A clean bathtub isn’t just about hygiene; it’s the secret to enjoying a relaxing soak without soap scum or mystery stains staring back at you. With the right cleaning strategy and some elbow grease, you can get your tub to sparkle once more. Here’s your friendly guide to getting the job done.

Step 1: Know Your Cleaning Allies

Before getting started, choose the right cleaning solution in advance. For example:

• Commercial Cleaners: Very good for stubborn stains, yet harsh on certain surfaces and come with a strong smell.
• Homemade Cleaners: Ecologically friendly, cheap baking soda and vinegar are not as effective on serious stains and may require more manual efforts to be rubbed off completely.
• Eco-friendly Alternatives: Plant-based cleaners are non-aggressive and friendly to the environment, though they possibly require more frequent use.

Whatever you choose, make a test on some hidden area first to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Step 2: Identify the Particular Needs of Your Bathtub

Not all bathtubs are created equal, and different materials have particular needs:

• Porcelain/Fiberglass: These surfaces can take most cleaning solutions.
• Acrylic: Avoid any abrasives that might leave scratches.
• Natural Stone: Opt for cleaners specifically designed for stone surfaces to avoid any damage.

Knowing your tub’s material is like knowing a friend’s quirks—it saves you from unnecessary drama.

Step 3: Get scrubbing!

• Pre-Rinse: Start by rinsing your tub with warm water to loosen dirt and soften soap scum.
• The Main Event: Sprinkle baking soda across the tub, paying extra attention to grime-prone areas. Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub in circular motions. For tougher stains, add a little dish soap to the mix. If it is soap scum or hard water deposits, the solution is to spray vinegar mix in equal parts water and vinegar, allow to sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub away.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Remove all cleaners using a bucket or a detachable showerhead.

Step 4: For Mold and Mildew

Mold happens, but it’s no match for a little bleach and baking soda. Fill a spray bottle with hot water and four tablespoons of bleach. Spray onto the moldy areas, sprinkle baking soda over the tub, and scrub as usual after letting it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Shine and Finish

Dry the tub with a clean microfiber cloth to help avoid water spots. Go the extra mile and polish the faucet, handles, and drain for an added brilliant shine. It’s the red carpet treatment for your tub.

What NOT to Use

• Abrasive Cleaners: These scratch and dull surfaces, making future cleaning more difficult.
• Harsh Chemicals: Bleach and ammonia can destroy finishes and release toxic fumes.
• Metal Scrubbers: Say goodbye to your tub’s smooth finish goodbye if you use these!

Pro Tips for Maintenance

• Rinse your tub after every use, so soap doesn’t build up.
• Use a mesh drain catcher to keep your pipes happy.
• Keep a towel handy for cushioning your knees while scrubbing.

Need a Helping Hand?

Need help? Take a load off with expert cleaners. From spotless bathtubs to squeaky kitchens, we have them all. Book now and enjoy a home you truly deserve.

Is your mop making your floors sticky after mopping? Or does it smell like wet socks? Whatever the case, you might have realized that just rinsing it isn't enough. So, let's dive into the steps to get your mop spotless for the next use!

Step #1. Find the right spot to wash your mop

Washing a mop can be a bit messy, so it's best to do it outside in your yard if you can. This keeps all the dirt and dust out of your home. If outside isn't an option, pick a well-ventilated indoor area and lay down some mats or newspapers to catch any drips.

Step #2. Shake the dirt off

Before you get the mop wet, give it a firm shake over a trash can to dislodge as much dust, dirt, and debris as possible. This step is crucial because wetting the mop can make some particles harder to get rid of.

Step #3. Rinse with warm water

A good shake helps for superficial dirt, but for deeper grime, you need a little extra. Rinse your mop thoroughly with warm water using your hand to scrub it to wash away embedded dirt. This will make the upcoming steps easier.

Pro-tip: If your mop isn't too filthy, you can skip straight to the next step.

Step #4. Prepare a soapy solution

Fill a bucket with warm water, add a bit of mild (non-bleach) detergent, and mix until frothy. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the mop fibers and leave unwanted residues that might end up on your floors the next time you mop.

Step #5. Scrub the mop head

Soak the mop head in the soapy water and scrub it with your hands, paying extra attention to any tough spots. This manual scrubbing is more effective than soaking alone.

If the mop head is detachable, you might be able to put it in the washing machine on a warm cycle, but avoid this if it's made of cotton or string, as they could be damaged.

Step #6. Rinse thoroughly

Rinse the mop head under a strong stream of water, either from a hose outside or a bathroom sink. Make sure the water pressure is high to help remove all the detergent and dirt. For string mops, move the strands around to ensure they get fully rinsed.

Step #7. Dry completely

If you want to get the best results from washing your mop, you need to dry it properly. Otherwise, it could develop mold and musty odors. The best way is to hang it outside in the sun for about an hour—around ten to twenty minutes less for microfiber ones.

If outdoor drying isn't possible, dry it in a well-ventilated room with the mop head facing up. For string mops, hang them so the strands can spread out and dry thoroughly.

Once your mop is dry, it's ready to get back to work!

Want more cleaning tips? CHRIStal Clean has them!

You could save even more time on your daily to-do list by doing your chores more efficiently. CHRIStal Clean has a wide variety of tips and guides that will help you make your cleaning life much easier. Visit our blog to discover more!