8 Best Bathtub Cleaners

Clr’s Brilliant Bath Foaming Spray eliminates dirt and grime buildup and works on the toughest stains, including those from hard water. Just spray this versatile cleaner in your bathtub and wipe it clean. It’s free of ammonia, bleach and phosphates, and is part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Program, which recognizes products as a safe alternative to traditional chemicals.

Pros:

• Safe on tub, glass, stainless steel, etc.
• No harsh chemicals
• Eliminates hard water buildup, calcium deposits, lime and dirt

Cons:

• Doesn’t work on marble or natural or synthetic stone

No matter what type of bathtub you have, when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath. It’s safe to use on most surfaces, meaning it can also be used to clean the toilet, sink, tile and grout. Each order includes 10 magic erasers, and you’ll just need to add water and squeeze the eraser to activate the cleaner.

When it comes to soap scum and hard water stains, Hannah Fiedler, who also works as a field advisor and trains new cleaners for Two Bettys, says a magic eraser is her weapon of choice, combined with her company’s all-purpose concentrate and a scouring powder. “They are a powerful combination that does great at kicking hard water stains and soap scum to the curb!”

Pros:

• Works on most bathroom surfaces
• Cleaner built into the pads
• Inexpensive with fresh lavender scent

Cons:

• May need to dispose eraser after each use
• Doesn’t work with chlorine bleach or other household cleaners

If your bathtub or jacuzzi tub is looking a bit dull, get it shining again with just a few sprays of Rejuvenate’s Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover. This dual-purpose cleaner removes soap scum and leaves a streak-free finish on not only the tub, but also glass shower doors. Just spray it on, wait three minutes, then rinse clean—no elbow grease required!

Pros:

• Rinse clean after three minutes
• Fragrance-free
• Effective on ceramic tile, fiberglass, natural stone, etc.

Cons:

• Doesn’t kill germs

Having a cast iron bathtub requires special precautions when cleaning. Kohler’s Cast Iron Cleaner is safe to use, as it’s a non-abrasive, cream-based cleaner that will leave the tub shining and looking like new. One reviewer, S Smith, noted he had given up on ever getting his bathtub clean from its hard water stains. “With this product, it was clean within an hour. I started out with a dry washcloth, and it was definitely coming off. I had to apply a lot of pressure that way though. So, I grabbed a sponge with a soft scrubber on the reverse side and within minutes, I was done,” he writes.

Pros:

• Restores shine on enameled cast iron surfaces
• Non-abrasive and cream-based
• Works on cast iron kitchen pots and pans

Cons:

• On the expensive side
• Only available in 8-ounce bottle

This Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray will banish those stubborn bathtub stains on tile and grout while also eliminating unwanted odors. Just spray it on and watch stains disappear in seconds. “I used this in my bathroom on the wall above the shower and it worked great. The mold had built up over several months, and I suspect it was just painted over before I moved into my apartment, but it cleared up almost immediately when I sprayed it,” notes Amazon reviewer, Ashli. This is a dependable option for those with an undermount bathtub or for those with hard-to-reach spots.

Pros:

• Removes stains caused by black mold
• No scrubbing required
• Also works on wood, vinyl, concrete, etc.

Cons:

• Contains strong chemicals
• You should wear protection when using

Extra power may be needed to get rid of those stains left behind by hard water. The Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover from Bring It On contains potent oxygen bleach, which, unlike chlorine bleach, is nontoxic, so it’s safe to use around children and animals. Apply the product to the desired surface, leave it on for a few minutes so it can penetrate the hard water stains, then brush by hand or with the company’s drill brush (sold separately) and rinse.

Pros:

• Designed to remove hard water stains
• Safe to use around children and pets
• Also works on calcium, mineral and rust stains

Cons:

• Not recommended for marble or acrylic

When it comes to the best commercial bathtub cleaner with no harsh chemicals, look no further than Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner. This plant-based option will leave your bathtub sparkling clean and smelling fresh while not polluting the planet. It’s safe for all tub materials, including ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, fiberglass and acrylic. This natural cleaner can also be used on tile, grout and shower curtains. “This gets rid of bathtub rings in seconds—it’s a super-powerful cleaner and is eco-friendly,” writes Amazon reviewer Kirta65.

Pros:

• Doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
• Plant-based and not tested on animals
• Works on most bathtub materials

Cons:

• Tea Tree & Eucalyptus scent not for everyone

If leaning over your dream bathtub and scrubbing isn’t your style, a daily spray cleaner is the best option to cut down on how often deep cleaning is needed. The Daily Shower Spray Cleaner from Method will keep your bathtub shining with just a few sprays after a bath or shower. Plus, there’s no scrubbing or rinsing required.

Pros:

• Plant-based and safe to use every day
• Doesn’t need to be scrubbed or rinsed off
• Bottle made from recycled plastic

Cons:

• Not for heavy cleaning
• Can leave water spots on glass doors