No matter how often you clean them, with frequent use, bathtubs usually start to develop stubborn stains. Soap scum, hard water, and fancy bath bombs can all leave a mark, and the usual cleaning sprays don’t always cut it.
That’s why professional cleaners recommend turning back to vintage basics and using Bon Ami powder from Walmart to power easily through stains without strong odors or toxic residue.
Here, they explain how they use it to clean a bathtub and glide through stains with ease.
Why retro Bon Ami powder is great for stubborn bathtub stains
Bon Ami is a brand of non-scratch, powder cleanser that uses natural abrasives like feldspar and limestone, combined with biodegradable cleaning agents, to clean without scratching.
No matter if you are trying to get rid of hard water stains or need to tackle stubborn discoloration from bath products, Bon Ami powder is the non-toxic cleaning solution for the job.
This non-toxic bathroom cleaner works so well because it does not risk damaging the bath’s surface, explains Scott Schrader, professional cleaner at CottageCare. ‘It is a very mild and non-abrasive cleaner,’ he assures. ‘It won't scratch porcelain or enamel, but it can clean up soap scum and mineral buildup on surfaces, too.’
Plus, it's rated grade ‘A’ by the Environmental Working Group for having a limited impact on the environment and a minimal health concern risk when used as directed.
1. Apply the powder
When cleaning a bathroom and removing stains from a bath, the first step is to wet the surface. This helps to remove any loose debris and gives the powder something to stick to, says Scott begins. Then, sprinkle a light to medium layer over the stains.
‘For tougher dirt and stains, mix a little water with Bon Ami to make a paste, and spread the paste over the dirt and stains, allowing it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes or longer before scrubbing,’ Scott adds.
2. Scrub gently
To limit the risk of damage to your tub, Scott then suggests, ‘Use a damp non-scratch sponge or very soft cleaning cloth [we like microfiber cloths, from Walmart] to scrub in a circular motion, staying focused on the areas where there is the most visible dirt and scummy, while maintaining at least a soft touch as you scrub.’
A Scrub Daddy Sponge, also from Walmart, dampened with warm water, can also help to limit how much pressure you need, minimizing the risk of damage while saving your arm from aches.
3. Rinse thoroughly
Afterwards, simply rinse the powder away. If your tub does not have a detachable shower head, you can make this easier by using a measuring pitcher from Walmart or a slip-on tub hose, such as the Rinseroo from Amazon.
Lisa Lane, inventor of Rinseroo, explains, ‘After scrubbing, rinsing can be a hassle – especially if your tub doesn’t have a detachable showerhead. That’s where Rinseroo comes in. It turns almost any faucet or showerhead into a flexible rinser in seconds, making the post-scrub rinse fast and mess-free.’
4. Dry the area
To stop this vintage stain removal trick from becoming a bathroom cleaning hack that doesn’t work, finish the task by drying the bathtub.
This can prevent watermarks and remove any lingering powder that could leave your tub looking chalky.
A shammy towel, from Walmart, makes light, easy work of this.
Tub cleaning must-haves
Bon Ami powder is free from harmful harsh chemicals, and is safe for use around children and pets, making it perfect for family bathrooms.
If you really want to cut back on scrubbing altogether, you can switch to an electric spin scrubber instead.
These towels are designed to quickly dry large areas, making them perfect for drying off surfaces and preventing water marks after cleaning.
The Scrub Daddy sponge softens under hard water and toughens under cold water, allowing you to adjust the level of abrasive you need depending on the task at hand.
These small detail cleaning brushes are perfect for dealing with stains and rust around faucets and handles in a bath.
Method's bathroom cleaner breaks down grease and grime without the strong smell of chemicals lingering afterwards. They are a personal favorite for freshening up the space at the end of each week
FAQs
Does bleach damage a bathtub?
Bleach is a very corrosive cleaning agent and can damage most bathtubs, often making staining worse. We suggest opting for more natural alternatives, such as Bon Ami powder, to remove marks without harsh chemicals.
Why has my bathtub gone yellow?
A yellowing bathtub is usually caused by limescale buildup. Sprucing your tub with Bon Ami powder or baking soda can help to brighten it again, but they are far easier to prevent by drying your tub after use and cleaning regularly.
Otherwise, using a whole-house water filter or softener can prevent hard water from damaging your fittings.
Meet the expert
Scott is a cleaning expert at CottageCare, which is a leading home cleaning company with over 41 locations nationwide. He's a big believer in using eco-friendly cleaning solutions like baking soda.
This Bon Ami trick is also a fantastic way to remove rust from your bathtub, too!
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