The Vintage (And Nontoxic) Way To Clean Your Bathtub Stains

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Cleaning the bathroom is usually on the bottom of everyone's household chore list. And how often you clean your bathtub is a huge factor in how big of a chore it is going to be on cleaning day. Not cleaning your tub often enough can lead to stains caused by soap scum buildup, rust, mildew, or hard water. There are many ways to make cleaning your bathroom easier, but if you're not using the proper cleanser on your bathtub stains, it can take forever. Using abrasive, strong-smelling cleaners to remove tub stains might cause more harm than good. A less abrasive and non-toxic cleaner like Bon Ami might be the solution.

Your grandma likely knew how to deep clean her bathroom and keep it clean, and probably also used something like Bon Ami. This vintage cleanser is still effective enough to stand up to modern cleansers but has a less abrasive formula than most products on the market. Another benefit for some is that it doesn't contain bleach or ammonia, and is the perfect non-toxic option for people sensitive to those harsh chemicals. The key to Bon Ami's less abrasive quality is that it contains feldspar and limestone, which are softer minerals, making it effective in removing stains but also gentle enough that it won't damage your bathtub's finish.

Bon Ami claims its cleanser can safely be used on acrylic, enamel, and porcelain bathtubs. Most modern tubs are either acrylic (plastic), porcelain coated steel, fiberglass, or enamel-coated cast iron. If you have a bathtub that is much older, it is most likely porcelain coated cast-iron.

The first step in removing stubborn stains from your bathtub is to clear out everything from the tub surround or any shelving. Push the shower curtain outside of the tub and out of the way. You'll want to prepare your bathtub by spraying it down with warm water. Grab a clean, wet microfiber cloth or a damp soft sponge and sprinkle it with Bon Ami, add a little water to it to create a paste, and then gently scrub your tub until you see the stain begin to lift. Then rinse again with warm water to finish.

If the stains are especially stubborn, you will want to spray the area down with warm water, sprinkle the Bon Ami directly on the stains, and allow it to sit on the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes. Use your cloth or sponge to gently buff the area, and then rinse a final time. Once finished, you should find yourself with a clean and stain-free bathtub.