If you’ve ever looked at your bathtub and noticed a dirty ring around the water line, you’re not alone. This common problem is caused by a variety of factors, including soap scum, hard water, and body oils.
While bathtub rings may be unsightly, they are usually not harmful. However, if you’re concerned about your tub’s health or the bathroom’s appearance, we’ll take a look at a few things you can do to prevent or remove bathtub rings.
Summary – Bathtub rings are most likely caused by a buildup of soap, oils, and chemicals from our own bodies. This can happen when we use lotions, shampoo, aftershave, antiperspirants, body gels, and perfumes. The good news is that we can prevent it by regularly cleaning the bathtub after bathing.
What Causes Bathtub Rings?
The ring around the bathtub is caused by a build-up of oils and Chemicals from our personal care products and excessive minerals from the water like magnesium, iron, calcium, etc. on the bathtub’s surface.
This build-up may or may not be easy to remove, depending on the texture of the bathtub and the approach taken to get it off.
Bathtub rings, when neglected, can give way to the formation of mold and mildew, which is unhealthy. Therefore, bathtub rings should not be taken lightly and must be gotten rid of or prevented at any cost.
How Can you Prevent Bathtub Rings?
There’s no guarantee that you won’t get rings around your tub if you take preventive measures, but it’s worth a try! Here are some practices you can implement:.
1. Test your water.
This may seem unnecessary for preventing bathtub rings, but it is by far the most important. It helps you to know if there is a high amount of calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum in your water.
When soap, oils, and lotions mix with the ions in hard water, it can cause a precipitate that creates bathtub rings. You can help prevent this by softening the ions in your water and ensuring the pH and total alkalinity levels are balanced.
2. Always shower first.
It’s always a good idea to shower before getting in the bathtub. This way, you can wash off any oils or chemicals from your lotions, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
3. Clean your tube regularly.
Regular cleaning of the bathtub is a great way to ensure that the bathtub rings don’t stand a chance of building up. Make a habit of giving your bathtub a good rinse after each use.
How Should You Clean Your Bathtub or Remove Bathtub Rings?
To clean your bathtub effectively, you need to identify the material it is made from to use the right cleaning method. Common materials for bathtubs include enamel, porcelain, plastic, fiberglass, and acrylic.
How to Clean an Enamel tub with Bathtub Rings.
Enamel tubs are durable and can stand up to mildly abrasive cleaners. However, you should use eco-friendly products like vinegar and baking soda.
To get started;
- Make a paste of 1/2 cup of baking Soda and 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar.
- Apply the paste to the bathtub; make sure it covers the bathtub completely.
- Let it soak in for 15-20 mins.
- Rub with a soft sponge.
- Rinse with water
- Repeat the process until satisfied with the result.
Note: Ensure you wear hand gloves while doing this.
Cleaning a Porcelain Tub with Bathtub Rings
Like enamel tubs, Porcelain tubs are durable and can endure mildly abrasive cleaners. But, you can also opt for an eco-friendly cleaner that can be made at home.
To clean your porcelain tub;
- Fill the tub halfway with water
- Pour 1/4 cup of Ammonia
- Pour 1/4 cup of baking soda
- Use a Soft sponge to scrub the bathtub
- Concentrate on the rings and scrub well
- Rinse out the solution thoroughly
- Repeat steps 3-4 times.
How to clean an Acrylic tub
Unlike enamel or porcelain tubs, acrylic tubs are fragile, therefore, cannot withstand harsh cleaners. To gently clean the acrylic tub, you should use inexpensive homemade cleaners from products like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda.
- Fill in the tub with hot water
- Add in two cups of vinegar
- let it sit for 15-20 minutes
- Drain the water. Hot water and vinegar will help loosen the dirt.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the bathtub while it is still moist.
- Scrub the tub with a soft sponge
- Rinse bathtub with water
Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
You can also use hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to clean up tough stains and rings from an acrylic tub.
- Make a thick paste from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply the paste to bathtub rings, then use a soft sponge to scrub the cleaner into the surface without scratching it.
- Let the paste sit until dry.
- Rinse the tub with warm water.
- Repeat the process until all stains are gone.
How to Clean a Fiberglass Tub.
Although fiberglass is non-porous, it’s still important to clean it with care, as it’s vulnerable to scratches from harsh cleaners.
To clean fiberglass cleaner, you should consider using baking soda and vinegar.
- Make the tub wet by filling the tub with water.
- Drain water
- Make a paste of 1/2 a cup of vinegar and 1/2 a cup of baking Soda
- Rub the paste on the tub with a soft sponge or cloth till stains fade
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
FAQs On What Causes Bathtub Rings
How Often Should You Clean Your Tub?
Your tub should be cleaned once a week or twice at most, depending on the frequency of usage.
Is an Acrylic tub the same as a plastic tub?
Acrylic tubs are made from heated plastic, so we cannot necessarily say it’s the same as a plastic tub.
