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How Often You Should Clean Your Bathtub
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
Updated: September 10, 2025
Discover the ideal frequency to clean your bathtub for a sparkling, hygienic bathroom and lasting tub care.
How Often You Should Clean Your Bathtub
How Often You Should Clean Your Bathtub
Weekly Cleaning for Routine Maintenance: Most experts agree that cleaning your bathtub once a week is ideal for everyday use. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of soap scum, body oils, and mildew, which can damage surfaces and become tougher to remove if left unchecked.
Daily Rinse to Minimize Build-Up: Even if you’re cleaning less than weekly, giving your tub a quick rinse or wipe-down after each use can significantly reduce residue. This “post-shower rinse” strategy minimizes the accumulation of dirt and mineral deposits, making your weekly cleaning less taxing.
Usage-Dependent Frequency: The cleaning frequency can vary based on usage patterns. If your household is busy or if you share your bathroom with multiple people, consider cleaning more frequently. More frequent use means more deposits and potential mold growth, so adapting your schedule helps maintain the tub’s condition.
Hard Water Factor: If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits like limescale can develop quickly. In these cases, weekly cleaning is crucial, as the buildup can start almost immediately after drying and become more stubborn as time passes.
Preventative Maintenance Saves Time: Regular cleaning prevents the deeper stains and tougher residues that would require intensive scrubbing later on. By sticking to a weekly routine, you end up spending less time overall on cleaning, making it a more sustainable habit.
Consequences of Skipping Bathtub Cleaning
Consequences of Skipping Bathtub Cleaning
Soap Scum Buildup: When you skip cleaning, soap scum (that cloudy, filmy residue left behind by soap and hard water) starts to layer up. Over time, this can make your tub look dull and feel grimy, and it’s much harder to remove once it’s set in.
Stubborn Stains: Bathtubs are magnets for stains from bath products, hard water, and even body oils. If you don’t clean regularly, these stains can become permanent, making your tub look old and neglected no matter how much you scrub later.
Unpleasant Odors: All that gunk—soap scum, body oils, and hair—can start to smell if left unchecked. A dirty tub can quickly turn your bathroom from a relaxing retreat into a place you want to avoid.
Slippery Surfaces: Soap scum and body oils don’t just look bad—they’re also slippery. Skipping cleaning increases the risk of slips and falls, especially if you have kids or anyone with mobility issues in your home.
Mold and Mildew Growth: Bathtubs are naturally damp, making them a prime spot for mold and mildew. These fungi thrive in moist, unclean environments and can leave unsightly black or pink spots. Mold and mildew can also cause musty odors and are notoriously tough to remove once they take hold.
Grout and Caulk Damage: If your tub is surrounded by tile, neglecting cleaning can lead to mold and mildew creeping into grout and caulk lines. Over time, this can break down these materials, leading to cracks, leaks, and expensive repairs.
More Elbow Grease Later: The longer you wait, the harder you’ll have to work. Dirt, grime, and buildup don’t just disappear—they get tougher and more stubborn, turning a quick wipe-down into a full-on scrubbing session.
Uninviting Appearance: Let’s be honest—nobody wants to soak in a tub that looks dirty. Skipping cleaning can make your bathroom feel less like a spa and more like a chore, which means you’re less likely to enjoy your space.
Sprinkle baking soda over the bathtub surface, then spray with white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes, scrub with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly. This combination lifts grime and removes stains naturally.
Limited Cleaning Power
Baking soda and vinegar may not effectively remove tough stains, soap scum, or grime from bathtubs. Their chemical reaction is mild, offering limited cleaning power compared to stronger commercial cleaners.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Cream of Tartar
Mix hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar to form a paste. Apply the paste to stained areas of the bathtub and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Scrub gently with a sponge, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. This method helps lift tough stains and brightens the surface naturally.
Stubborn Stain Residue
Hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar may not fully dissolve or lift stubborn stain residue, especially if the stain is old, deeply set, or caused by hard water or rust, leaving visible marks even after cleaning.
Lemon Juice and Salt
Sprinkle salt over the bathtub surface, then squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the salted areas. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, scrub with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly. This natural method helps remove stains and soap scum while leaving your bathtub fresh and clean.
Surface Damage Risk
Lemon juice and salt are acidic and abrasive, which can scratch or erode bathtub surfaces, especially on enamel or acrylic tubs, leading to dullness, discoloration, or permanent surface damage if used frequently or with excessive scrubbing.
Mix borax and water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the bathtub surface, gently scrub with a sponge, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water for a clean, stain-free tub.
Ineffective Mold Removal
Borax and water paste may not fully penetrate porous surfaces or remove deep-rooted mold in bathtubs, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential mold regrowth. This method is often ineffective for stubborn or extensive mold infestations.
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