean.