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Step into a sparkling-clean tub or shower with these top-performing solutions.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
You want to consider a few things about bathtub cleaners before deciding on one.
Theres no mist option, so it may be difficult to cover larger areas.
The bottle itself has just one spray option, which is more of a direct stream than a mist.
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However, its also available in floral.
Its not a disinfectant.
If you prefermilder cleaning solutions, we recommend the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Tub and Tile spray.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Like our top pick, theres only one concentrated stream spray, no mist.
When sprayed, the solution becomes thick and foamy, which makes it easy to wipe off the surface.
The Mrs. Meyers spray is scented with essential oils.
We found the lavender scent subtle and pleasant, and it didnt linger too long.
It left a faint residue on our tile.
Bathrooms are often dark and damp, making them the perfect place formold and mildew.
you could also spray the solution and let it air dry toprevent mold growthfor up to a week.
The spray bottle provided a generous mist, which we think will provide enough coverage for larger surfaces.
And despite being a stronger cleaner, we didnt detect an overpowering scent from the solution.
The solutions included standard cleaners, disinfectant solutions, mold and mildew fighters, and grout whiteners.
We tested each solution on a section of tile to test their effectiveness on hard surfaces and grout.
We spread a mud mask mixture on the tile and left it to dry.
If no time was stated, we let it sit for five minutes.
We scrubbed and rinsed as necessary until the area was clean, or until five minutes had passed.
While testing the bathtub cleaners, we evaluated them based on their effectiveness and ease of use.
We also noted how well the actual bottle worked, noting any faulty triggers or tough-to-turn nozzles.
Lastly, noted how strong the scent was and whether it lingered after cleaning.
After testing all the cleaning solutions, we ranked our favorites based on their overall performance and value.
McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner
Asteam cleaneris a great way to clean tough stains with water alone.
The steam hose is 9 feet long, so youll be able to easily reach into your bathtubs corners.
We recommend theFull Circle Grunge Busterthanks to its ergonomic handle, which prevented sore hands in our tests.
Sardone advises you should know whether your tub is porcelain or fiberglass before shopping.
She cautions, Never use harsh powdered cleansers or abrasives on fiberglass as it will scratch.
If it moves just a bit, its likely an acrylic or fiberglass material because theyre more flexible.
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Ingredients
Its important to understand what ingredients are in a bathtub cleaner before you begin using it.
Some cleaners have harsher ingredients than others, which may require extra protection like safety goggles or gloves.
Always read the label for instructionsregarding ventilationwhen cleaning with shower cleaners, Sardone advises.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
She also recommends theuse of rubber glovesto protect hands against acid-based cleaners.
If you’re free to smell it, you are ingesting it, Sardone says.
Be careful around cleaning products with strong fumes that make you cough," she warns.
“Ventilate the area if possible or wear a protective mask.
Choosing the program throw in comes down to your tub material and how you prefer to clean.
Powder cleaners can be more abrasive, so they are often not suitable to use on fiberglass tubs.
Foaming cleaners tend to cling to surfaces easier, making them a helpful pick for cleaning shower walls.
Your Questions, Answered
Will bleach damage a bathtub?
Sardone says bleach wont damage a bathtub.
Powdered cleaners with bleach work great on stubborn stains in porcelain tubs, Sardone says.
However, its always best to read the owners manual that came with the tub if its available.
How do you deep clean a bathtub without scrubbing?
If youd rather not scrub your bathtub, you may want to look for a cleaner that foams.
Can bathtub cleaners be used on other surfaces?
To learn more about bathtub cleaners, she consultedDebbie Sardone, owner of Speed Cleaning.
Jessica Comstockis an associate editor forBetter Homes & Gardens.
She updated this article with insights from our testing team, who tested 27 bathroom cleaners.
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Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
