From Gross to Glossy: The Best Way to Clean Your Bathtub Without Hurting Your Back

We all know how important it is to keep our bathrooms clean. But sometimes, cleaning our bathrooms can do more harm than good – not for the bathroom itself of course, but for our poor old backs.

That’s because when we bend over to scrub our tubs or reach up to clean our showers, we’re putting a lot of strain on our spine. Over time, this can lead to back pain and even chronic injuries.

So how can we avoid hurting our backs when cleaning our bathrooms?



Kitchn editor-in-chief and cookbook author Faith Durand has recently shared a simple trick to prevent bending over while cleaning the bathroom.

Ms Durand said that she learned the tip from her landlord, who advised cleaners to use brooms to efficiently clean the area.

Yes, folks, you read that right! It's no secret that when it comes to bathroom cleaning, we typically think of using brushes and scrubs, but in this situation, brooms are a useful tool for making sure that the area is clean.

37-1dJGcYp5gPlKpmud-XzT4VX-WRRxEIq_G4b4VlhWZMAFztIE_sTZfuAsnXtuahSAQvPcbY2T2XEMvkVSqODR_bhWlrLDqkKsWKKVhSVz68-yWPvbjkqpwahd8II4XWiEiIx_8_s57JuHkVNl9-w

Hurting our backs while cleaning the tub is one of those slightly embarrassing issues that most people don’t talk about. Credit: Anson Smart/@aremediasyndication.com.au.

Ms Durand explained: 'He stepped out into the kitchen, grabbed the new broom from the closet and the Dawn dish soap from the sink and squirted dish soap all over the tub.'

'Then he seized the broom and to my astonishment, swept it through the soap and up and down, his face turning red and puffing as he went.'

Faith then said that her landlord kept on sweeping the foam from the dish soap until all of it was pushed down the drain.

Finally, the landlord gave the tub a ‘quick blast’ to rinse the tub and voila! The tub was clean as a whistle.

Who would have thought that something as odd as a broom could be the key to a clean bathroom? We sure didn't!



Well, if you’re looking for more detailed information on how to effectively clean the tub without spending too much time bending your back, here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Inspect your tub

Different tub types will need different cleaning procedures. First, you need to keep an eye out for the bathtub's finish in your bathroom. Porcelain, enamel, acrylic, and fibreglass are popular tub finishes. Your tub's coating is probably acrylic or fibreglass if it resembles plastic more than anything else.

Throughout their lengthy history, bathtubs have been fashioned from a variety of materials, including stone, copper, and other metals. These tubs will need to be cleaned with particular care and expertise, so you should review the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.

2. Decide on a cleaner

You can choose the appropriate cleaning after you are familiar with the finish of your tub. Always read the label when purchasing commercially available tub cleaners to see whether the product can be abrasive. Certain tub types are easily harmed by abrasive cleaning.

Since a porcelain tub has a much rougher surface than other tub types, there are more cleaning agents available for it. Tubs made of porcelain and enamel can typically withstand cleaners that can be abrasive, but other tub varieties should avoid them.

Most varieties of tubs can be cleaned with homemade cleaners with little risk of damage. A fantastic homemade tub cleaner is a paste created by combining baking soda and water. This paste can also remove stains from soap scum.

BGRwAzwUsF_rJHPqnh3k8BvtLk_AgwpWrhsN_E-mxCO1shFGTOZkd_BFDpNufO87T55Crt7SaZXXH6YlbmhAFZDG1jsPi5qpU6GMgPcr-xL5vQB6yO5V-2xfPIRR-cySiZ5S00P7PP86qAVei9R1aA

Knowing your tub’s requirements can make cleaning them a breeze. Credit: Better Homes and Gardens.

3. Clear the 'clutter'

Now comes the challenging portion of cleaning....the cleaning itself.

First, make sure that you've cleared a workspace for yourself to work in. This entails taking out and setting aside all of the shampoos, conditioners, and soaps that might line the bathtub's corners. razors as well as washcloths. Working around these things will only lead to failure.

Most of these things ought to be simple to grab and set aside. However, if some of them are difficult to pick up without stooping into awkward positions, think about carrying a pair of tongs with you into the bathroom and picking them up that way. Or, ask a member of your family for assistance.

4. Learn the proper techniques for cleaning a tub

After everything has been taken out, inspect your tub and look for any problems. Significant dirt and grime is usually indicated by large stains. These are the areas you should pay particular attention to.

After giving your bathtub a quick once-over, start using your homemade paste or commercial cleaning solution. Apply the paste in small circular motions, beginning at the outside of the tub and moving towards the centre. This is most likely the phase that worries back pain sufferers.

