8 Steps to Clean Your Bathtub with Baking Soda and Vinegar

A bathtub should be a place to relax your body and not a spot you should avoid because of grime and buildup. You might think you need strong-smelling chemical cleaners to bring back that early shine.

But to tell the truth, with just two humble ingredients—baking soda and vinegar—you can clean your tub effectively, safely, and naturally! 

This powerful duo tackles soap scum, stains, and hard water residue without harming your skin, your home, or the planet. In this guide, we will walk you through how to clean your bathtub using these everyday ingredients. So stay with us till the end.

Why Baking Soda + Vinegar?

This isn't just an old wives' tale; it's smart science. Vinegar (an acid) dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum, while baking soda (a mild abrasive) helps scrub away dirt and deodorize.

Together, they create a gentle fizzing action that helps lift grime, making your job easier.

Moreover, this method is:

• Budget-friendly: You probably already own both.

• Multi-purpose power: Use them on sinks, counters, drains—even tiles.

• Safe for you and the planet: Non-toxic and skin-friendly.

What You’ll Need to Get Started?

A few basics and you're ready to go:

• Baking soda

• White vinegar (distilled)

• Spray bottle

• Soft sponge or scrub brush

• Microfiber towel or soft cloth

• Cleaning gloves (optional)

• Dish soap (optional, for extra shine)

Important Caution: If your bathtub is made of natural stone (like marble) or enamel-coated cast iron, avoid using vinegar as it can damage the finish. Always test a small, hidden area first.

Pre-Cleaning Steps

Before you begin, make sure to:

• Clear the Area: Remove all bath toys, soaps, and shampoos from the tub.

• Quick Rinse: Briefly rinse the tub with warm water to loosen any surface dirt.

• Ventilate: Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan to ensure good air circulation.

If all is set, let’s begin!

How to Clean Your Bathtub with Baking Soda and Vinegar?

1. Prepare the Vinegar Spray

Start with plain white vinegar—it doesn’t need dilution or fancy additives. It’s acidic enough to dissolve soap residue, grime, and hard water marks on its own.

Here’s how to make it:

• Pour undiluted vinegar into a clean spray bottle.

• No need to add water—full strength works best.

• Shake lightly before using.

• For regular use or sensitive skin, you can dilute vinegar 1:1 with water. Full strength works best on heavy buildup.

  
  

Caution Tip: Never mix vinegar with bleach—it creates toxic fumes which can damage your lungs if inhaled.

2. Spray the Entire Tub

Coat the inside of the tub evenly, especially over stained or scummy areas. This lays the groundwork for an easy, effective scrub later.

Here’s how:

• Spray from top to bottom, covering all surfaces.

• Focus on corners, around the drain, and soap shelves.

• Let it sit briefly while you move to the next step.

  
  

3. Sprinkle Baking Soda with Ease

This is where the magic happens—baking soda reacts with vinegar to lift dirt and soften stains. When it starts fizzing, it means it’s working!

The process:

• Sprinkle baking soda directly over the wet, vinegar-coated areas.

• Soon you will hear a fizzing sound.

• No need to rub yet—let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes and do its thing.

  
  

4. Start the Gentle Scrub

After a certain time, the grime will loosen up. You just have to give it a soft scrub to lift it away. No elbow grease needed—just patience and gentle motion. 

Scrub time: 5–10 minutes, depending on grime level.

While doing so:

• Use a soft sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush.

• Scrub in light circles, moving from top to bottom.

• Reapply baking soda to extra grimy patches if needed.

  
  

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Once you’ve scrubbed, rinse away the mess and any leftover residue. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Use a detachable showerhead if available, or a bucket of warm water.

• Make sure all fizzing residue is fully washed away.

• Watch the shine emerge as you rinse!

✅ Bonus Tip: Got a slow drain? Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz, then rinse with hot water. It helps break down gunk naturally.

6. Clean the Fixtures as Well

Your tub’s knobs and faucet often get overlooked, but a quick wipe makes a big difference. They respond well to vinegar and a bit of attention. 

Process:

• Spray vinegar onto a sponge or cloth.

• Wipe down handles, faucet, and trim areas.

• For stubborn mineral spots, let vinegar sit before wiping.

  
  

7. Dish Soap for Extra Glow (optional)

Dish soap isn’t just for dishes — it’s a powerful degreaser, works wonders on greasy stovetops, too.

Want to level up the sparkle? A few drops of mild dish soap can bring out a polish-like shine without harming the surface. 

Dish soap breaks down leftover oils or soap film, vinegar might miss, leaving the surface squeaky clean.

Make it sparkle by:

• Add a drop or two of dish soap to your sponge.

• Do one final gentle wipe of the tub interior.

• Rinse once more with warm water for that showroom gleam.

  
  

8. Dry and Admire

Leaving the tub wet can lead to water spots or streaks. Drying it off will not only improve the finish but also help prevent future grime buildup.

Here’s how to do it:

• Use a clean microfiber towel to dry the tub and fixtures.

• Wipe in wide strokes for a streak-free finish.

• Step back and enjoy your naturally clean tub!

Pro Tips for Long-Term Tub Cleanliness

Maintain your sparkling tub with these simple habits:

• Weekly Wipe-Down: A quick 2-minute wipe-down each week can prevent grime buildup.

• Address Stains Fast: For new stains, make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it, and let it sit before scrubbing.

• Good Ventilation: Always use your bathroom fan or open a window after showers to help surfaces dry, reducing soap scum and mildew.

• Gentle Cleaning: Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, which can scratch your tub's surface.

If regular cleaning feels overwhelming, check out Top 7 Benefits of Recurring Maid Service for a Healthier Lifestyle.

When Is It Time to Call the Pros?

If your tub has years of caked-on grime, deep-set hard water stains, or persistent mildew that just won't respond to these methods, it might be time for a professional deep clean.

Companies like Distinguished Manor House Cleaning in the East Valley cities of Arizona are equipped to handle tough jobs safely and effectively.

Final Thoughts

Using baking soda and vinegar to clean your bathtub isn’t just effective—it feels satisfying about watching fizzing bubbles lift away soap scum. With just a little effort, your bathtub transforms from dull to dazzling. 

What’s even better is that you’re not breathing in any nasty fumes. And best of all? It’s quick. In about 30 minutes, you can go from "eww" to "wow."

So next time your tub needs love, skip the chemical aisle. Reach for your natural cleaning duo, and let them work their magic. Your bathtub—and your nose—will thank you.