How to Clean a Bathtub Ring and Hard Water Stains
The gray ring at the waterline is soap scum and the white marks are hard water. Clean them in order and they come off easily.
What you need
Supplies
- Dish soap or mild bathroom cleaner
- 1 tsp citric acid
- 200 ml (3/4 cup) water
Tools
- Soft bath sponge
- Spray bottle
- Toothbrush
- Rubber gloves
How to do it
- 01
Clear hair and the stopper
Remove the drain strainer and stopper and clear out hair and soap residue. Scrub the rubber underside and crevices of the stopper with a toothbrush.
- 02
Clean the gray ring
The gray ring where the water sat is a mix of soap and body oils. Wipe in circles with a sponge and mild soap and most of it comes off.
- 03
Spray citric acid on white marks
White marks that remain after soap are hard water. Dissolve 1 tsp of citric acid in 200 ml of water, spray it on and wipe with a sponge after 10 minutes.
- 04
Rinse and dry
Rinse the whole tub with the shower, then dry it with a towel or squeegee. Leaving no water behind is enough to cut hard water stains dramatically.
Be careful
- Acrylic tubs scratch easily with abrasives, steel wool and melamine sponges. Use only soft sponges.
- Solid-surface and natural stone tubs can be damaged by acid. Use mild soap instead of citric acid and check the manufacturer's guidance.
- Do not use citric acid on a day you have used bleach.
Malkkeum tips
- Rinsing the tub walls with the shower as the water drains almost prevents a ring forming.
- After using bath oils or salts, wipe the tub with soap straight away. The oily film is slippery and attracts grime.
- Black spots on the silicone next to the tub are mold. Treat them separately.
Two kinds of grime, two cleaners
Bathtubs collect two types of grime. The gray or yellow ring is an oily mix of body oils and soap, and mild detergent handles it well. White marks are minerals from tap water, which dissolve in an acid such as citric acid. Rather than hoping one cleaner does everything, start with the oily grime and work in order.
Know your tub material
| Material | Features | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Light and warm; most common | Scratches easily |
| Enamel (porcelain) | Hard and glossy | Strong acids and abrasives |
| Solid surface | Smooth, matte | Acidic cleaners |
Most home bathtubs are acrylic, and a soft sponge with mild detergent is the safest choice.
FAQ
My bathtub has turned yellow all over. If an old acrylic tub is yellow all over, the material itself may be discolored rather than dirty. Cleaning will not reverse it; refinishing or replacement is the option.
