Cleaning bathtubs can be a pain - it would seem that bathtubs would stay clean since soap and water are used in them everyday. Unfortunately, dirt and soap scum make them grimy and a chore to clean. As with any job, the right tools are required to produce the desired results. A little preparation will save you time, energy, and make cleaning bathtubs very simple.

A good pair of gloves is necessary to protect your hands from harsh bathroom cleaners and damaging chemicals. The inexpensive yellow gloves you find in grocery and discount stores are fine for this purpose, although when used vigorously they may develop those annoying little holes and rips and will have to be replaced frequently. You could save money in the long run by purchasing a pair of heavy-duty gloves that will give your hands full protection from bathroom cleaning products and germs as well.

A good scrub brush will save you a lot of effort while cleaning your bathtub. Choose a scrub brush that will let you comfortably clean your bathtub without a lot of twisting and reaching. A brush that fits comfortably in your hand will mean less effort on your part and save time as well. Remember, while scrubbing the bathtub don't apply too much pressure. Let the bathtub cleaning products do the job they were designed to do. Over time, repeated vigorous scrubbing could scratch and damage the finish of your bathtub. Cleaning your bathtub should leave it shiny and clean, not filled with minute scratches and a dull finish.

Before you start, be sure to open a window or turn on your bathroom exhaust fan. Chemicals in bathroom cleaners can be dangerous, so plenty of fresh air is necessary to avoid breathing harmful fumes. You should clean the walls above the tub first to avoid dirt and germs from the bathtub walls being rinsed down into an already clean tub. Apply cleaner to the walls and let it sit for a few minutes. If you have tile walls around your bathtub, bathroom cleaners made especially for tile can be used to restore grout to its original color and remove the mildew that seems to thrive there. Gently scrub the entire surface of the walls and rinse.

Now, go on to the final step of cleaning bathtubs. Apply a good bathroom cleaner to the entire tub and around the edges. Scrub the edges first to remove any dirt or soap scum hiding in the corners. Look for a noticeable bathtub ring, which may need extra scrubbing or a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner. Gently scrub the entire bathtub, paying special attention to the drain. Drains tend to collect more dirt and germs than other areas of your bathtub. If your tub is acrylic or fiberglass, be sure to use a nonabrasive bathroom cleaner to protect the finish. Rinse the entire bathtub until all dirt and residue are completely gone.

With a few protective measures and the right tools, cleaning bathtubs does not have to be a dismal chore. The use of the proper type of bathroom cleaner will make the job quick and painless. There are also cleaners that can be applied each time you use your bathtub to help keep it sparking clean between scrubbings. Nothing feels better than stepping into a clean, shiny bathtub. Protect, organize, and use specially formulated bathroom cleaners to make your tub beautiful and inviting. And that's really all there is to cleaning bathtubs…

Bathtub Cleaning Resources

Antibacterial Soft Scrub
Soft Scrub is an effective bathtub cleaner.