Cleaning the bathroom can be a daunting task, and by the time to get around to scrubbing the bathtub, you might be looking for a faster alternative. So, after doing a bit of browsing for easy bathtub cleaning hacks, you come across a suggestion to use toilet bowl cleaner. While it seems legit, is it actually a good idea to use toilet bowl cleaner in your bathtub?
Although toilet bowl cleaner will undoubtedly clean your bathtub, it isn’t the best option for scrubbing your bathtub. In fact, it can leave behind a residue that irritates your skin and deteriorates your bathtub. However, before you decide to skip cleaning your bathtub, continue reading for a few tips and tricks (and why you shouldn’t use toilet bowl cleaner on your bathtub).
Can I Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner To Clean A Bathtub?
Toilet bowl cleaner is strong stuff – it tackles the nasty stains and buildup lingering in the toilet bowl with ease. You simply need to pour it into the bowl, scrub it a bit, and let it work its magic. Then, tada! You have a clean toilet.
So, can you take that cleaning prowess to your bathtub? After all, who wants to take a relaxing soak in a gross, dirty bathtub? Not us! But before you reach for toilet bowl cleaner to scrub your bathtub, think again.
Although toilet bowl cleaners will get the job done, they can do more harm than good. The problem with these cleaners falls to their active ingredients, which are hard on your bathtub (not to mention your skin!). They usually contain toxic ingredients such as sodium hypochlorite, bleach, hydrochloric acid, or benzene sulfonic acid, all of which are powerful cleaning agents.
However, while they easily tackle stains, they can wreak havoc on your bathtub and harm your skin. If you continually use these cleaners to scrub your bathtub, you might notice changes in the coloring or texture of the tub as the cleaners begin to damage its surface.
On top of that, you might notice skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other related issues. This happens when residue lingers on the tub’s surface, causing it to come into contact with your skin when you shower or bathe. Even though you thoroughly rinse the tub, these cleaners can leave a residue that builds up on the surface.
What Is The Best Cleaner To Clean Your Bathtub With?
There are dozens of cleaners designed for use on bathtubs, so it’s best to steer clear of toilet bowl cleaners altogether (for bathtub cleaning purposes). You can find all sorts of cleaners, including those designed to tackle stains or hard water deposits. There are all-purpose cleaners, bleach-based cleaners, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners, and so on, so you have plenty to choose from.
A few popular and highly-rated bathtub cleaners include:
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Foaming Bath Scrubber – Great for general cleaning
- Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover – Perfect for cutting through mold and mildew stains
- CLR Pro Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover – Ideal for tackling discoloration from calcium and rust
- Bon Ami Powder Cleanser – Solid natural bathtub cleaner
Of course, you can always opt for a homemade cleaner, too! The following cleaner options are perfect for tackling tough stains without running to the store for the help of a chemical cleaner:
Spray Cleaner
This bathtub spray cleaner recipe is perfect for quick and easy cleaning without having to pull out your cleaning bucket every time you wipe down the tub. Simply store a bottle of it in the cabinet beneath your sink, then spray down the tub as needed.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup liquid soap
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- Scrubber
Simply mix the ingredients together in your spray bottle, then shake it to combine. Spray the cleaner liberally on the surface of your bathtub, then scrub with a scrub pad or brush. Rinse the surface with clean water.
Tile Cleaner
If your bathtub is lined with tiles, use this cleaner as an alternative to the toxic-smelling store-bought cleaners. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cleaning bucket
- Scrubber
- ½ cup dishwashing detergent (like Dawn dish soap)
- ½ cup white vinegar, heated
Warm up your vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, then add it to a small cleaning bucket. Add half a cup of dish soap to the vinegar, then mix it to combine. Pour it into your bathtub or shower, giving it a few minutes to work. Next, use a scrubber to lift the gunk on and between the tiles on the grout.
Rinse the residue with clean water.
Hard Water Stain Remover
Hard water stains can be tricky to remove, especially with regular cleaners. So, you’ll need to employ the cleaning power of vinegar (or a store-bought calcium/lime remover) to tackle these deposits. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup hot water
Pour the water and vinegar into your spray bottle, using a funnel if necessary. Shake the mixture to combine, then spray a liberal amount onto the offending areas. Give the mixture a few minutes to work, then rinse the area with clean water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Clean Your Bathtub?
It’s best to keep your bathtub on a routine cleaning schedule. For most folks, cleaning the tub once every two weeks will suffice, although more frequent cleaning may be necessary for busy homes or if you bathe regularly. Since your bathtub is likely within close range of the toilet, it’s best to disinfect it at least once every two weeks.
If you have the time, it doesn’t hurt to wipe down your bathtub weekly, but deep cleans are usually only necessary once each month. If you don’t clean your bathtub regularly, soap scum and gunk might begin to build up, so it’s best to clean at least once every two weeks.