×

How to Clean a Badly Stained Porcelain Bathtub

Melissa Rae

Well-maintained porcelain bathtubs can add a touch of class to your bathroom. However, without regular cleaning and care, rust stains, soap scum, and hard water deposits can accumulate on the porcelain. If the stains are only on the surface, you can restore the smooth, shiny finish with a deep cleaning.

A mildly abrasive cleanser with bleach can lighten stains and remove buildup without harming the porcelain bathtub's finish.

  1. Rinse the porcelain tub thoroughly with warm water.

  2. Apply a mildly abrasive bleach cleanser to the stains. Allow the product to sit for at least 10 minutes.

  3. Clean the tub with a wet scrub brush or sponge, paying special attention to the stained areas.

  4. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly.

  5. Dry the tub with a towel. If stains remain, repeat the cleaning process.

  6. Tip

    After deep-cleaning, clean the porcelain bathtub once or twice a week with a mild cleanser to prevent future stains. Rinse the tub thoroughly after each use.

    Warning

    Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation from the cleanser.

    If stains remain after deep-cleaning twice, you may need to have the porcelain tub refinished.