How to Remove Stains From Bathtubs

When you’ve had a bathtub for a while - or perhaps have just moved into an older home - you might find that the bathtub starts to stain over the years. Bathtubs are prone to getting yellowish stains on them as well as flecks of green or black stains too.

Updated February 21, 2023

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Bathroom Cleaning

We often get asked at Cleanipedia if this is normal, and the answer is yes! Then we get asked, how to clean bathtub stains? We’ve put together a little how-to guide to bathtub cleaning that will have any bathtub looking almost brand new once you’re done. Here’s how:

Why Does My Bathtub Have Yellow Stains?

Yellow stains in a bathtub are very normal and are usually caused as a result of a variety of factors;

Hard water and tannins in the water can cause yellow stains
A buildup of oil from bath oils and other products
Too much iron in the water

How Do You Clean a Badly Stained Bathtub?

For general, everyday stains, we recommend using a good quality thick bleach to remove any mould, mildew or newly yellowed areas. Domestos Thick Bleach is a great bathtub stain remover to have at home because it is an excellent bleach for both cleaning and disinfecting bathtubs. Pour the bleach directly onto the stained areas of the bath and leave it to soak for 20 – 30 minutes before rinsing away with warm water. Alternatively, use Handy Andy Bathroom Cleaning Trigger to coat the stained area and simply rinse off after a few hours.

How Do You Whiten a Discoloured Bathtub?

Wondering how to remove stains from a bathtub that is completely discoloured? If your bath has yellowed in general over time, or has stubborn yellow stains on it, why not try good, old-fashioned white vinegar?

White vinegar – apart from being a great product used for cooking – has many other uses in the homes, especially for getting rid of stains. To get rid of yellow stains in the bath, start by filling up the tub with warm water. Pour about 3 – 4 cups of white vinegar into the water as it’s running in. Fill the bath to where it is covering the yellow stains and leave the solution to soak for about 4 – 5 hours before rinsing.

Are you struggling with discoloured or mouldy grout too? Read our How to clean grout blog now.

How Do You Make an Old Bathtub Look New?

If you’re wanting to give your old bathtub a new lease on life, there are some DIY tips to use to make an oldie look new. If you have turpentine and table salt at home, mix a solution of one cup of turpentine with one cup of salt. Rub the mixture on the bath with a soft cloth and leave the solution on for a few minutes. Once you see the discolouration has faded, clean the bath with warm water and Handy Andy Cream Cleaner before rinsing thoroughly.

Can Bleach Damage a Bathtub?

Not at all. Bleach is a product that is designed to kill germs and bacteria off of surfaces when diluted and it also has whitening properties when poured neat onto a surface. When you use a bleach on a bathtub it should not damage it in any way.

Read our blogs for more cleaning tips and tricks today.

FAQs

1. How do you fix a discoloured bathtub?

A great way to fix a discoloured bathtub is to make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let the paste dry, then scrub it off with a brush or sponge. You can also try using diluted vinegar or lemon juice on the stain.

2. What is the best thing to clean a bathtub with?

There are a few things you can do to clean your bathtub and remove any pesky stains. The best way to remove stains from bathtubs is to use a bleach-based cleaner such as Domestos Thick Bleach.

3. Can I paint my bathtub myself?

Sure, you can paint your bathtub yourself! But before you do, it's important to remove any stains that might be present. The best way to do this is to use a strong cleaner and scrub brush. If the stains are really tough, you might need to use a power washer. Once the tub is clean and dry, you're ready to paint.

4. How do you deep clean a bathtub?

There are a few ways that you can deep clean your bathtub. One way is to remove stains from bathtubs using bleach. You can also use baking soda or vinegar to clean your bathtub. Another way to deep clean your bathtub is to use a tub and tile cleaner.

5. How often should bathtubs be cleaned?

Bathtubs should be cleaned at least once a week in order to remove any stains and dirt. In addition, bathtubs should be disinfected on a monthly basis in order to kill any bacteria that may be present.

Originally published July 26, 2022