< Singing to the tune of "Sailing, sailing">
Cleaning, cleaning.
Off the tub we go!
Scouring grout without a shout
A shining tub to show...
Isn't cleaning fun?
*smile*
Maybe I'm the only one.
I like to view my weekly scrubbing of the bathtub as exercise. It's good for me (I sure feel it in my arms and hamstrings some days!). And good for the tub! I know that you will likely be able to scrub your tub much faster than I can as my tub has some issues. First, the grout is almost non-existent. There are large gaps where the grout should be. Which means that pink goo (red algae) and mildew like to try and grow on these mini shelves. Yes we could add more grout and solve the problem but we're saving up to put in an all new bathroom. We don't want to redo the grout just to pull it all out and bin it in a month's time. Secondly our tub was neglected (by previous home owners) so the bottom of the tub is stained. Each week I scrub I am slowly wearing down the stain more and more. I view it as a game. How much stain can I scrub out this week!? I'm also motivated by my husband who is always impressed by how much cleaner the tub looks each week. Yes he may be pretending to be impressed but I don't care. Someone noticed my hard work and that makes me happy!
 |
| My gross stained tub. |
Here's how you too can clean your bathtub in less than 10 minutes:
Supplies (ABCD...)
Abrasive Cleaner - homemade (click here for recipe) or store bought
Bucket
Cloth/sponge/rag
Dish Soap
Gloves (optional)
Old towel
Small container/cup
Squeegee (for glass tub surrounds)
Timer
Toothbrush - re-purpose an old one
How To
Set the timer for 10 minutes. Squirt a small amount of soap in the bucket and fill with water from the tub. Set aside. Start the timer! It's a race against the clock! Who will win!?
In 3 Minutes
1. Remove all toys, soaps, shampoos and other items from the tub surround. Minimize these items as much as possible. Algae and mildew like to grow behind and under them.
2. Using the small container/cup, collect water from the tub faucet and splash it around the tub. If the tub walls and tub itself are already wet, omit this step.
3. Dump a small amount of abrasive cleaner on the tub bottom. Using your cloth/sponge/rag scrub the bottom and sides of the tub. Scrub around the drain, the tub edges where it meets the wall and scrub the drain plug.
4. Using your cloth/sponge (which should now be infused with abrasive cleaner) scrub the tub faucet, tap, and shower head.
In 5 Minutes
1. Pour a tiny pile of abrasive cleaner on the bottom of the tub. Dip the old toothbrush into your soapy water bucket, then into the cleaner. Scrub the grout lines between the tub tiles and any soap shelves. Start at the front of the tub (by the faucet) and work your way up. This way you clean the dirtiest grout first and work your way up to the least dirty. Repeat dipping the toothbrush into the water and cleaner as needed. Spend most of your 5 minutes scrubbing the grout.
If you have have a glass or vinyl surround on your tub, clean any soap shelves and move on to step 2.
2. Wipe up the last of the abrasive cleaner with the cloth/sponge. Wipe/scrub the tub surround surface (vinyl or tile). This can be done quickly using a large wiping motion.
If you have a glass surround wipe it down by dipping your cloth/sponge into your soapy water bucket. Then wipe with a squeegee to prevent water spots.
3. If your tub is in a sorry state (like mine!) and there is time remaining, return to the task of scrubbing the tub bottom for a few moments.
In 2 Minutes
1. Using your small container/cup and water from the tub faucet, splash the water against the tub surround and tub. Repeat until tub and surround are rinsed from all cleaner.
2. Wash any tub toys or shampoo/soap bottles using the bucket of soapy water. Leave items on tub bottom to dry.
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| Currently our tub toys are plastic food containers. Our kids loves filling and pouring with them. |
3. Rub the tub faucet, tap and shower head dry with the old towel. This removes water spots and makes them sparkle and shine!
Yes!
You did it!
You beat the clock!!
You're so awesome. I knew you could do it! If you still have time and energy, go ahead and tackle the rest of the bathroom. It will only take 10 minutes (or less!). Click here to connect to that article.
Or sit back and enjoy your shiny bathtub. Love that shine!
Happy thoughts,
Andrea
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