Sometimes, the most unexpected and unwelcome surprises occur in the most ordinary places: like discovering poop in your bathtub.
A startlingly common and unpleasant occurrence, it can turn a typically serene space into a hotbed of germs and discomfort.
Whether the culprit is a potty-training toddler, a pet that couldn’t hold it, or a plumbing mishap, the importance of quickly and effectively eliminating this mess can’t be overstated.
Ensuring a swift cleanup is crucial for your sanity and maintaining a hygienic, comfortable living space. Brace yourself because we’ll discover practical home remedies for tackling this messy problem.
Immediate Steps to Take
Trust me, I know how it feels to face this unpleasant surprise. The first time it happened to me, I was horrified.
But let me assure you, acting promptly is key to preventing those nasty stains and odors from setting in.
Use disposable gloves for personal protection.
First and foremost, safety is crucial. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of wearing disposable gloves.
I once thought I’d be brave and try to clean up without gloves. Let’s say it was an experience I would not recommend to anyone.
Remove any solid waste with toilet paper or disposable wipes
The next step is to remove any solid waste with toilet paper or disposable wipes.
This will make the cleaning process easier and minimize the spread of germs. It’s much easier to clean when you’ve removed the bulk of the mess.
Home Remedy 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
Baking soda and vinegar are common household items that double as effective cleaners.
They are a dynamic duo for cleaning those pesky stains and deodorizing your bathtub.
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can scrub surface stains, while vinegar is a natural disinfectant.
When combined, they create a fizzy reaction that can loosen stubborn grime.
Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to form a paste
I always mix baking soda and vinegar equal parts to create this solution.
It forms a frothy paste that’s oddly satisfying to make.
Be warned; it fizzes up quickly, so be sure to use a large bowl or bucket.
Apply the paste to the affected area, scrub gently with a brush, and rinse
Apply it to the stained area once you’ve whipped up your cleaning concoction.
Using a scrub brush — I prefer one with a long handle for those hard-to-reach areas — gently scrub the area.
After you’ve given it a good scrub, rinse it off with warm water. You’ll be amazed at how clean your tub looks!
Home Remedy 2: Lemon and Salt Scrub
When life gives you lemons, use them to clean poop stains! Lemons are a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
They contain citric acid, which is excellent for breaking down stains. Plus, they leave a refreshing scent.
Combine it with salt’s abrasive properties and have a powerful, all-natural cleaning solution.
Sprinkle salt over the poop-stained area
The first thing I do is sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the stained area.
Table salt is usually enough, but sea or kosher salt could also work if you’re in a pinch.
The salt acts as a light abrasive, helping to lift the stain off the surface.
Squeeze lemon juice onto the salt, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub, and rinse
Next, slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly onto the salt. The satisfying sizzle you hear is the magic happening.
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the stain to break down.
Then, with your trusty scrub brush, gently scrub the area. Rinse with warm water and voila! Your tub is as good as new.
Home Remedy 3: Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t hydrogen peroxide for cuts and wounds?” Yes, but it’s also a fantastic disinfectant and stain remover.
At that time, I spilled red wine on my favorite white rug. I was about ready to toss it out, then a friend suggested hydrogen peroxide. It worked like a charm!
Mix hydrogen peroxide with water (1:1 ratio)
This is as simple as it gets. You must mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl.
Remember when I mistakenly used straight hydrogen peroxide on a delicate fabric? Not pretty – so always remember to dilute it!
Apply the solution to the stained area, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly
Next, apply your newly made solution to the stained area. Grab your trusty scrub brush and start scrubbing gently.
Rinse thoroughly afterward. Much like I did with my formerly wine-stained rug, you’ll find that hydrogen peroxide can achieve wonders!
Home Remedy 4: Dish Soap and Warm Water
You might be surprised that our next stop involves an item you use to clean your dishes, but believe it or not, dish soap is one heck of a crime fighter.
Last month, my little nephew decorated my bathroom floor with crayons. I thought I would have to get out the big guns, but dish soap and warm water worked like a dream.
Mix dish soap with warm water
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a good squirt of dish soap. Stir it until it’s nice and bubbly. I call this my “bubbly weapon of grime destruction.”
Apply the soapy solution to the affected area, scrub with a brush, and rinse
Get your scrub brush and apply the soapy solution to the stained area. Give it a good scrub, and then rinse it with warm water.
Just like that, the crayon marks were gone, and my bathroom floor was back to its shiny self! So don’t underestimate the power of a good dish soap!
Final Steps for a Fresh and Clean Bathtub
We’re almost there, folks! This final part is just as crucial as the rest of our stain-busting journey. It’s all about ensuring that your bathtub is clean but also fresh and free of any residue.
- Rinse the Bathtub with Clean Water
Remember when I used vinegar to clean my coffee-stained mug and forgot to rinse it properly?
I ended up with a coffee that tasted like salad dressing! You don’t want your next bath to remind you of your cleaning expedition, do you?
So, the first step after scrubbing is to rinse your bathtub thoroughly with clean water. This will ensure no remnants of the cleaning solution are left behind.
- Wipe the Bathtub Dry with a Clean Towel
Here’s the kicker – you might think that leaving the tub to air dry is the best option. But let me tell you about when I did that to my newly cleaned sink.
I returned to find water spots and streaks that made it look like my cleaning attempt was for naught.
The final but essential step is drying your bathtub with a clean towel after rinsing. It prevents water spots from forming and gives your tub that glistening shine that says, “Yes, I am clean and fresh!” So, grab a clean towel and start drying.
There you have it! Now you’re fully armed to make your bathtub shine, just like mine does now.
Remember, every stain has its enemy, and with these easy home remedies, you’re well-equipped to tackle them all.
A Recap of The Four Remedies
Here are the four home remedies we covered to keep your bathtub gleaming and poop-free.
Each has unique strengths, and choosing the right one depends on what you have on hand and your personal preferences.
1. The Power of Baking Soda and Vinegar
These pantry staples work wonders in your cookies and salads and team up to make a mighty cleaning solution.
Like when I spilled beetroot juice in the tub and thought my bathtub would forever resemble a crime scene, these unsuspecting heroes came to the rescue and proved they are more than just cooking ingredients.
2. Dish Soap & Warm Water: A Sudsy Solution
When faced with stubborn stains, dish soap and warm water combine like magic. It’s like the time I fought that stubborn ring of grime around the tub.
The ring was so determined to stay I was considering naming it. But then I remembered my trusty dish soap, and voila! The soap and warm water sent it packing!
3. Hydrogen Peroxide: The Stain Blaster
For those tougher-than-nails stains, hydrogen peroxide can be your best friend. Remember the time
I was painting in the tub (don’t ask) and ended up with a Pollock-esque masterpiece on the enamel. Hydrogen peroxide was the hero of the day.
4. Lemons: The Natural Brightener
When life gives you lemons, clean your bathtub! I once had a disaster with a self-tanning lotion, which left my tub looking like a carrot.
That’s when the humble lemon saved the day, leaving my tub (and my hands!) clean and smelling fresh.
Conclusion
Choosing the right remedy for you is all about what you have in your cupboard and what works best for your situation.
But remember, the key to a sparkling tub (and a happier, healthier life) is regular cleaning. Don’t wait for the stains to build up; take action today, and you might save yourself a monumental scrubbing session.
After all, maintaining a clean and hygienic living space is vital for our overall well-being. Now go forth and make your bathtub sparkle!