Best Overall
CLR Pro Industrial Strength Bath Daily Cleaner
Best Bang for the Buck
Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser
Best for Mold and Mildew
RMR Solutions RMR-86 Instant Mold & Mildew Remover
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Cleaning the bathroom is no fun , especially when it comes to clean the bathtub . Straining over the bathtub ’s edge to get at those hard - to - attain areas while render to scrub can be awkward and leave you with an aching back and tender stifle . But when you fit the right cleaning product with the right job , cleanup can be less arduous and fourth dimension - consuming . We researched and put to the test the top dry cleaner on the market place to see the sprays , foam , and scrubbers that lighten the load on keeping your soaker clean .
A clean bath keeps modeling , bacteria , and other minerals that are unsightly ( and unhealthy ) from building up in the bathroom . Of course , clean the bathtub does require effort , but the good bathtub dry cleaner can ease the procedure and get free of the grossness . Here are some of the best bathtub cleaners available , with vindicated standouts and our testers ’ go - to ’s for their regular cleaning subroutine .
How We Tested the Best Bathtub Cleaners
We taped a bathtub into sections to test the cleaners side by side . If the cleaner was designed for a specific problem like mineral buildup , rust fungus , or mould , we made sure to prove it on that particular problem . We rated performance found on an found rubric , looking at how well the product perform in its specific class and how it did compared to the other cleanser in the test . We count at relaxation of use , scent , and how well it cleaned . Cleaners were tried on different textile based on the maker ’s recommendations . We followed manufacturer instruction manual so that products were tested as intended .
Testing Stats
Our Top Picks
Here ’s an overview of some of the best bathtub cleaners on the market . This list of top performer is based on our in - individual testing , along with the antecedently cite considerations , brand reputation , and Cartesian product quality .
Our paygrade : Ease of Use5/5 ; even Buildup5/5 ; knotty Stains4.5/5 ; Scent3/5 ; Value4.5/5
CLR Pro cleaner is an industrial - strength formula that can handle bath cleaning from top to bottom . CLR Pro is design to break off down Ca , lime , and hard water system deposits , with this exceptional expression being able to handle grievous bodily harm trash and general grime , too . It performed exceptionally well during testing , harness world-wide liquid ecstasy scum and stain with relief .
It ’s good for most lav surfaces , including glassful shower doorway , tile , unstained steel , fiberglass , granite , porcelain , and credit card . We tried it on glass and fiberglass , and it performed beautifully . Rust did n’t stand a chance , and it did a decent caper removing mold and mildew .
CLR Pro is Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) Safer Choice certify and biodegradable . It does not have alcohol ingredients , ammonia water , or bleach . It ’s not scented , though it does have a general cleanser smell . CLR Pro perform better when used with a cleaning cloth than a paper towel . It made a ding in toilsome water dirt but could n’t remove the problematical buildup . However , we found that the only products that could remove wakeless , hard water supply stains had some harsh elements in the rule , which this one does not .
Get the CLR Pro bathtub white atAmazonorWalmart .
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4/5 ; even Buildup5/5 ; Tough Stains5/5 ; Scent3/5 ; Value5/5
Bar Keepers Friend avail remove pesky brand , but it ’s also gentle enough to utilize on porcelain , fiberglass , and tile . However , this powder can scratch some surfaces , peculiarly if you get enthusiastic while scrubbing — so it ’s important to check with the manufacturing business to determine which material are safe to employ the product on .
We used it in a fibreglass tub to murder a waxy celluloid and mineral deposit leave behind behind by well water . All it took was aristocratic scrubbing to remove both . We also taste it on stamp and mildew take in in a drinking glass shower room access rails . It did an excellent job of removing both , though we had to be careful because it begin to wear away at the caulking .
Photo: Stacey L. Nash for Bob Vila
This pulverized cleanser polishes , too . Use it to scrub up forth lime and other mineral deposits from faucets and knobs . And Bar Keepers Friend cleanser is n’t just for the bathroom ; you could use this multipurpose powder in the kitchen , the garage , and even on the grill and terrace piece of furniture . However , you may desire to test the pulverization on the tub ’s control surface and grout before using it to ensure it wo n’t cancel or discolor the aerofoil .
Get the Bar Keeper ’s Friend bathtub unclouded atAmazon , The Home Depot(2 - pack ) , orWalmart .
Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Regular Buildup5/5 ; Tough Stains4/5 ; Scent2/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: Stacey L. Nash for Bob Vila
mould is no protagonist to hoi polloi who suffer from allergies , autoimmune diseases , or respiratory infection , and it must be tackled betimes on to keep it from spreading to and penetrating various bathroom surfaces . But if mold is already present , RMR-86 removes the stains and odors that black mold and mould farewell between can roofing tile , on grout , and on shower doors .
We tested RMR-86 in the racetrack of a rain shower door and around the drain of a bathtub / shower , both locations where modeling and mildew well accumulate . It removed both . The instructions ask leave the answer on the mold and mold until the stains disappear . We follow those command but find it perform well if we did some light scratch afterward .
No intermixture is necessary . The brand remover is good for distinctive bathroom surfaces , but it also can murder cast from wood , vinyl , drywall , and concrete . One of our testers lives in a humid area , where mold and mildew easily collect on window . This is one of her top choices for keeping mold and mildew to a lower limit .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the RMR bathtub white atAmazon , The Home Depot , orRMRSolutions .
Best for Soap Scum
Our Ratings : Ease of Use3/5 ; Regular Buildup3/5 ; Tough Stains4.5/5 ; Scent3/5 ; Value4.5/5
Soap scum buildup is no accident : Those who live in an area with hard weewee probably battle it constantly . The Bring It On difficult water stain remover not only helps remove soap scum , but it also removes the mineral deposit result behind by hard water to ensure the easy lay residue has nothing to cling to .
One of our testers has well water with operose water and mineral deposit that leave a waxy buildup along with hard water system stain . Hand scrubbing with Bring It On removed grievous bodily harm trash without a trouble . The abrasive was gentle on a fiberglass tub , lead no mark behind . We tried it on hard water stain on a shower glass door , too . Hand scrubbing did n’t wholly remove the buildup , but then we try out Bring It On with a scrubbing brush attached to an electric drill , and the build - up did n’t stand a chance . It did n’t scratch the door and was one of only two products that could bump off knockout piddle dirt .
Photo: amazon.com
This cleaner contains nontoxic oxygen bleaching agent , so it ’s good to use where kids and pets bathe . It ’s also good for Methedrine , tile , grout , and metal hardware ( though be thrifty with how hard you scrub up ) . And it ’s not limited to the bathroom ; you may also apply Bring It On in the kitchen or the swim puddle area . The mint scent was a turn unusual , like using Pepto Bismol in the bathroom , but not completely off - putting .
Get the Bring It On bathtub cleaner atAmazonorBring It On Cleaner .
Best for Rust Stains
CLR Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover
Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Regular Buildup4.5/5 ; Tough Stains4/5 ; Scent3/5 ; Value2.5/5
This concentrated multipurpose dry cleaner from CLR object rust fungus , calcium , lime tree , and liquid ecstasy scum and works for targeted areas . It ’s safe for use on charge plate , ceramic roofing tile , crank , untarnished steel , metal repair , shower doors , fiberglass , toilet bowls , and sinks . The cleaner is EPA Safer Choice certified and a secure option to chemicals that contain phosphates , ammonia , or bleaching agent .
This hard formula can be unify with adequate parts water and applied to control surface or in full concentration . We mixed it with adequate persona water and used it toclean a shower headwith hard water buildup . It ’s only meant to contact surface for 2 minutes before rinsing ; this is n’t a set - it - and - forget it result . We found that it removed ecumenical atomic number 20 and rust stains , but it struggled with anything that was too heavy or had thicker buildup . However , if you persist on top of buildup , it could definitely ferment as a preventative cleaner .
Photo: amazon.com
It can also be used to make clean gadget with accumulated buildup , such as coffee bean pots , tea kettle , dishwasher , and wash machines . It ’s an idealistic cleaner for specialized use like fighting rusting stains . However , if you ’re looking for something for more wide-ranging covering , there are more effective multipurpose cleaners worth consider .
Get the CLR bathtub calcium , Citrus aurantifolia , and rusting cleaner atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , Walmart , orMenards .
Best Natural
Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner
Our evaluation : simpleness of Use5/5 ; unconstipated Buildup5/5 ; Tough Stains2/5 ; Scent3/5 ; Value4/5
Those who favour innate production for cleaning may care Better Life ’s cleaner . It ’s nonpoisonous , so it ’s secure for kids , pet , and the surroundings . The blend of afternoon tea tree and eucalyptus oils extend a natural option to man-made chemical substance .
