Does anyone know how to clean a DIRTY A** TUB!?

Question

House sitting for my sister and the house already needed work in the cleaning department but.... the tub is filthy. I tried Bleach, no help, Ajax, no help, & even brillo pads... no help! I would like to clean it by the time she gets home... Help! Also, I do not want to make a big investment.

Answer 1

If the tub is as bad as all that, then it may be better to save up some money and replace it or have them put in a bathtub liner, the next time you are there. They can also be re-glazed, which is the least expensive method of improvement . There comes a time you can mention to your sister, when something should be done about it

Answer 2

How to Clean the Tub
This is generally the worst job in any bathroom cleanup. It helps to know how.

Steps Run or pour hot water all over the inside of the tub. A bucket is the best way, unless you have a very mobile showerhead.
Spray the cleaner at the top of one side, and give it a few seconds to run down to the bottom.
Scrub where you sprayed the cleaner, and down to the flat. Scrub hard, until it looks clean.
Move a few inches to the side and repeat from step 2.
Once you get back to where you started, run hot water over the sides again.
Run your hands around the tub. If you feel any roughness, scrub there some more, because it's not clean yet.
Spray and scrub the splash guard around the tub. The buildup will be a lot lighter here, but it still needs to be cleaned.
If you have a door instead of a curtain, it needs to be washed too.
Spray and scrub the tap, showerhead, and anything else you haven't washed. Soap dish, towel rack, it all needs to be done.
Run hot water over everything. Twice. You don't want to leave residue.
Check the bottom of the tub. If you've got a puddle of dirty water, then unclog the drain. And run clean hot water over the bottom once it's drained.
Wash the outside of the tub. You probably won't need the cleaner there, just a little elbow grease.



Tips [edit]Turn on the bathroom fan, and open a window. You're working with some nasty chemicals.
You get a much better angle on cleaning if you climb right in the tub. You also get a little wetter, but not that much, really.



Warnings [edit]You are going to get wet. If you have sensitive skin, you might need gumboots as well as rubber gloves.



Things You'll Need [edit]a cleaner that removes mineral buildup
a scotchbrite pad or non-brandname substitute
a bucket
lots of hot water

Answer 3

Determine if the finish is scratched deeply. Some cleansers can worsen the situation and leave permanent marks. Your least expensive option may be to refinish the interior by using a reputable business that does this or get a tub insert. While you do not want to make a big investment, you can either live with the situation or change it. You may be past the point of cleansers. This is NOT a big investment compared to the time, expense and effort you are using now (see link below)
Once you get the tub clean, consider using a daily spray. They keep deposits from building up. Tilex has one. Also, turtle wax or other polish will keep doors and tiles cleaner longer but too slippery for tub.

Answer 4

If all that didn't help the finish is worn off and its as clean as it will come.
You shouldn't use Brillo pads because it takes off the porcelain finish (but i suspect it is gone anyway.) If it is fiberglass use only mild abrasives. Like soft scrub.

The cleanser or Ajax should be enough especially if you had a scrub brush.
If it is soap scum build up you might try filling the tub as full as you can with hot water and put in a gallon of vinegar. Let it soak overnight. That could soften hard water deposits and soap scum. Then try Ajax again.

Answer 5

Get a bottle of The Works for tubs/showers. I found if you put in a spray bottle it works the best... Make sure you have ventilation in the bathroom. Spray on the tub and surface of the tub let stand for about 5 minutes and wipe clean. I just clean my boys tub. The tub looks new now. Don't mix the product with anything else.

Answer 6

There is this product at the Dollar General called The Works that works great. Plus no scrubbing. Just squirt it on and leave it for about 20 min and wipe the tub.
Give it a shot.
Like I said Dollar General so its cheap.

Answer 7

Wow if no of that worked it must be really bad. You could try some of the new comet gel, or you may want to get some oxy clean and make a paste and then scub it with a meatal scrub pad like the ones you use for pots and pans. Best of luck and happy scrubbing.

Answer 8

Spray on a good coating of a bathroom cleaner like Scrubbing Bubbles. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then scrub it down with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (gentle on surfaces but tough on crud).

Answer 9

There are many ways how to clean a tub. Here's is a few ajax, comet or baking soda. Good luck!

Answer 10

for about $7.00 you can buy americ asid from a swimming pool company get the one thats yellow in a one gallon clear bottle pour a little in a glass jar wet the bathtub with a little water open the bathroom window be vary carefull use rubber gloves this stuff is vary poisens and can burn your skin get a clean paint brush dip in the jar with the asid wipe around tub will eat eat hard water stains then wash the tub with water you can repet the prosess it works well and wont damage the drain.