Can you use toilet bowl cleaner to clean your bathtub? Here is all you need to know.
Homeowners often desire a clean and sparkly bathtub. That way, you’ll enjoy a worry-free bathing experience in a hygienic condition.
Sometimes, you’ll feel like all your troubles are washed away. This is often the case if you have a long day at work. You can also add classic bath bombs to create a therapeutic and relaxing environment.
However, this will remain a dream if your bathtub needs cleaning.
Over time, yellowish layers will appear and cover the shiny bathtub if it is not adequately cleaned. But can a toilet bowl cleaner address such stains on a bathtub?
Toilet Bowl Cleaner in Bathtub
Well, this question has lingered in the minds of many homeowners. You’ll learn to sanitize a bathtub with a toilet bowl cleaner as you read through.
In addition to that, we’ll give you alternatives to using such cleaning agents. Until then, let’s understand what a toilet bowl cleaner is.
What’s a Toilet Bowl Cleaner?
It’s a cleaning product that ensures your bathroom and toilet look clean and smell nice.
The product comes in different forms, from toilet bowl brushes to sprays. It contains synthetic fragrances, dyes, alcohol, bleach, or sulfates.
This makes the formula effective for septic systems.
However, toilet bowl cleaners are more expensive than most chemically liquid-based cleaners. It also requires a frequent application to work most effectively.
Some top toilet bowl cleaners include the Scrubbing Bubbles Fesh Brush Toilet Bowl Cleaning System and the Iron OUT Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
Others include Lysol Bleach-Free Hydrogen Peroxide Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System, and more.
Is It Okay to Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner on a Bathtub?
Generally, toilet cleaners are highly effective in addressing stains and debris.
For this reason, most homeowners consider it a feasible substitute for bathtub cleaners. But can it be used in a bathtub? It will remove all stains and debris, making it look brand new.
However, using a toilet bowl cleaner for an extended period is not advisable. It contains active ingredients that are a double-edged sword and can damage your bathtub over time.
Homeowners who have used this cleaner on their bathtubs for a long time can testify to how destructive it is.
As highlighted above, some chemicals in toilet bowl cleaners are bleach, hypochlorite, benzene sulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid, and more.
These ingredients are indeed powerful when it comes to cleaning and killing bacteria. But they can mess up your toilet’s color and texture.
Moreover, they can deteriorate the fixtures in your tub and trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions. So if you’re allergic to these substances, don’t consider it an option for your bathtub.
The Bad Side of Using Toilet Bowl Cleaners on a Bathtub
Considering how effective this cleaner is, it may be tempting to use it in the bathtub.
But it has its disadvantages. It can ruin your tub’s exterior, cause excessive fume inhalation, and create a strong smell in your bathtub.
Allow us to review these side effects individually.
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Damaged Tub Exterior
Remember, toilet bowl cleaners are composed of solid chemicals. They can peel off, decolorize, or crack your bathtub. These damages don’t surface immediately after use.
But in the long run, you’ll notice your tub getting yellow. Gradually, it will take away the aesthetic and quality of your bathtub.
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Significant Fume Inhalation
Usually, bathtubs are larger than toilets. When you clean with toilet bowl cleaner, the subsequent dangerous fumes can multiply significantly.
If left untreated, it will pose health risks to you and your family. That’s why using such cleaners for an extended period is not advisable.
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Strong Bad Smell from Bathtubs
The bleach and hydrochloric acid in these cleaners can stick to your bathtubs. In most cases, they become challenging to scrub, no matter how much you try. Over time, it’ll result in long-existing fumes.
When such an event occurs, you’ll have an unpleasant bathtub experience.
Other Suitable Cleaning Products for Bathtubs
Here are some alternative cleaning products you can use to maintain the hygiene of your bathtub. They’re safe to use and will not deteriorate your tub over time.
Moreover, they’re less expensive and can be found in most stores.
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A mix of Vinegar, Dishwasher, and Baking Soda
You can create an outstanding cleaning solution by mixing the three ingredients above.
You’ll need 12/3 cup of baking soda, ½ cup of dishwashing soap, three tablespoons of vinegar, and ½ cup of water. Now, you will mix the solutions to make them smooth enough.
You can even make the mixture transferable to spray cans.
Apply the mixture to your bathtub and let it sit for a few minutes. Use an excellent brush to scrub the bathtub. Flush it afterward to have a sparkling tub.
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Special Bathtub Cleaners
There are cleaning solutions that are specially designed for bathtubs.
You’ll always do right if you use any of them. Some bathtub cleaners you can use are Clorox Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover, The Pink Stuff Cleaner Bundle, Microban 24 Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray, and more.
However, some of these cleaning solutions are pretty expensive. So if you want to spend less money, you can opt for the mixture above.
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Commercial Cleaners
You can also opt for commercial cleaners to have a clean and hygienic bathtub. Several of them are available on the market.
These cleaners satisfy the cleaning essentials of ceramic and stainless steel surfaces. Furthermore, they lack acids and pose lower human and animal health risks.
Best Cleaning Schedules for Bathtub
Do you want to know how often you should clean your tubs? Well, this will depend on how frequently the bathtub is used. Nevertheless, you can conduct a thorough cleaning once a week.
This will keep away germs and bacteria. Moreover, you can disinfect the sink and tub once a week. But if you shower frequently, you do it twice a week.
Of course, toilet bowl cleaners can address the stains and debris in your bathtub. But as you can see, using it continually can cause more harm than good.
Therefore, it’s not worth taking the risk, regardless of how cheap the cleaner is. There are alternative cleaning products that are safe for bathtubs. Right above you are a few you can choose from.