# Best way to clean a \*really\* grimy bathtub? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 6, 2003, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189 "2003-02-06T13:51:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2003, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/21 "2003-02-06T16:03:16Z")
Okay. I have a really funky tub EVERY WEEK due to rusty well water. My tub ALWAYS looks like it’s never been cleaned (except for three days after I clean it). Here’s what I do: It is an old claw-foot tub that the finish got ruined on. We had it refinished and the guy said not to use scouring powder on it. I use Chlorox liquid gel cleanser and a Scum-Buster machine. You can substitute a green scrubby sponge for the Scum-Buster. Scrub that stuff all over the tub and let it sit for a few minutes to bleach it. Then, at the faucet end where it’s all RUSTY and funky looking, I pour “The Works” toilet bowl cleaner on the stain. It starts smoking a little and instantly removes the funk. This process only takes about 10 minutes total (20 if I skip a week). This shit can kill you, so open a window and hide the cats. These are the only products that work. I Guar-UN-TEE. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2003, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/22 "2003-02-06T16:10:39Z")
Well, with multiple scrubbings, a lot of elbow grease and even scraping with my fingernails, the tub grime is pretty much gone, using the mild abrasive / bleach crap I mentioned in the OP and a stiff brush. Thanks for the advice folks. Now, it seems the tub’s grout is stained in some places from a bleach-resitant mildew. I haven’t used pure bleach yet, will that damage grout? If bleach doesn’t work, is there any other product that might work? I’d _really_ like to avoid re-grouting the tub, I’m not good at that stuff and I can’t really afford to hire someone. ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2003, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/23 "2003-02-06T23:26:37Z")
I clean my tub about 3 times a week. After my shower when the tub is still wet, I pour about a capful of liquid cleanser in the bottom of the tub. I have a mop scrubber which consists of a sponge with a hole in it and a wooden handle which is about three feet in length. When the handle is screwed into the sponge, the sponge swivels and I can maneuver it all around the tub. After about thirty seconds, I rinse the tub and leave the scrubber in the tub to drain. This is the easiest method I can think of since I hate to bend over and scrub by hand. Now if someone can suggest an easy way to keep the toilet clean, I’d appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/24 "2003-02-07T00:03:18Z")
Don’t you watch commericals? I forget what it is called but of course it cleans “all surfaces” and if you call within 10 minutes they will send a second bottle “FREE”. [ul] **All for just**** $19.95** :eek:[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/bbe5ce/32.png) [@X\_Slayer\_ALE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X_Slayer_ALE)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/25 "2003-02-07T00:22:29Z")
would you believe [White Vinegar and Baking Soda?](http://organizedhome.com/clean/cleansol.html) what you got to lose by trying it? ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/26 "2003-02-07T00:22:54Z")
Maybe put some very hot water & soap in it & let it soak first to soften the grime up? I put some shampoo in the water so I almost never have to clean the bathtub as the shampoo or bubble bath keeps grime from adhering. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/27 "2003-02-07T00:56:56Z")
Well, like I said, the grime is gone. Now the problem is the grout. Should I give pure bleach a shot, or will that damage it? ---
**Author:** ![Jojo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecd19e/32.png) [@Jojo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jojo)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/28 "2003-02-07T01:12:41Z")
Forget all the above cleaning tips. You say your bath is almond? Just buy some almond-coloured paint, paint the bath and voila! one bath good as new. I disagree with destroying bath crud on the grounds that you are violating the prime directive. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/29 "2003-02-07T01:35:37Z")
CLR Bathroom & Kitchen (or was it Bathoom and Tub?) cleaner. It comes in a yellow spray bottle. Spray it on, let it sit for 3-4 minutes, scrub it down. A second repetition ought to get rid of almost any grime I can imagine! ---
**Author:** ![Thaumaturge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/858c86/32.png) [@Thaumaturge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thaumaturge)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/30 "2003-02-07T01:54:39Z")
I used pure bleach, applied with a spray bottle, to clean the tub in my last apt before moving out. Just spray and let sit overnight. It didn’t seem to damage the grout, but it did make the black mildew white. I would highly recommend taping something over the metal fixtures before doing this though, the bleach made the spigots turn black, which was a project in itself to clean. ---