We found that it performed well for general bathing tub cleaning , such as soap scum and general filth . A comparatively small amount of solution remove daily residue , so it ’s an economical and eco - friendly pick . The set includes one spray and two bottleful , come to a total of 64 ounces of cleaning solution .
Photo: amazon.com
Because the plant - deduct solvent does n’t contain harsh chemical substance , it ’s safe for ceramic , porcelain , chromium steel , brand , fiberglass , and acrylic surfaces . Simply spray , scrubbing , and rinse ; for supernumerary effulgence , dry out the airfoil with a soft cloth . We found it effective on fibreglass and chalk shower doors . However , it did not work on hard urine stains , mold , or rust , which it is advertise to do .
Get the Better Life bath cleaner atAmazon(2 - plurality ) orWalmart .
Best for Hard Water
Bio-Clean Products Hard Water Stain Remover
Our rating : Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Regular Buildup5/5 ; Tough Stains4.5/5 ; Scent4/5 ; Value4.5/5
The Bio - Clean Products hard water stain remover is regularly used by one of our testers . The creamy consistence is a little different from other cleaner , but we happen it effective for difficult - to - remove soap scum , heavy water stains , and mineral deposits .
Over the last few long time , our examiner used Bio - fresh to remove waxy build - up and mineral deposits that leave from well water . With hand scouring , it works on difficult easy lay trash and grime when standard sprays and foams do n’t . For the most difficult unvoiced water system grunge , we tried it with a chaparral brush attach to an electric drill . The extra major power removed operose water mark that had built up after a few weeks , but it made a mess .
Photo: amazon.com
It has a minty feeling redolent of Pepto Bismol . We found that odor to be mild but a bit odd in the bathroom . This is n’t the kind of uncontaminating that lets you sit down back and relax . Users must put some scouring power into cleaning to get it to form . But if you ’ve got erstwhile or built - up hard H2O dirt , Bio - Clean can remove them . break with the manufacturing business to see materials that Bio - Clean can potentially scratch .
Get the Bio - uninfected bath cleaner atAmazon(2 - pack ) orThe Home Depot .
Best for Stain Removal
Mr. Clean Extra Durable Magic Eraser
Our military rank : Ease of Use5/5 ; Regular Buildup5/5 ; Tough Stains4/5 ; Scent3/5 ; Value5/5
The Mr. Clean eraser comes in a corner of 10 scrubbers . These foamy erasers are coated in cleaners that , once combined with water supply , work to remove stains . We found this clean a good pick for targeted grunge , like rust or a small sphere that accumulate mineral buildup . We also test it on max trash and obtain that it worked just as well as the proficient cleanser .
The scrubbers are n’t very big , so we would n’t necessarily advocate them for an entire bathtub unless it was covered with especially difficult - to - remove scum and grime . The size and cause it take on to expend them make them more useable for small , targeted orbit .
Photo: amazon.com
We also tried the Mr. Clean erasers on mould and mould in a hard - to - access shower bath threshold track . It removed most but not all of the mold . While we would n’t use these scrubbers every week , they are great for occasionally spot - cleanup tough stains .
Get the Mr. Clean bathtub cleaner atAmazonorWalmart(2 - pack ) .
ALSO TESTED
Green Gobbler Main Line Drain Opener
The Green Gobbler run out untier remove plumbing clogs . We poured it into a tardily - locomote sink drain and left it for 4 hour . The directions say to forget it for 30 minute up to overnight . It improve current slightly but not enough to make much of a conflict , specially deliberate that one clog requires between half and all of the bottle .
calcined lime - A - Way Hard Water Bathroom Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com
Lime - A - means has a upright repute , but it did n’t exceed any of the multipurpose dry cleaner in our examination . It was average at bump off hard H2O grime , mold , mildew , lime , and rust . Additionally , the book of instructions are very specific about the materials to quash , many of which are common in the bathroom . That made it hard to test the Lime - A - manner without it touching a damageable surface . It ’s a specialized merchandise that perform like a less effective and more special multipurpose cleanser .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Bathtub Cleaner
Browsing the cleanup mathematical product aisle at the foodstuff store can quickly become an overwhelming experience . After only a few minute , all the options begin to seem likewise . We explore various sort of cleaner to help consumers find the practiced bathtub cleanser for their bathroom . look at these factors before buy a cleaner .
Bathtub Type and Material
Bathtubs are manufactured from various product , including porcelain , acrylic , fiberglass , shape Fe , and stone rosin . Each of these surfaces is susceptible to scratch and damage , which is important to consider when take a bathing tub cleanser . Most bathtub cleaners admit the product ’s tub case compatibility on the recording label .
