How to Remove Tub Rings

remove tub rings Pittsburgh | Terry's Plumbing

Looking for a way to remove that unsightly ring in your bathtub? Look no further, below are different ways to make your tub ring free!

Where does it come from?

The simplest answer to that question is your bath products! A tub ring is basically a slimy buildup of soap and oils from your favorite products. The soap and oils float on the surface of the water when you take a bath–over time these deposits build up and form a visible tub ring. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if baths are a staple in your household you’re going to have to clean your tub more often to avoid rings.

Tub type matters

Make sure you know what type of tub, before you scrub! Believe it or not the best method of removing tub rings is dependent on what kind of tub you have. The four most common types used in bathrooms are plastic, enamel, porcelain and acrylic. If you use the wrong method not only will you fail at removing the tub ring, but you can cause fading and even scratch your tub.

Tame that tub ring

Now comes the easy part–cleaning your tub! Below are the different solutions and tactics for different types of tubs:

Plastic: Make a 50/50 mixture of chlorine and water. Apply this mixture to the bathtub ring using a spray bottle and let sit for 15 minutes. Use a scrub brush to buff away the grime then rinse thoroughly.
Enamel: Make a paste out of water and a powdered cleaning agent such as Ajax or Comet. Spread the paste on the bathtub ring and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes thoroughly rinse with hot water.
Porcelain: Combine ¼ cup of ammonia and ¼ cup of baking soda in a bucket of hot water. Using a non-abrasive sponge and the mixture, scrub the bathtub until the ring is gone. Rinse tub thoroughly with hot water once complete.
Acrylic: Acrylic tubs are the easiest to care for due to them being non-porous. This means it is harder for grime to stick to the tubs surface, which creates rings. However, if you do experience rings the easiest way to clean them is to apply any non-abrasive cleaner–such as Scrubbing Bubbles or Simple Green–to the ring, let it sit for 10 minutes then wipe it away with a soft microfiber cloth.