How to Clean a Bathtub with Dish Soap and a Broom

A sparkling clean tub is essential for a relaxing bath. However, with regular use, bathtubs can accumulate soap scum, grime, and dirt, making them look dull and unappealing for a soothing candlelit soak. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive or harsh chemicals to get your bathtub shining again, all you need is a bottle of dish soap and a broom.

Dirty bathtub ready to be cleaned with dish soap and a broom.

Supplies:

  • Dish soap: Choose a dish soap that has degreasing properties and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. Look for a mild and eco-friendly dish soap to protect your skin, bathtub, and the environment. I used Dawn dish soap but honestly any will do.
  • Broom: Use a broom with soft bristles that won’t scratch the surface of your bathtub. Avoid brooms with stiff bristles that could damage your bathtub’s finish. Used my trusty old $10 Walmart broom.
  • Vinegar: This is optional as the soap and broom will do the job just fine but vinegar has sanitizing and cleaning properties that work well with the dish soap.
  • Water: You’ll need water to rinse off the soap and dirt from your bathtub.

Using a broom to clean your shower will eliminate the back-breaking work of bending over and trying to get to those hard to reach places. This is great for people with mobility issues or anyone who just doesn’t want to contort themselves into weird positions to clean the tub.

Dish soap and vinegar on a bathtub ledge with a broom in the tub.

Time needed: 10 minutes

How to clean a bathtub with dish soap and a broom.

  1. Prepare the tub

    Before you start cleaning, remove any loose items from your bathtub, such as soap dishes, mats, or toys. Rinse off any loose dirt or debris with water. This will help you get a better clean without spreading dirt around.

  2. Apply dish soap

    Squeeze a generous amount of dish soap onto the surface of your bathtub. You can use a sponge or a cloth to spread the dish soap evenly across the tub. Make sure to cover all the areas, including the walls and corners of the bathtub.

  3. If using vinegar, add it now

    Take a bottle of vinegar and pour a few glugs into the tub.

  4. Scrub with the broom

    Take your broom and start scrubbing the surface of your bathtub using circular motions. The soft bristles of the broom will help loosen the dirt and grime from the surface of the tub without scratching it. Pay extra attention to areas with stains or soap scum buildup, and use more pressure if needed. Continue scrubbing until you’ve covered the entire surface of the bathtub.

  5. Rinse with water

    Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse off the dish soap and dirt from your bathtub with water. Use a bucket or a handheld showerhead to rinse thoroughly, making sure to remove all the soap residue from the tub.

  6. Dry and enjoy

    After rinsing, use a clean towel or a microfiber cloth to dry your bathtub. Wipe off any excess water to prevent water spots or streaks from forming. Once your bathtub is dry, you can enjoy a clean tub for your next relaxing soak.

Tips and Tricks:

For tougher stains or soap scum, you can make a paste by mixing dish soap with baking soda. Apply the paste to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with the broom.

Bathtub with dish soap dripped over it.

To maintain a clean bathtub, make it a habit to rinse off any soap residue and dirt after each use. This will prevent buildup and make your regular cleaning routine easier.

Cleaning your bathtub with dish soap and a broom is a simple and effective way to get a sparkling clean tub without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners. With just a few basic supplies and some elbow grease, you can enjoy a clean and inviting bathtub for your next relaxing bath time. So go ahead, grab your dish soap and broom, and give your bathtub the TLC it deserves!

Clean bathtub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you mix Dawn Dish Soap and Vinegar

First, both ingredients are excellent at dissolving tough grime. However, vinegar alone will simply run off of most surfaces, while dish soap is too thick to use as a spray. But when you mix them together, you get an effective, sprayable cleaner that sticks to any surface!

Why does Dawn and vinegar work so well?

The reason? Dawn is meant to clean grease off of dishes which makes it a great cleaner for soap scum. Vinegar removes residue, hard water stains and imparts shine.

How often should you clean your shower?

To keep it at bay, disinfect the toilet and sink at least once weekly, and the bathtub every two weeks — more if you shower often. Your shower curtains should be disinfected weekly to avoid mildew, which can cause skin, eye and throat irritation in some people.

Adrienne Carrie Hubbard

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