It's recommended to first spray down the entire tub from above with water if you do intend to use a broom (or mop). Then proceed as usual, sweeping the tub from the corners towards the centre.

Remember to take extra care and attention while using your broom or scrubber on any stained spots. These areas will benefit from a longer, more intense scrub to remove stains and restore cleanliness.



5. Next steps

After using the cleanser to thoroughly clean the tub, you can take the time to unwind.

Many individuals make the error of cleaning the tub right away after using the cleaner. However, this takes away from the cleaner's ability to work. Instead, spending a half-hour relaxing your back or doing other tasks is significantly more likely to result in positive outcomes.

One should use the shower head or a pail of cold water to rinse the tub. The process step of rinsing the cleaner is frequently skipped yet is very important. Also it should be noted that it’s ok to keep the cleaning solution on the tub for up to a few hours, but leaving it unattended for too long can damage the tub's finish permanently.

It's a good idea to clean the shower doors on your tub as well (if you have them). Even though it's difficult to see, it's possible that some splash from the cleaner has gotten on them.

After you're done rinsing, wipe down the tub with a cloth or towel for a pristine look. If you'd rather not stoop, spread a towel on the broom’s bottom or use your foot.

Also, if you're willing to go the extra mile, consider performing brief wipe-downs after each time you take a bath. This may lessen soap scum buildup and lengthen the intervals between thorough cleanings.



So, there you have it, folks! We hope these tips can help you avoid hurting your back when you clean your bathroom.

Do you know other tips for effectively cleaning the tub without bending over? Share them with us in the comments below!
 
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We all know how important it is to keep our bathrooms clean. But sometimes, cleaning our bathrooms can do more harm than good – not for the bathroom itself of course, but for our poor old backs.

That’s because when we bend over to scrub our tubs or reach up to clean our showers, we’re putting a lot of strain on our spine. Over time, this can lead to back pain and even chronic injuries.

So how can we avoid hurting our backs when cleaning our bathrooms?



Kitchn editor-in-chief and cookbook author Faith Durand has recently shared a simple trick to prevent bending over while cleaning the bathroom.

Ms Durand said that she learned the tip from her landlord, who advised cleaners to use brooms to efficiently clean the area.

Yes, folks, you read that right! It's no secret that when it comes to bathroom cleaning, we typically think of using brushes and scrubs, but in this situation, brooms are a useful tool for making sure that the area is clean.

37-1dJGcYp5gPlKpmud-XzT4VX-WRRxEIq_G4b4VlhWZMAFztIE_sTZfuAsnXtuahSAQvPcbY2T2XEMvkVSqODR_bhWlrLDqkKsWKKVhSVz68-yWPvbjkqpwahd8II4XWiEiIx_8_s57JuHkVNl9-w

Hurting our backs while cleaning the tub is one of those slightly embarrassing issues that most people don’t talk about. Credit: Anson Smart/@aremediasyndication.com.au.

Ms Durand explained: 'He stepped out into the kitchen, grabbed the new broom from the closet and the Dawn dish soap from the sink and squirted dish soap all over the tub.'

'Then he seized the broom and to my astonishment, swept it through the soap and up and down, his face turning red and puffing as he went.'

Faith then said that her landlord kept on sweeping the foam from the dish soap until all of it was pushed down the drain.

Finally, the landlord gave the tub a ‘quick blast’ to rinse the tub and voila! The tub was clean as a whistle.

Who would have thought that something as odd as a broom could be the key to a clean bathroom? We sure didn't!



Well, if you’re looking for more detailed information on how to effectively clean the tub without spending too much time bending your back, here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Inspect your tub

Different tub types will need different cleaning procedures. First, you need to keep an eye out for the bathtub's finish in your bathroom. Porcelain, enamel, acrylic, and fibreglass are popular tub finishes. Your tub's coating is probably acrylic or fibreglass if it resembles plastic more than anything else.

Throughout their lengthy history, bathtubs have been fashioned from a variety of materials, including stone, copper, and other metals. These tubs will need to be cleaned with particular care and expertise, so you should review the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.

2. Decide on a cleaner

You can choose the appropriate cleaning after you are familiar with the finish of your tub. Always read the label when purchasing commercially available tub cleaners to see whether the product can be abrasive. Certain tub types are easily harmed by abrasive cleaning.

Since a porcelain tub has a much rougher surface than other tub types, there are more cleaning agents available for it. Tubs made of porcelain and enamel can typically withstand cleaners that can be abrasive, but other tub varieties should avoid them.

Most varieties of tubs can be cleaned with homemade cleaners with little risk of damage. A fantastic homemade tub cleaner is a paste created by combining baking soda and water. This paste can also remove stains from soap scum.