**Author:** ![FranticMad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c68b51/32.png) [@FranticMad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FranticMad)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/31 "2003-02-07T03:40:17Z")
Keep scrubbing. Or renovate. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/32 "2003-02-07T07:19:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by X~Slayer(ALE) \* > \*\*would you believe [White Vinegar and Baking Soda?](http://organizedhome.com/clean/cleansol.html) > > what you got to lose by trying it? \*\* That should be White Vinegar **or** Baking Soda. You’ll be in for a bit of a surprise if you try mixing them together. ---
**Author:** ![Violet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ebca7d/32.png) [@Violet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Violet)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/33 "2003-02-07T07:38:01Z")
Dawn dish detergent and elbow grease with those little pads that have sponge on one side and green scouring pad on the other. ---
**Author:** ![Spit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/76d3ee/32.png) [@Spit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spit)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/34 "2003-02-07T08:41:23Z")
Easiest way to clean a tub: (From a bachelor’s POV) Any bathroom cleanser. Sprinkle liberally on all surfaces. Use the Scumbuster (by Black & Decker) that you (should have) just purchased from Wal-Mart. 10 minutes later, all surfaces are sparkling. Plus you get the benefit of using power tools in the bathroom. [insert manly grunt here] Hey **Medstar** - Do you fly up in NOVA? I had to do a ride-along with them when I was doing my medic training a few years back. ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/35 "2003-02-07T15:13:56Z")
Uh, Spit, thanks for the compliment, but I have nothing to do with medicine or flying. The MED stands for my initials, and the star part just seemed to go well with MED. That Scumbuster sounds like a great deal. Does it work well in other applications for you? ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/36 "2003-02-07T16:54:00Z")
Grout? I saw people using toothpaste & a toothbrush on it. That seems like alot of labor. Bleach is okay but be aware that if you don’t clean it off in about two minutes, that rust may start to form. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/37 "2003-02-07T17:10:18Z")
The ScumBuster is the greatest invention since I dunno what! I normally balk at gifts that are electric, but hubby scored big points with this one. We’ve only had to replace the rechargeable batteries once in 8-10 years. Plus, your hands don’t get all chemically and your nails don’t take a beating. I also used it on the grout on my kitchen floor, which is pretty funky. ---
**Author:** ![broccoli](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@broccoli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/broccoli)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/38 "2003-02-07T17:57:42Z")
Grout: Bleach is fine unless it’s colored/stained grout that is not color-fast. I’d worry more about the Caulking… repeat use of bleach will cause it to corrode more quickly. FWIW - If you wanna clean the shower curtain really easy and you dont wanna throw it in the washer because it folds and never cleans right… Take your kitchen dish detergent and a sponge into the shower with you next time and clean it with that… dish soap cleans shower curtains fast and cheap. It’s also good for already mainly-clean tubs. ---
**Author:** ![bcullman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bcullman/32/8207_2.png) [@bcullman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bcullman)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/39 "2003-02-07T18:02:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Annie-Xmas \* > \*\*The natural solution is a paste of hydrogen peroxide and creme of tarter and some scrubbing. > > Comet is washing soda and chlorine bleach. Bon Ami is soap and feldspar, a mild abrasive. Much better. \*\* My mother was a Comet User. In my bacholor days, I rarely cleaned the tub, and used Comet as well. I was always frustrated at how _not_ clean it left my tub. And I dumped nearly a third of a can on the tub once. I bought some bon ami one time (thinking that it and Comet were the same) and was _instantly_ impressed. This stuff works like Comet never did. I’ll never buy Comet again. Combine Bon Ami with a Black and Decker Scumbuster, and you’ll have yourself a sparkling clean tub, with very little effort. ---
**Author:** ![Davebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bcef8e/32.png) [@Davebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Davebear)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2003, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189/40 "2003-02-07T18:15:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Revtim \* > \*\*Well, like I said, the grime is gone. Now the problem is the grout. Should I give pure bleach a shot, or will that damage it? \*\* No, it won’t hurt the grout, although it may damage any caulking it comes in contact with. Likewise, shower curtains. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-clean-a-really-grimy-bathtub/153189.md?page=3)