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The Daily Insight

How do I get rid of the black ring around my bathtub

Author

Ava Robinson

Updated on April 23, 2026

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide both contain natural compounds and can effectively and safely remove stubborn bathtub stains such as rings. Use a mixture of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part peroxide. Spread the solution along the entire bathtub ring and scrub after half an hour.

What causes black ring around bathtub?

What it is: A ring around the tub is caused by a buildup of soap scum and oil from bathing products. While the bath is in use, the soap scum and oil float to the top of the water and sit there for an extended period of time, causing deposits to build up in layers until there is a visible ring around the tub.

What are the black marks in my bathtub?

Stains in the bathtub can occur from either trapped water not allowed to dry properly, which forms mildew, or from mineral deposits created by hard water. Regardless of how they got there, you don’t have to live with dark stains in your bathtub indefinitely.

How do I get my bathtub white again?

Make a bathtub cleaner paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda (or cream of tartar). Rub the paste on the stain and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour, then wipe and rinse.

How is a bathtub ring formed?

If you have ever taken a bath while very dirty, you may have noticed a gritty “bathtub ring” left behind when the water drains out. … Decades of declining rainfall, combined with increasing demand for water, have caused water levels in the reservoir to gradually drop, leaving behind a ring of white rock.

Can bleach damage a bathtub?

Bleach is highly corrosive, so it’s always important to use it with caution. … A white bathtub can benefit from the occasional bleach treatment, but always use it in moderation. Simply pouring undiluted bleach directly onto the bathtub surface may cause the porcelain or other material to become permanently discolored.

How do you clean acrylic bathtub rings?

Baking soda can remove hard dirt from the acrylic. For tough stains: First, fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Allow this soaking mixture to stay for 15 minutes or more to loosen any mildew and scum, then drain the water. Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the baking soda into the tub and faucets.

Can you use OxiClean on bathtub?

You can easily get rid of that soap scum, mildew, or even that pinky orange stuff with a simple OxiClean soak. Simply remove the liner, create the soak solution in your tub, and toss the curtain in.

How can I make my bathtub look new?

  1. Sprinkle baking soda on stains.
  2. Spray with warm water.
  3. Leave 10-20 minutes.
  4. Scrub with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or soft sponge.
  5. Rinse.
  6. Dry with a soft microfiber cloth.
What is the best cleaner for bathtub stains?
  • Best bathtub cleaner overall: Mr. …
  • Best bathtub cleaner for hard water and rust stains: CLR Pro Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover, $5.87 from The Home Depot. …
  • Best bathtub cleaner for mold and mildew: Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, $4.36 from The Home Depot.
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How do you get black stains out of a fiberglass tub?

Before you give up on trying to scrub away the stains, try the cleaning process Home Depot recommends for tough stains on fiberglass: Smear on a paste of baking soda and water, and cover that with a towel soaked in vinegar. Wait one hour, then rub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse. Wipe again with a clean microfiber cloth.

How do you whiten a fiberglass tub?

Fiberglass bathtubs may start to turn a yellowish color as a result of soap scum or hard water. These stains can be very difficult to remove. However, a mixture of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide will easily remove any stain and restore the tub to its original white color.

What caused the bathtub ring around Lake Mead?

We are fans of the beaches and marinas. A high-water mark or “bathtub ring” is visible around the shoreline of Lake Mead. The bathtub ring is white because of the leaching of minerals on previously submerged surfaces.

How do I know if my tub is acrylic or fiberglass?

Look around the tub’s edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic. Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.

Is baking soda safe for acrylic tub?

The baking soda can clean mold, mildew, and soap scum. It’s also gentle to use on the acrylic tub.

Is Magic Eraser safe on acrylic?

In general, if you have an acrylic tub, it’s best to use non-abrasive cleaners such as dish soap, Clorox wipes, or a mixture of vinegar and water. Do not try bleach or abrasive cleaners like steel wool on the tub. However, the Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean® is a safe option as long as you are gentle when scrubbing.

Can you leave bleach in bathtub overnight?