BGRwAzwUsF_rJHPqnh3k8BvtLk_AgwpWrhsN_E-mxCO1shFGTOZkd_BFDpNufO87T55Crt7SaZXXH6YlbmhAFZDG1jsPi5qpU6GMgPcr-xL5vQB6yO5V-2xfPIRR-cySiZ5S00P7PP86qAVei9R1aA

Knowing your tub’s requirements can make cleaning them a breeze. Credit: Better Homes and Gardens.

3. Clear the 'clutter'

Now comes the challenging portion of cleaning....the cleaning itself.

First, make sure that you've cleared a workspace for yourself to work in. This entails taking out and setting aside all of the shampoos, conditioners, and soaps that might line the bathtub's corners. razors as well as washcloths. Working around these things will only lead to failure.

Most of these things ought to be simple to grab and set aside. However, if some of them are difficult to pick up without stooping into awkward positions, think about carrying a pair of tongs with you into the bathroom and picking them up that way. Or, ask a member of your family for assistance.

4. Learn the proper techniques for cleaning a tub

After everything has been taken out, inspect your tub and look for any problems. Significant dirt and grime is usually indicated by large stains. These are the areas you should pay particular attention to.

After giving your bathtub a quick once-over, start using your homemade paste or commercial cleaning solution. Apply the paste in small circular motions, beginning at the outside of the tub and moving towards the centre. This is most likely the phase that worries back pain sufferers.

It's recommended to first spray down the entire tub from above with water if you do intend to use a broom (or mop). Then proceed as usual, sweeping the tub from the corners towards the centre.

Remember to take extra care and attention while using your broom or scrubber on any stained spots. These areas will benefit from a longer, more intense scrub to remove stains and restore cleanliness.



5. Next steps

After using the cleanser to thoroughly clean the tub, you can take the time to unwind.

Many individuals make the error of cleaning the tub right away after using the cleaner. However, this takes away from the cleaner's ability to work. Instead, spending a half-hour relaxing your back or doing other tasks is significantly more likely to result in positive outcomes.

One should use the shower head or a pail of cold water to rinse the tub. The process step of rinsing the cleaner is frequently skipped yet is very important. Also it should be noted that it’s ok to keep the cleaning solution on the tub for up to a few hours, but leaving it unattended for too long can damage the tub's finish permanently.

It's a good idea to clean the shower doors on your tub as well (if you have them). Even though it's difficult to see, it's possible that some splash from the cleaner has gotten on them.

After you're done rinsing, wipe down the tub with a cloth or towel for a pristine look. If you'd rather not stoop, spread a towel on the broom’s bottom or use your foot.
i
Also, if you're willing to go the extra mile, consider performing brief wipe-downs after each time you take a bath. This may lessen soap scum buildup and lengthen the intervals between thorough cleanings.



So, there you have it, folks! We hope these tips can help you avoid hurting your back when you clean your bathroom.

Do you know other tips for effectively cleaning the tub without bending over? Share them with us in the comments below!
I use a cobweb broom Place an old stocking or cloth over head so as not to scratch tub. I use the cobweb broom for all difficult to clean areas. No bending. Works an absolute treat
 
We all know how important it is to keep our bathrooms clean. But sometimes, cleaning our bathrooms can do more harm than good – not for the bathroom itself of course, but for our poor old backs.

That’s because when we bend over to scrub our tubs or reach up to clean our showers, we’re putting a lot of strain on our spine. Over time, this can lead to back pain and even chronic injuries.

So how can we avoid hurting our backs when cleaning our bathrooms?



Kitchn editor-in-chief and cookbook author Faith Durand has recently shared a simple trick to prevent bending over while cleaning the bathroom.

Ms Durand said that she learned the tip from her landlord, who advised cleaners to use brooms to efficiently clean the area.

Yes, folks, you read that right! It's no secret that when it comes to bathroom cleaning, we typically think of using brushes and scrubs, but in this situation, brooms are a useful tool for making sure that the area is clean.

37-1dJGcYp5gPlKpmud-XzT4VX-WRRxEIq_G4b4VlhWZMAFztIE_sTZfuAsnXtuahSAQvPcbY2T2XEMvkVSqODR_bhWlrLDqkKsWKKVhSVz68-yWPvbjkqpwahd8II4XWiEiIx_8_s57JuHkVNl9-w

Hurting our backs while cleaning the tub is one of those slightly embarrassing issues that most people don’t talk about. Credit: Anson Smart/@aremediasyndication.com.au.

Ms Durand explained: 'He stepped out into the kitchen, grabbed the new broom from the closet and the Dawn dish soap from the sink and squirted dish soap all over the tub.'

