HOW TO CLEAN A BATHTUB

A long, hot bath? Relaxing. A long, hot bath in a bathtub coated in soap scum, hard water spots, stains, and everyday residue? Gross. Since you use your bathtub to get clean, it makes sense that it should be squeaky clean too. Ignoring a dirty tub only makes it harder to clean.

It's important not to clean an acrylic, fiberglass, or porcelain bathtub with abrasive cleaners, as these can cause irreversible damage to these types of finishes.

Since bathtubs are awkwardly shaped, they can be a challenge to clean, so let your cleaning product do most of the work. Whether it's a soap scum ring around the tub from bath time or stubborn stains, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can dissolve soap scum and clean bathtub stains — without the use of harsh solvents or bleach.

To prevent soap scum buildup and stains, it's best to deep clean your bathtub at least once a month. Each time you bathe, try to rinse your tub with clean, warm water before wiping off the excess moisture with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or sponge to prevent water spots and mildew from forming.

Directions for Cleaning a Bathtub:

Remove shampoo bottles, shower mats, and other items before cleaning the tub. If you're unsure about how Simple Green will affect a surface, be sure to spot test beforehand.

1. Wet inside of the tub. Rinse down the surface of the tub using a cup, small bucket, or a detachable shower head. This will help Simple Green penetrate dirt and grime.
2. Add Simple Green. Spray the tub with full-strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.
3. Scrub. Scrub the entire tub with a brush or non-abrasive scrubbing pad, paying special attention to stained areas. This will agitate and help loosen the dirt and grime.
4. Rinse. Thoroughly rinse the residue away with warm water.
5. Clean walls and tiles. If you have a shower and bathtub combo, you'll want to wash the walls, tiles, and doors with more cleaner and warm water.
6. Dry. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or towel. Squeegee water from doors to prevent water stains and soap scum buildup.

You can also use Simple Green as a preventative solution for a clogged drain. The powerful cleaner can help keep your drain clean, clear, and deodorized. A popular, but ineffective, option is cleaning with a cup of baking soda and vinegar. The fizzy reaction makes it seem like the solution is cleaning your drain, but it's only producing water with trace amounts of salt.

This isn't strong enough to cut through the greasy residue left by soap, conditioner, and other bath products—plus the makeup, lotion, and hair products that wash off you. Plus, neither ingredient is a surfactant, so they will do little to help carry away any loosened oil and grease. Clean your drain at least once a month to prevent buildup.

Cleaning the Bathtub Drain:

Simple Green will not clear a severely clogged bathtub drain or correct hair clogs, but will help prevent grease, soap, and lotion buildup.

1. Apply Simple Green. Remove the stopper and pour 2 cups of full-strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner into the drain at night.
2. Let sit. Allow the product to remain in the drain overnight.
3. Rinse. Rinse for a few minutes with hot water in the morning.

A clean bathtub and a clear drain don't have to mean scrubbing with harsh chemicals. With the right routine and a cleaner built to cut through soap scum and grime, bath time can stay relaxing from start to finish.