There's nothing quite like sinking into a hot bath after a hard day at work, especially if you've got some bubble bath and candles you can light to really set the relaxing atmosphere.
Once you've had your relaxing bath, though, you might have noticed your tub really needs a cleaning. It's not that you've made it dirty, but soap scum and hard water stains can linger on the inside of your bath once you get out.
Soap scum can be left behind after a bath if you don't rinse away every trace of soap and bubbles once the water has drained away. Over time, this residue sticks to your tub and is difficult to remove without proper cleaning tools. Hard water can also cause stains and limescale build-up, as evaporated water leaves behind mineral deposits that cling to your bath.
But according to cleaning fans online, there is a simple way to tackle these stains. All you need is one item you probably already have in the cupboard under your kitchen sink.
In a post in a Facebook group for fans of Mrs Hinch, one person asked: "What is the best thing to clean a bath? I have tried just about everything and have (what I presume) soap scum stains, which drive me mental!"
One of the most popular pieces of advice among commenters was to use washing up liquid to help scrub at the stains. Most of us will having washing up liquid at home to help wash our dishes, but it can be bought at supermarkets for as little as 62p.
A person said: "Good old washing up liquid."
Another suggested mixing it with vinegar, adding: "Washing up liquid with a splash of white vinegar spray. Walk away for 5 mins or so, [then come] back and clean off."
Other popular cleaning options for bath stains included using shaving foam, washing powder, or soda crystals. Among the branded items people recommended, Pink Stuff Paste and Viakal were the top suggestions.
How to clean soap scum from a bathtubVentilate the Area: Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan.
Apply Vinegar:
- Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle (you can warm it slightly for extra power).
- Spray liberally over the soap scum areas.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to break down the scum.
Scrub:
- Use a sponge or non-scratch brush to scrub the area.
- For stubborn spots, sprinkle baking soda on your sponge for extra abrasion and scrub again.
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Repeat if Needed: For tough buildup, repeat the process or let the vinegar sit longer.
For Extra Cleaning Power (Optional):
- Mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray, let sit, scrub, and rinse as above.
Tackle Corners: Use an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar or the vinegar/dish soap mix to scrub corners and edges.
Dry: Wipe down with a clean towel to prevent new buildup.
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