A sparkling white bathtub can be a really attractive feature of a bathroom. But the problem with them being so white is that they can show up stains really easily, making them much less shiny and attractive. What causes these stains and how can you get rid of them? Read on to find out…

What causes bathtub stains?

Perhaps the most common cause of bathtub stains and, luckily, the easiest to clean is the grime and soap scum self behind after each time you use the bath or shower. If you don’t rinse it off afterward, then this can build up to leave behind discolored lines and stains.

Darker and more stubborn stains may be a result of hard water in your home. Hard water contains a lot of minerals that it has picked up on its journey from a water source to your home. These minerals may then be deposited in your bathtub, sinks, and toilets to leave behind stubborn marks and stains.

The color of your bathtub stains could indicate what kind of minerals are found in your water. For example, iron deposits leave behind reddish-brown stains whereas blue-green stains could contain copper deposits or high levels of carbon dioxide.

How to get rid of stubborn bathtub stains

The best course of action for removing stains from your bathtub will depend on what material it is made of. If you have a porcelain tub, then it can withstand a lot of scrubbing if needed, but you should avoid using rough sponges and scouring pads on acrylic or enamel bathtubs as this can cause damage to the surface. Scrubbing too hard or too often could also start to wear away the bathtub’s finish.

Start by gently cleaning your tub with a basic dish soap. If the problem is built-up soap scum, then this should do the trick. If the stains are more stubborn, then there are a few methods you could try. Homemade cleaning solutions using vinegar or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide could prove effective, as could your usually shop-bought cleaning agents designed for the bathroom.

Whatever cleaning solution you use, we’d advise performing a spot test on a small area of your tub first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage. And avoid using acidic cleaners, especially on enamel and acrylic bathtubs. This article runs through different cleaning methods depending on the type of stain.

How to stop your tub from getting stained

Rinsing your bathtub after every time you use it can help to prevent or minimize stains, as well as gently cleaning it on a regular basis. For more complex stains, you may need to get your water treated to prevent hard water deposits and stains.

If you need help with hard water stains and treatment in your home around Clemmons, Winston Salem, and Lewisville, then contact us today.