It’s not advised to leave bleach in a bathtub overnight, as it is too harsh of a chemical and can potentially damage your bathtub. Simply leave it on for 6-10 minutes, then rinse.

How long should I leave bleach in the bathtub?

After adding the bleach all you have to do is let the water and bleach solution soak in your tub for about 10-15 minutes. 7) Time for draining: let it all drain out. This should be the most satisfying step to the process. At this point your tub should be looking stain free, shiny, and white.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove bleach stains?

Allow the area to dry completely. If the stain remains, moisten a soft cloth with hydrogen peroxide and rub it over the area. If the stain is severe, pour a small amount of peroxide on the stain and allow it to set for several minutes. Rinse again with water and a clean cloth and allow to dry.

How do you clean a clawfoot tub?

Cleaning New Porcelain or Acrylic Clawfoot Bathtubs Use your favorite dish soap, bath sanitizing sprays, or any other non-abrasive and non-stripping cleaning product you like. For stubborn stains and mineral marks left behind by water, try dish soap and a soft sponge work best for standard weekly cleaning.

Can I paint my bathtub myself?

You can use either a paint roller, paint brush or paint sprayer for painting a bathtub. We found that a paint brush gave us the most control and didn’t drip like the paint roller did. The bathtub paint is a lot thinner than most paints. … I would recommend at least 24-48 hours before running water in the tub.

How do you clean a bathtub with vinegar and Dawn?

  1. Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into squirt bottle.
  2. Add the Dawn soap. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate.
  3. You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything.

Is OxiClean better than bleach?

Oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is an alternative to chlorine bleach, and it’s safe for many fabrics. … It doesn’t contain scary chemicals and it won’t ruin most fabrics—though you should avoid using it on silk or leather.

How do you clean a shower with vinegar and Dawn and baking soda?

In a spray bottle, combine 1/3 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 7 cups of water. Spray down the shower, then watch as the vinegar and baking soda together create a cleansing, bubbling foam. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe down the tiles and tub with a damp cloth.

What is in magic eraser?

The truth is, Magic Erasers are just tiny rectangular pieces of melamine foam with a cleaning agent inside. … A melamine sponge is more dense than your average cleaning sponge and its tiny pores make it a light abrasive, not unlike that of an extra fine sheet of sandpaper.

Can you use magic eraser on fiberglass tub?

You can clean your fiberglass bathtub with the help of a shower or cleaner mixture as explained in the steps below: … Rinse the fiberglass bathtub with the help of cold water and wipe away the excess water with the help of a paper towel. Now you can use a magic eraser to wipe away all the stains and dirt once again.

Will bleach damage fiberglass?

Stay away from bleach You already know bleach can irritate your skin and lungs, especially in high concentration. … But bleach can also ruin the resin in fiberglass, so you don’t want to be scrubbing it onto tubs or your shower walls. Ammonia is safe on fiberglass though, so it’s a viable option.

Can you use magic eraser on fiberglass?

To use, wet your fiberglass shower, wet the sponge, then scrub or spot clean. … Clean Magic Eraser Bath near the shower to remind you to do your daily shower wipe down. A quick daily once-over with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath will make your monthly deep clean a breeze.

How do you get fiberglass white again?

  1. Dishwashing detergent. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad.
  2. All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. Use this in the same way as you would use dish detergent. …
  3. Baking soda. …
  4. White distilled vinegar. …
  5. Acetone or turpentine.

What is the best cleaner for fiberglass tubs?

Our top choice is Weiman tub tile & fiberglass cleaner. It is a powerful fiberglass cleaner that instantly removes tough stains, hard water spots, soap scum, limescale & rust without hard scrubbing. With the help of this non-abrasive formula, you can restore the natural color and texture of the fiberglass surface.

How do I clean the bottom of my bathtub?

Apply a gentle-abrasive, cream-based cleanser with added bleach to a tub that is cleaned every week or two. A thick paste of baking soda and water is another option. With either cleanser, rub it into the tub bottom in small circles using a clean sponge. Rinse and repeat if necessary.