Cleaning the bathtub. It’s a chore, as it seems to require a lot of scrubbing and leaning over and generally contorting yourself into a few strange positions. While cleaning the bathtub will never be totally painless, there are some tricks you can use to make it easier to clean and to keep it shiny for much longer.

Before you start to clean, you need to know what type of finish your tub has. Most tub finishes are porcelain, enamel, acrylic or fiberglass. If the finish looks like plastic, it’s one of the latter two. If your tub is made from a more unusual material, such as stone or copper, check with your tub’s manufacturer for cleaning instructions.

Cleanser Choices

There are a lot of cleansers on the market along with popular homemade solutions. A paste made by combining equal parts baking soda and water is fine for any type of tub and works especially well on soap scum.

Beyond that, the tub’s finish makes a difference in what you use. You have more options for a porcelain finish, which is by far the toughest surface, including a vinegar-based solution. Try to use as few nasty chemical products as possible. A mixture of warm vinegar and a bit of Dawn and a scrub pad does a pretty good job on tub soap scum. Microfiber rags and water can work on a tub that is not too scummy.

If you opt for a commercial cleanser, your first step is to read the label carefully, as even some seemingly gentle lotion-like cleansers can be abrasive. For porcelain and enamel finishes, a cleanser that includes a mildly abrasive component is fine. Acrylic tubs scratch easily; you should only use something that is completely nonabrasive on them.

Stain Treatments

Acrylic

Here’s where acrylic finishes come out ahead, as the finish itself repels stains. If you do have a stain on an acrylic or a fiberglass surface, treat it with ½ to ⅔ cup of clear dishwashing liquid mixed with 2 cups of hot water. If that isn’t strong enough, try a paste of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide or baking soda and water, but test in a low-visibility area first. There are also those who swear by using an inexpensive plain white toothpaste, no brightening agents or added features, on stains.

Enamel

Enamel finishes are also more delicate, and bleach will stain them. Instead, try the same solutions as for an acrylic finish, mentioned above.

Porcelain

For porcelain tubs, bleach has been a go-to stain remover for years, but eventually it can wear down the finish. Instead, start with a baking soda and water solution. A dishwashing liquid solution works well for soap scum. If the stain is caused by hard water, mix vinegar and water and spray it on the stain. For rust stains, you may need to use a commercial rust remover.

If none of these work on a porcelain finish, the next step would be a pumice stone, Magic Eraser or commercial stain remover. Start with the least abrasive options to save wear and tear on the finishes. And some stains, especially on older tubs whose finish has become worn or damaged, may never come out. In that case, reglazing may be an option.

Caution: Never mix bleach and ammonia.

Tub Cleaning Techniques

Once you’ve decided on a cleanser, it’s time to face the tub. Start by clearing everything off the edges so you have a clean slate.

Next, treat any stains. Then apply your chosen cleanser, spreading the paste in a circular motion or spraying the cleanser on the entire surface, starting from the rim of the tub, working along the sides and finishing at the bottom.

The next step is easy. Let the cleanser and stain treatment soak for at least 30 minutes. Most of us make the mistake of applying the cleanser and any stain treatment and then cleaning immediately, rather than giving them time to work. Which means we put too much elbow grease into it. 

Once the cleanser has had time to work, scrub the sides and bottom of the tub, starting from the top and working your way down. For the least abrasive approach, choose a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Other options include a soft-bristled scrub brush or one of the longer-handled shower and tub scrubbers that are designed to save you some back strain.

If you have an acrylic tub, use a cloth or scrubber that’s made from nylon, which won’t scratch the surface. Researchers have found that even paper towels can scratch a plastic finish. An old toothbrush is handy for cleaning around drains and other tight surfaces.

The next step is to rinse the tub thoroughly, either by spraying with the shower nozzle or rinsing with a bucket of clean water. This practice is often overlooked but essential. Leaving a cleanser on for an hour is fine, leaving it on for a week can permanently harm the tub’s finish. Clean the shower doors to remove any overspray from the cleanser.

Finally, dry the tub thoroughly with a soft cloth, microfiber works very well, so it shines. This step doesn’t take long and is key for a polished look.

Preventive Practices

Perhaps the most important step in having a clean tub is what you do after you’ve cleaned to minimize future problems, especially the ever-present soap scum. All the experts agree that wiping down the tub and drying after each use go a long way towards keeping it looking good — and keeping your cleaning time to a minimum. Another suggestion is, once clean, switch to a bath gel. It is the talc in bar soap that creates the scum. If you don’t want to make that switch, use a hard soap intead.

Get your house ready for summer by prepping your home and garden for warm weather. These to-dos cover all the bases, so you can enjoy the season to the fullest.

Check Off Your List In An Hour Or Less

Make Your Summer Must-Do List

Beach days, lemonade, grow/ pick-your-own fruit — there is so much to look forward to in summer, don’t let it pass in the blink of an eye. Be sure you are making the most of your season by creating a list of your personal must-dos and posting it where you can see it. A big chalkboard or family bulletin board would be ideal.

