Sinking in a hot bath after a long day at work is something we all crave. It seems like the best way to wash away all our troubles and freshen up. But this will only remain a dream if your bathtub is not clean enough.
Yellowish layers are pretty quick to cover your shiny bathtub when it’s not washed correctly. Of course, regularly cleaning your bathtub is necessary, but it can be a very daunting task when you can’t find the right products.
For example, people often ask, can you use toilet bowl cleaner on a bathtub?
The short answer is, yes, you can use a toilet bowl cleaner on a bathtub. It will undoubtedly result in a thorough cleaning of the tub. However, you might want to check the formula before applying.
But is it safe to use toilet bowl cleaner in a shower or bathtub? Let’s dig further into the details and break down the topic for your convenience.
| Product Name | Features | Application | Effectiveness | Scent | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner | – Thick formula clings to surfaces | – Apply directly to bathtub surfaces | – Effective against tough stains | – Fresh scent | $4 – $6 |
| 2. Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner | – Powerful cleaning agents | – Apply and scrub with a brush | – Removes soap scum and grime | – Citrus scent | $3 – $5 |
| 3. Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaner | – Foaming action for easy application | – Spray on, leave for a few minutes | – Effortlessly removes dirt and stains | – Fresh floral scent | $4 – $7 |
| 4. Method Antibacterial Toilet Cleaner | – Antibacterial formula | – Apply and let it sit for a while | – Kills germs and removes residue | – Mint scent | $5 – $8 |
| 5. Seventh Generation Toilet Cleaner | – Plant-based ingredients | – Apply and scrub with a sponge | – Gentle yet effective cleaning | – Unscented | $6 – $9 |
One of our articles –How to Clean Your Bathtub Naturally without Chemical?
Can you Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner in the Tub?
House owners often consider toilet bowl cleaners as a convenient alternative to bathtubs and sink cleaners.
But many of them will also testify to the fact that toilet bowl cleaner ruined bathtubs eventually. It happens due to the toxic nature of toilet cleaners.
Research backs these claims and recommends you not to use toilet cleaners on bathtubs.
However, these cleaners are highly efficient in cleaning stains and debris from the tub surface, which may seem tempting for house owners.
To help you not fall prey to this temptation, we’ll break down the ingredients used in a toilet bowl cleaner.
A toilet cleaner contains toxic ingredients like hydrochloric acid, bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite, Benzenesulfonic Acid, and so on. These ingredients are powerful when it comes to cleaning.
But they are also very toxic to your skin and can lead to allergic reactions, irritation, and such.
Moreover, even after you’ve cleaned the tub thoroughly and washed off all of the cleaners, it may leave behind residual. As a result, it may gradually raise health concerns.
Not only will it impact your health, but many users claim that toilet bowl cleaners ruined bathtubs. The strong toxic chemicals may mess with the tub’s color and texture.
As much as they can fight the most rigid germs and stains, the toilet cleaner can also ruin tiles and porcelains.
The harsh acid used in toilet bowl cleaners will likely ruin the smooth finish on your bathtub and discolor the tiles permanently.
That is sure to happen when you apply such strong cleaners to your bathtub regularly. So can you use toilet bowl cleaner to clean a bathtub at all? Are there any alternatives? Find out.
Alternatives to Toilet Bowl Cleaners
| Alternative | Features | Application | Effectiveness | Eco-Friendliness | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Vinegar | – Natural acid that dissolves stains | – Pour and let it sit | – Effective against mild stains | – Environmentally friendly | $2 – $4 |
| 2. Baking Soda | – Mild abrasive for scrubbing | – Sprinkle and scrub | – Removes surface stains | – Environmentally friendly | $1 – $3 |
| 3. Lemon Juice | – Citric acid for breaking down stains | – Squeeze and let it sit | – Effective against mineral deposits | – Environmentally friendly | $2 – $5 |
| 4. Borax | – Multipurpose cleaner and deodorizer | – Mix with water and scrub | – Removes tough stains and odors | – Considered safe but use with caution | $3 – $6 |
| 5. Hydrogen Peroxide | – Oxygen-based bleach for disinfection | – Spray and let it sit | – Kills bacteria and eliminates odors | – Environmentally friendly | $3 – $5 |
You might also wonder – can I use toilet bowl cleaner to clean my sink? Here are some alternatives to toilet bowl cleaners that you can use in your bathtub and sink.
A simple solution is a homemade all-purpose cleaner made from natural acidic elements you’ll find lying around at home. Among them, vinegar is highly efficient and has a mild effect on tiles.
In addition, it has been proven to help remove stains and odor from different surfaces without discoloring them.
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can do wonders for your bathtub when it’s mixed in the right proportion.
Prepare a solution that contains one and a half cups of clean water, and half a cup of white vinegar. You can replace the vinegar with lime extract as well. Then add one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap into the mix.
When you have prepared the solution, make sure to spread it across the tub evenly. You should allow it to sit on top of debris and stains for a couple of minutes before scrubbing it off and cleaning it with water.
You can also add some microbial oil to the solution. These ingredients will help kill germs and maintain hygiene in the bathroom.
Check our latest guide about: How to Clean Bathtub Funk.
Related Questions
How do I get my bathtub white again?
Regular cleaning is the way to go. To retain your bathtub’s original color, you can use an all-purpose cleaner on it regularly. For example, make a solution using one part vinegar and three parts water.
Spray it on the bathtub thoroughly over the surface after every use. It will prevent stain and soap scum build-up on the bathtub.
Can bleach damage a bathtub?
Bleach is corrosive and can damage a bathtub when used without precaution. That said, a bathtub can surely benefit from the occasional application of bleach.
But you should dilute the bleach to prevent discoloration and stain. It is also advised that you don’t leave the bleach on the bathtub for too long to cause damage.
How often should you clean your bathtub?
You should schedule a thorough cleaning of the bathtub once every week. To keep germs and bacteria away, you should disinfect the sink and tub at least once a week, more if you happen to shower more frequently.
Are there any risks in using toilet bowl cleaner on a bathtub?
Yes, there are risks. Harsh chemicals in some toilet bowl cleaners can cause discoloration or damage to certain bathtub surfaces, such as acrylic, enamel, or delicate finishes. It’s crucial to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the tub before applying it widely.
Conclusion- Can You Use Toilet Cleaner In The Shower
So to answer your question – can you use toilet bowl cleaner on a bathtub? We’d say: not unless you have to. The harsh toxic elements in toilet bowl cleaners can yield more damage than benefits.
There are some efficient and straightforward alternatives to toilet bowl cleaner that you can prepare at home. Make sure to use gloves while preparing the solutions and cleaning your bathtub and sink.