'Then he seized the broom and to my astonishment, swept it through the soap and up and down, his face turning red and puffing as he went.'

Faith then said that her landlord kept on sweeping the foam from the dish soap until all of it was pushed down the drain.

Finally, the landlord gave the tub a ‘quick blast’ to rinse the tub and voila! The tub was clean as a whistle.

Who would have thought that something as odd as a broom could be the key to a clean bathroom? We sure didn't!



Well, if you’re looking for more detailed information on how to effectively clean the tub without spending too much time bending your back, here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Inspect your tub

Different tub types will need different cleaning procedures. First, you need to keep an eye out for the bathtub's finish in your bathroom. Porcelain, enamel, acrylic, and fibreglass are popular tub finishes. Your tub's coating is probably acrylic or fibreglass if it resembles plastic more than anything else.

Throughout their lengthy history, bathtubs have been fashioned from a variety of materials, including stone, copper, and other metals. These tubs will need to be cleaned with particular care and expertise, so you should review the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.

2. Decide on a cleaner

You can choose the appropriate cleaning after you are familiar with the finish of your tub. Always read the label when purchasing commercially available tub cleaners to see whether the product can be abrasive. Certain tub types are easily harmed by abrasive cleaning.

Since a porcelain tub has a much rougher surface than other tub types, there are more cleaning agents available for it. Tubs made of porcelain and enamel can typically withstand cleaners that can be abrasive, but other tub varieties should avoid them.

Most varieties of tubs can be cleaned with homemade cleaners with little risk of damage. A fantastic homemade tub cleaner is a paste created by combining baking soda and water. This paste can also remove stains from soap scum.

BGRwAzwUsF_rJHPqnh3k8BvtLk_AgwpWrhsN_E-mxCO1shFGTOZkd_BFDpNufO87T55Crt7SaZXXH6YlbmhAFZDG1jsPi5qpU6GMgPcr-xL5vQB6yO5V-2xfPIRR-cySiZ5S00P7PP86qAVei9R1aA

Knowing your tub’s requirements can make cleaning them a breeze. Credit: Better Homes and Gardens.

3. Clear the 'clutter'

Now comes the challenging portion of cleaning....the cleaning itself.

First, make sure that you've cleared a workspace for yourself to work in. This entails taking out and setting aside all of the shampoos, conditioners, and soaps that might line the bathtub's corners. razors as well as washcloths. Working around these things will only lead to failure.

Most of these things ought to be simple to grab and set aside. However, if some of them are difficult to pick up without stooping into awkward positions, think about carrying a pair of tongs with you into the bathroom and picking them up that way. Or, ask a member of your family for assistance.

4. Learn the proper techniques for cleaning a tub

After everything has been taken out, inspect your tub and look for any problems. Significant dirt and grime is usually indicated by large stains. These are the areas you should pay particular attention to.

After giving your bathtub a quick once-over, start using your homemade paste or commercial cleaning solution. Apply the paste in small circular motions, beginning at the outside of the tub and moving towards the centre. This is most likely the phase that worries back pain sufferers.

It's recommended to first spray down the entire tub from above with water if you do intend to use a broom (or mop). Then proceed as usual, sweeping the tub from the corners towards the centre.

Remember to take extra care and attention while using your broom or scrubber on any stained spots. These areas will benefit from a longer, more intense scrub to remove stains and restore cleanliness.



5. Next steps

After using the cleanser to thoroughly clean the tub, you can take the time to unwind.

Many individuals make the error of cleaning the tub right away after using the cleaner. However, this takes away from the cleaner's ability to work. Instead, spending a half-hour relaxing your back or doing other tasks is significantly more likely to result in positive outcomes.

One should use the shower head or a pail of cold water to rinse the tub. The process step of rinsing the cleaner is frequently skipped yet is very important. Also it should be noted that it’s ok to keep the cleaning solution on the tub for up to a few hours, but leaving it unattended for too long can damage the tub's finish permanently.

It's a good idea to clean the shower doors on your tub as well (if you have them). Even though it's difficult to see, it's possible that some splash from the cleaner has gotten on them.

After you're done rinsing, wipe down the tub with a cloth or towel for a pristine look. If you'd rather not stoop, spread a towel on the broom’s bottom or use your foot.

Also, if you're willing to go the extra mile, consider performing brief wipe-downs after each time you take a bath. This may lessen soap scum buildup and lengthen the intervals between thorough cleanings.



So, there you have it, folks! We hope these tips can help you avoid hurting your back when you clean your bathroom.

Do you know other tips for effectively cleaning the tub without bending over? Share them with us in the comments below!
 

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