How to Deep Clean a Bathtub Like a Pro

Home CleaningFeb 05 2025

The Ultimate Relaxation Spot in Your Home 

There’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm bath after a long, exhausting day. Whether you enjoy using bath bombs, Epsom salts, essential oils, or body butters, your bathtub serves as a personal retreat for relaxation and self-care. However, while you’re indulging in these luxuries, your bathtub is silently accumulating soap scum, body oils, grime, and bacteria. Over time, an unclean tub can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and even harmful bacteria that can affect your health. That’s why deep cleaning your bathtub regularly is essential—not just for appearance but also for hygiene and safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through an effective step-by-step bathtub deep cleaning process, why professional cleaning matters, and what happens if you neglect it.  

Woman in gloves washes the bathroom and wipes the faucet

Why a Clean Bathtub is Essential 

1. Health & Hygiene  Your bathtub might look clean, but beneath the surface, bacteria, mold, and mildew can thrive. This buildup can lead to skin irritation, infections, and respiratory issues if left untreated.

2. Aesthetic Appeal  A sparkling, stain-free bathtub enhances the overall look of your bathroom, making it feel fresh, bright, and inviting.

3. Preventing Damage & Extending Lifespan  Regular deep cleaning helps remove hard water stains, rust, and mineral buildup, preventing long-term damage and keeping your tub in great condition for years.

A woman cleaning bath at home Female washing bathtub in yellow gloves and sponge

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Bathtub? 

Ignoring your bathtub’s cleanliness can lead to serious problems: 

Mold & Mildew Growth: Standing water, soap scum, and humid conditions encourage mold and mildew, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

Stubborn Stains & Discoloration: Hard water stains, rust, and soap residue can permanently stain the tub’s surface.

Bacteria Build-up: Harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus, can accumulate, leading to potential infections.

Slippery Surfaces: A buildup of oils and soap can make your bathtub dangerously slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.

Janitor doing cleanup in bathroom

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: Which One is Right for You? 

DIY Cleaning 
  • Great for weekly maintenance
  • Uses common household items like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap
  • May not remove deep stains, rust, or bacteria completely
  • Can be time-consuming and require intense scrubbing
Professional Cleaning 
  • Uses industrial-grade cleaning agents that eliminate mold, bacteria, and stains
  • Ensures a thorough sanitization process
  • Saves you time and effort 

Recommended at least twice a year for deep cleaning If you’ve tried everything and your bathtub still looks dull and stained, it might be time to call in the experts!

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Bathtub 

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies 

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide (for mold and stains)
  • Scrub brush or sponge
  • Rubber gloves

Step 2: Pre-Cleaning Preparation 

  • Remove bath mats, toys, and toiletries. 
  • Rinse the tub with warm water to loosen up grime.

Step 3: Choose Your Cleaning Method 

  • For Soap Scum & Everyday Grime: Mix dish soap and baking soda into a paste, scrub, and rinse.
  • For Hard Water Stains: Spray white vinegar, let sit for 20 minutes, and scrub.
  • For Stubborn Stains: Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, apply, leave for 30 minutes, then scrub.
  • For Mold & Mildew: Spray hydrogen peroxide, let sit for an hour, scrub, and rinse.

Step 4: Scrub & Rinse Thoroughly 

  • Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove all residue.
  • Rinse the tub with warm water until it’s completely clean.

Step 5: Finishing Touches 

  • Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
  • Apply a bathtub protector spray to reduce future buildup.
Hands in yellow gloves hold cleaning agent and blue sponge on the handle for cleaning the bathroom. The concept of homework, disinfection

When to Call a Professional Cleaning Service? 

If you notice any of the following, professional deep cleaning is your best option: 

  • Deep stains that won’t go away despite multiple cleaning attempts.
  • Rust spots or discoloration that make your tub look aged.
  • Persistent mold or mildew along the edges and corners.
  • Hard water deposits that are tough to remove.
  • Lack of time or physical strain from scrubbing.

Professional cleaners use powerful, safe cleaning solutions to restore your bathtub’s shine without damaging the surface.

 

Final Thoughts

Enjoy a Spa-Like Bathtub Every Day  A clean bathtub transforms your bathing experience, ensuring every soak is relaxing and hygienic. With regular maintenance and the occasional professional deep clean, you can extend the life of your tub and keep it looking brand new.

Are you living in the GTA? Then let TaskOpus handle your bathtub deep cleaning while you enjoy the fresh, spotless results! We use expert techniques to remove grime, mold, and stains, leaving your bathtub sparkling clean. Contact us today to book a professional cleaning session!