Written by: Deane Biermeier / Facts Checked by; Ryan Cullenward / Products Tested by Licensed Interior Designers
A clean, white bathtub is not just about aesthetics it's about hygiene, comfort, and maintaining the value of your bathroom. Over time, even the most durable tubs can become stained, yellowed, and grimy due to hard water, soap scum, mold, and mildew. Below, we provide the most comprehensive guide available on how to whiten your bathtub, restore its shine, and maintain that sparkle for years to come.
Before applying any whitening method, it’s crucial to identify your bathtub material. Each material requires a specific cleaning approach to avoid damage:
Porcelain Enamel: Found on cast iron or steel tubs. Durable but prone to chipping.
Acrylic: Lightweight, easy to clean, but can scratch easily.
Fiberglass: Inexpensive and easy to install, but stains quickly and is more porous.
Enameled Steel: Less expensive alternative to cast iron; chips easier.
Cultured Marble: More delicate, requires non-abrasive methods.
Always test a small hidden spot first before using any cleaning solution.
For most whitening methods, you’ll want to gather these essential tools and ingredients:
Baking soda
White vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
Lemon juice
Borax
Dish soap (preferably Dawn)
Spray bottle
Sponge or non-abrasive scrub brush
Old toothbrush
Microfiber cloth
Rubber gloves
Optional: Commercial cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend, CLR, or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for tougher stains.
Porcelain is strong but can be damaged by harsh abrasives. Follow this method:
Rinse the tub thoroughly with warm water to loosen up dirt, hair, and soap scum.
Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste. Apply it generously across all stained areas.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray over the baking soda paste. The fizzing reaction lifts grime and stains.
Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes. Scrub gently using a soft sponge or brush.
Rinse with warm water. Use a microfiber cloth to buff dry and restore shine.
Acrylic is sensitive to scratches and should be cleaned gently.
Mix 1/4 cup of dish soap, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and warm water into a paste.
Apply paste to stains and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
Scrub lightly with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge, especially around the drain and soap scum lines.
Rinse thoroughly and use a soft cloth to dry. Avoid hard scrubbing to prevent dulling the finish.
Fiberglass tends to stain more but is also porous, so extra care is needed.
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts baking soda to form a paste.
Spread the paste over yellowed or stained areas, particularly where soap scum builds up.
This allows the whitening agents to penetrate the fiberglass surface.
Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe away. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
For heavy-duty stains, sprinkle Borax powder over the stains, then scrub with a damp sponge.
For those preferring eco-friendly or chemical-free options, try the following:
Cut a lemon in half.
Dip it in salt and scrub directly onto the stained areas.
Let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Combine 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup dish soap.
Microwave until warm.
Spray liberally over the tub, wait 30 minutes, and rinse clean.
If DIY methods don't deliver desired results, here are top-rated products that safely whiten tubs:
Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser – Works on enamel and porcelain.
CLR Bath & Kitchen Cleaner – Cuts through calcium, lime, and rust.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – Perfect for spot cleaning.
Zep Tub and Tile Cleaner – Great for soap scum and hard water stains.
Always follow product instructions and wear gloves when handling strong chemicals.
To prevent stains from coming back, make these part of your cleaning routine:
Rinse the tub after every use to avoid soap scum buildup.
Wipe down weekly with vinegar and water spray.
Avoid bath oils and dyes that can discolor the surface.
Use a squeegee or microfiber towel to dry the tub after each use.
Install a water softener if hard water is a problem in your area.
Even a white tub can look dirty if the caulking is stained.
Mix to form a thick paste.
Apply with an old toothbrush directly onto caulk or grout.
Let sit 30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe clean.
For mildew, use bleach gel pens or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
If none of the whitening methods work, it may be time for:
Professional reglazing or refinishing – Gives an old tub a like-new porcelain coating.
Bathtub liners – A custom-fit acrylic layer placed over the original tub.
Total replacement – Necessary if the tub is cracked, rusted through, or beyond repair.
A clean, white bathtub transforms the entire bathroom. By understanding your tub’s material and using the right whitening technique whether it’s a DIY baking soda paste, natural lemon scrub, or a trusted commercial cleaner you can restore your tub’s original brightness without damaging the surface. Regular maintenance ensures long-lasting cleanliness and preserves your investment.
Disclosure: Sanitarysupply.org receives an affiliate commission on some, but not all, of the products we recommend—but only if you decide to click through to the retailer's site and make a purchase.
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