Empty Standing Water Regularly

The best way to keep mosquito populations down is by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Even a saucer of water can become a mosquito nursery, so leave no pot unturned!

Create A Spot For Beach Towels And Bathing Suits 

Instead of dragging soggy, sandy beach towels through the house choose a dedicated spot, either just outside the door, a covered porch or in the mudroom. Hang a row of sturdy hooks for wet towels and bathing suits. Once dry, sand can be easily shaken off outdoors, so it doesn’t end up in your washing machine.

Bring Together Summer Necessities

Stash extra sunscreen, shades and bug repellant in a container near the front door for easy access when you’re in a rush.

Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend

Install Screen Doors

If you use them, now is the time to take down the storm doors and put up screen doors to let the summer breezes pour in. Be sure to inspect screens carefully, patching holes as needed — even a tiny hole can be enough to let in a mosquito.

Check Play Equipment For Safety 

Over time, wood, ropes and fastenings can degrade, making outdoor play equipment potentially unsafe. Check swings, zip lines, slides and other structures for safety; repair or replace as needed.

Hang A Clothesline For Energy Savings 

While the weather is nice and warm, consider skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes to dry in the fresh air instead. It may not always be possible, but even occasionally putting a clothesline or drying rack to work will save energy.

If hang-drying isn’t an option, you can still reduce your energy bill by washing in cold water, cleaning the lint trap and having your dryer vent serviced to increase airflow.

Reorganize Your Kitchen

The change in seasons is a good time to rethink how you have things arranged in the kitchen. If there are small appliances you use more in the warmer months, a blender for smoothies, perhaps, or an ice cream maker, move them to a more accessible spot, and you will be more likely to use them.

Stations devoted to a certain purpose can also do wonders. If you have children on summer vacation, create a station stocked with healthy snacks. Or create an iced-coffee bar or smoothie-making station for yourself with all needed supplies within reach.

Make Space For Summer Crafts

A dedicated space for arts and crafts can provide screen-free entertainment and a creative outlet — and it’s not just for kids! 

Organize And Put Away School Papers

If you have kids, at the end of the school year, it can be tempting to jump right into summer. But taking the time to sort through your kids school things will help prevent clutter from piling up, and you can start the summer fresh. Sort through the papers, artwork and projects from the year, choosing the best pieces to save in a portfolio or document box and then recycle the rest. If you want to preserve more than you can keep, consider scanning the artwork store it in your computer or creating a photo book with the pictures.

Keep Cooling Systems Running Smoothly

Take the time before hot weather sets in to dust ceiling fans, install window air-conditioning units and schedule maintenance for a whole-house cooling system.

Lighten Up Decor

Roll up heavy rugs, put cooling sheets on the beds and bring in accents in lighter hues for the warmer months ahead. Breezy white curtains look lovely in summer, but if the weather gets quite hot, you may want to leave heavy window coverings in place. Closing the shades during the heat of the day can actually help keep your house cooler.

Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers

Help give pollinators a place to thrive by adding bee-friendly native plants to your garden now for fall blooms. Which flower species you choose will depend on your region; ask for assistance at a local nursery specializing in native plants if you are unsure.

Keep An Eye On Irrigation Systems

A faulty sprinkler or irrigation hose that goes unnoticed can quickly cause big problems for your lawn and garden. Make a habit of checking each component once a week, especially in summer.

Give Your Garage Or Shed A Clean-Out

Since you’ll likely be spending more time in your outdoor spaces during the summer, it’s a good idea to take some time to clear out space in your storage area. Sell or give away items you no longer want and organize what’s left into zones of use: garden tools and supplies, outdoor adventures and sports gear, and household tools.

Get Seasonal Gear Ready

What with camping and beach trips, summertime activities come with a lot of gear. Get it cleaned up and ready now, so you’re not surprised by a leaky tent or blown-out beach umbrella when it’s too late to replace them. And if you plan to waterproof anything, tents or outdoor tablecloths, now is the time.

Refresh Your Bathroom

Shower curtain liner looking a little dingy? Bath towels seen better days? Give your bathroom a mini spa makeover, and swap out your tired old bath linens for fresh, fluffy new towels and a new curtain liner. Use a basket to corral rolled towels. And contain toiletries on a tray or in zippered containers.

Update First-Aid Kits And Emergency Supplies

Be prepared for everything with well-stocked first-aid kits in the house and car, plus emergency supplies for your family and pets. Not sure what to include? The Red Cross has a helpful checklist.

Clean Gutters And Downspouts

If you did not get your gutters cleaned in spring, be sure to get this essential task checked off your list as soon as possible. Leaf- and debris-clogged gutters can lead to leaks and siding damage with summer storms.

Schedule Major Outdoor Projects

Whether you are dreaming of a new patio or need to replace a deck, don’t delay booking a landscape architect or contractor for your projects. Their schedules are especially tight right now.

Catch Up On Projects And Maintenance

No one is perfect, and chances are there are a few home-maintenance projects you’ve been meaning tackle. Why not make June the month to get caught up?