Also regard the various accessories or other material that may be near the tub , likebathroom caddiesand regular , and the eccentric of cleaning product recommended for them . Choosing the right cleanup tools not only help with efficiency but also can minimize legal injury to the tub ’s surface .
Purpose and Versatility
When prefer the secure bathtub cleaner , deal the type of cleaning project . reckon for a casual spray to keep the already - sporty bathing tub fresh and mould - destitute ? Or is the tub a little previous and necessitate some redundant TLC after a time of year of neglect ? While multipurpose cleaner may tackle most needs , other cleanser are formulated specifically to cover more intensive issue , such as hard water system stains , black mold , and clogged drains .
dissimilar water sources , john textile , and home design create alone cleaning challenge . punishing water , mineral deposits , and sometime bathtubs can be too tough for standard cleaners . Hard water , for representative , can pass on stain on bath that are unmanageable to take out , but there are products made specifically to turn to this type of build up . Mineral deposits , unslaked lime , and even mold can go on more commonly in some climates and water type than others . Do a small enquiry to find out what ’s in your water and take a cleaner suitable for your cleansing need .
Also , consider a product ’s scratchy or nonabrasive quality . Abrasive cleaners help melt off the amount of scrubbing demand to clean house a Earth’s surface , but the abrasive particles may also do wrong to that control surface if apply too smartly . Nonabrasive cleaners are good choice for large Earth’s surface area that do n’t require excessive scrubbing , such as floor or countertops .
Photo: amazon.com
Application and Form
Bathtub cleansing agent come up in a variety of cast , which can make a difference in how easy they are to apply :
Ingredients
consumer today are much more aware of the ingredients and chemical in cleaning products than they used to be . Commercial cleansing Cartesian product contain chemicals that disinfect and deodorize , but many also follow with admonition label that conduct the consumer to nullify contact with skin and eyes and use in well - vent areas . Some are labeled as combustible and corrosive . When rinse down the drain into the water supply provision , they can even pose a scourge to the environment — or to your infected organization .
constitutional cleaning products , on the other hand , are nontoxic and environmentally well-disposed . Some work just as well as synthetic cleanser , though it depends on the kind of soil and inwardness you ’re endeavor to remove . Treating stains can be hard for these eccentric of cleanser , but you’re able to encounter eco - well-disposed cleaners with gentle abradant that can hit more stubborn toilet grime .
Concentration
When using cleaning product , more is n’t always better . In some fount , high density of cleanup chemical can cause harm to the surfaces being clean . They can also cause respiratory issues to the user . Some cleaning product are available in a dressed ore , which means they must be mixed with water before being implement .
FAQs
Do n’t dreadcleaning the bathtub ; alternatively , learn the creature and tricks that can help take the pain out of the business . Below are a few answers to some usual questions about cleaning and maintaining your bathtub ’s surface .
scratchy , acidic cleaners are the strongest when it comes to disinfect and off stains . The abrasive speck break down buildup , while an acidic pH melts away the deposits . But mind — the stronger the cleanser , the more likely it is to damage your vat ’s airfoil if not used properly .
Most chemicals are toxic to some degree . Somebathroom cleanerswith chemical substance can become life-threatening when unify together , especially combinations of bleaching agent and ammonia , which can produce toxic exhaust fumes and sting your skin . Wearing adequate ventilation and glove are recommended while using cleansing products .
Deep - cleaning a tub does n’t have to be strong . If necessary , come up the bod - up with a tub brush before applying the cleaning solution .
All - natural cleaning product are the safest because they ’re free from toxic chemicals and irritants . A product likeBetter Life Natural bathtub cleanercan oeuvre wonders on the tough bathroom jobs while still remaining dependable for your health .
When in a pinch , yes , you may use a toilet pipe bowl cleaner on porcelain bathtub surface . However , experts recommend diluting the dry cleaner with water before use . A toilet arena cleaner that admit lactic pane rather than hydrochloric Zen is less likely to induce price to the tub ’s surface .
Meet the Tester
Stacey L. Nash has written about base and garden product , home aim and decor , and general indoor and outdoor home base improvement for 5 + year . She ’s passionate about inquiry and manpower - on testing to find the product that summate on-key value to homeownership and everyday life . She lives on 12 heavily wooded acres , where she and her kinsfolk put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bears and cougars .
Additional research provided by Alisa Martin .
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