Want to know how to clean a stained porcelain bathtub? Porcelain bathtubs—being on the pricier side—elevate the aesthetics of a bathroom. But these non-porous and elegant tubs can soon start to lose their shine. The culprit? Soap scum, mold growth and grime buildup on their surfaces.

At The Maid Squad, we have been cleaning porcelain bathtubs for the past eight years. From the right cleaning solution to the steps, we know all the details. Today, we’ll share all our valuable information with you. Go ahead and learn about porcelain bathtub cleaning. Some bonus tips await you in the end!

• A Quick Comparison of Different Bathtub Materials
• How Often to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub
• How to Clean a Pure Porcelain or a Porcelain Enamel Bathtub
• Bonus Tips for Long-Lasting Porcelain Bathtubs
• FAQs

A Quick Comparison of Different Bathtub Materials

Before we discuss the porcelain bathtub cleaning process, we must learn about the different bathtub materials. Here’s a brief comparison of the different materials:

Factor	Acrylic Tubs	Enamel Tubs	Porcelain Tubs
Popularity	Full of aesthetics, found in modern homes.	Classic, liked by retro lovers.	Expensive, found in old homes built around the 1920s. Nowadays, porcelain enamel tubs are most common.
Identification	Looks like plastic.	Metallic sound and old claw-foot tub.	Do a magnet test for these tubs. If the magnet sticks to the tub, it’s enamel. If it doesn’t, it’s pure porcelain.
Drawbacks	Be cautious of using harmful chemicals that can cause serious damage, like discoloration and cracks.	Avoid using vinegar and bleach at all costs, as they can damage the enamel coating.	They have high tolerance against vinegar and bleach. Still, it is best to avoid using harsh chemicals.
Best Cleaning Solution	Use a routine dish soap and try spot testing for hard-to-remove stains.	Use dishwashing liquid for best results.	Similar to its counterparts, use dishwashing liquid for the most effective results.

How Often to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub

Haven’t cleaned your bathtub for ages? Take a moment and imagine the amount of soap scum and mold buildup on your bathtub surface. The aftermath? Germs, diseases, and allergies! Like other bathroom cleaning services, your bathtubs deserve a bi-weekly scrub. If you want to know more, review our complete guide on how often to clean a bathroom.

Whether you have a pure porcelain or a porcelain enamel bathtub, regular upkeep is the key to a safe, germ-free bathtub. But how to clean a stained porcelain bathtub? We have broken down the process into easy-to-understand steps.

How to Clean a Pure Porcelain or a Porcelain Enamel Bathtub

Cleaning porcelain bathtubs isn’t as easy as it seems—there’s much that goes behind a successful wash. Before jumping into the process, let’s first quickly understand the difference between pure porcelain and porcelain enamel bathtubs:

• Pure porcelain bathtubs are expensive and require extra care.
• Porcelain enamel bathtubs are cast-iron structures that are prone to scratches.

We’ve compiled a general process for both of these material types. Let’s quickly dive into it and explore more:

What Chemicals to Avoid

Porcelain enamel is prone to chemicals like vinegar and bleach. It’s best to avoid these substances when cleaning porcelain tubs. While some may recommend doing so, you should always seek alternatives like baking soda. Other avoidable chemicals include scouring powder and steel wool.

What You’ll Need

Ensure to have the following cleaning supplies checklist ready to avoid inconvenience:

• Spray bottle
• Bowl
• Bucket
• Warm water
• ¼ cup of ammonia
• ¼ cup of baking soda
• Microfiber cloths
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• Cream of tartar
• Hydrogen peroxide

Process

Here’s how to clean a stained porcelain bathtub in a few simple steps:

• Rinse off the tub with warm water before treating it with any solution. You can even fill the bathtub with warm water and leave it for some time. This loosens grime, mold, and stains.
• Take a bucket and fill it with warm water.
• Mix ¼ cup of ammonia and ¼ cup of baking soda in the water.
• Stir the solution well.
• Start soaking a microfiber cloth in the solution and applying it to the bathtub.
• Scrub well using a microfiber cloth.
• Repeat the process unless the last spot says goodbye.
• Once done, rinse it with clean water and wipe it with a microfiber cloth.

Targeted Treatments Using Salt and Lemon

Have you tried multiple scrub cycles, but still some stains fail to fade away? It’s time to level up. Here’s how to clean tough stains on a porcelain bathtub:

• Apply salt in generous amounts over the stains.
• Pour some lemon juice on the salt coating.
• Leave it for an hour and then try to remove the stains.
• Repeat it until done.

Spot Treatments Using Cream of Tartar and Hydrogen Peroxide

Even minor stains can become eyesores if left untreated. For such stains, spot treatments work best. Here’s how to spot-treat your porcelain bathtub:

• Pour cream of tartar into a bowl.
• Add hydrogen peroxide or water and mix well until it becomes a paste.
• Apply this thick paste on the minor stains.
• Leave it to dry.
• Lastly, wipe it off using warm water and a microfiber cloth.

Bonus Tips for Long-Lasting Porcelain Bathtubs

Now we know how to clean a stained porcelain bathtub. Let’s look at some practical tips for a stain-free, odor-free, and long-lasting porcelain bathtub:

• Make a habit of running a clean water cycle after usage.
• Rub the walls of the bathtub after every use to avoid grime buildup.
• If you spot any stains, act swiftly.
• Avoid using harmful chemicals.
• Dry the bathtub after use. For this, turn on the exhaust and wipe the surface with a squeegee.

FAQs

1. How Do You Get Stains Out of a Porcelain Bathtub?

Mix baking soda and ammonia in water. Apply this solution to the porcelain bathtub. Leave it for a few minutes. Scrub, wipe, and then rinse with clean water.

2. Do Cleaning Substances Damage Porcelain Tubs?

Yes, some cleaning substances like vinegar, scouring powder, and steel wool can damage bathtubs.

Try The Maid Squad: Safe and Effective Cleaning Guaranteed

These were all the details about how to clean a stained porcelain bathtub. Gather the right cleaning supplies, follow the proper steps, and show a little dedication—a stain-free bathtub awaits!

Sometimes you just can’t make time for bathtub cleaning. After all, there’s so much to do in a busy city like Los Angeles. There’s no need to stress over home cleaning as maid services can simplify your life.

Whether you need a complete home clean-up or a bathroom wash, The Maid Squad is here to help. We are proud to use modern equipment, time-saving methods, and a customer-centric approach. So, what’s stopping you from taking this much-needed step? Book your desired home cleaning services and get a fresh-looking bathtub.