How to Clean a Tub Without Bending
Have a sore back or knees? Clean and disinfect your bathtub without bending or kneeling by following these easy steps.
Ever skipped taking a long, hot bath because you weren’t sure how to clean the tub without bending? I used to, but I’ve cracked the code. Stick around and I’ll reveal the steps to get yours sparkling clean, even when your back or knees hurt.
Step 1: Clear the Deck.
Before you start, remove all the shampoos, conditioners, and soaps from your tub surround. If you need to, use a pair of tongs to pick up items or ask a family member for help. A clutter-free space makes cleaning easier and more effective.
Step 2: Grab a Clean Mop.
The easiest way to clean a bathtub without bending is by using a mop with a removable mop head or pad. When you’re done, you can toss the mop head in the washer to get it clean for the next time you need it.
Don’t fall for the TikTok tip to scrub your bathtub with a broom. Chances are, yours isn’t spotless. (It’s okay, neither is mine.) But a dirty broom will just add more mess to the tub that may scratch the finish. That’s why I use the mop trick.
Step 3: Follow the Cleaning Process.
- Prep the tub: Use the mop to push the drain closed then add a couple of inches of warm water to the tub.
- Add dish soap: Swirl a teaspoon of dish soap into the water. Using too much soap or squirting it all over the tub will make it harder to rinse later.
- Scrub with the mop: Stand outside the tub and dunk the mop in the soapy water, then use it to scrub away the grime and soap scum. The long handle saves you from bending while allowing you to reach awkward corners.
- Rinse: Drain the tub and rinse it well with cold water to chase away the suds.
- Dry: If you want to dry the tub without bending, remove the mop head, wrap a towel around the pole, and use that to wipe the tub.
Step 4: Treat Stubborn Tub Stains.
If your tub has stubborn stains: Sprinkle baking soda directly on the tub walls and scrub with the wet mop.
For heavy soap scum: Make a quick soap scum remover by combining equal parts of warm vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray it on, wait 10-15 minutes, and then use the mop and warm water to rinse the tub well.
Step 5: Don’t Forget to Disinfect!
Cleaning removes grime but doesn’t kill the common bathroom bacteria that grow in dirty tubs. For that, you need to disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide after cleaning. Simply spray the walls and floor of the tub liberally with hydrogen peroxide and let it air dry to kill the germs. There’s no need to rinse.
Tips to Keep Your Tub Fresh
- Avoid using bar soap and bath products with oils or shea butter. Both of these create a slippery and sticky tub that attracts grime.
- Rinse the tub after every use so dirt and suds don’t form a film.
- Then, keep the mold and mildew away with my homemade daily shower spray.
Thank you, I’ll give this a try. Have been trying to clean it with a scrubbing toilet brush that makes cleanup more trouble than it’s worth.
Ouch, that’s still a lot of bending!