How to Disinfect and Clean a Bathtub or Shower with Bleach

It’s easy to relax and enjoy a long hot soak in the tub when you know it’s truly clean and free of germs. Our bleach and water solution helps you disinfect your bathtub or shower with confidence.

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By Mary Gagliardi

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Use as directed.

Taking a shower or hot bath should be relaxing, not stressful. Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach kills 99.9% of germs, making it the perfect choice to clean and disinfect the bathroom so you can enjoy the space. Using a bleach and water solution in the tub or shower is simple. Just use our easy-to-follow steps and you’ll be ready for a good long soak in the tub in no time. 

If you want a germ-killing cleaning solution with the convenience of a ready-to-use spray, try Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner + Bleach. Just remove excess dirt, and spray Clean-Up® Cleaner 4–6 inches from the surface until thoroughly wet. Let stand for 30 seconds, then rinse or wipe clean. The trusted disinfecting power you need, all in a convenient spray.

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Bleach is safe for many bath and shower surfaces

Many common bathroom surfaces are bleach-safe when bleach is used as directed: porcelain in good condition without any chips or scratches, glazed ceramic tile, sealed granite, acrylic, fiberglass and chrome fixtures are usually appropriate for cleaning and disinfecting with bleach. If you aren’t certain, always test an inconspicuous area first.

Do not use on aluminum, chipped or cracked enamel, copper, brass, silver or unsealed wood, marble, tile or granite. Always read and follow label instructions.

What you need

Steps to clean a bathtub or shower

  1. Clear the area

    Remove shampoo bottles, children’s toys, bath mat and soap from the bathtub and set them aside.

    Tip

     Open a window to allow good air circulation.

  2. Mix up the bleach and water solution

    Fill a plastic bucket with 1 gallon cool water, then add 1/3 cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach. Wear protective gloves and clothing you don’t mind accidentally splashing with bleach solution.

    Never use bleach at full strength on any surface. It should always be diluted with water first.

  3. Sponge the solution onto the tub or shower

    Use the sponge to apply the solution and allow it to contact all surfaces for 6 minutes. Be sure to clean the fixtures in addition to the bathtub or shower walls and floor, scrubbing as needed if necessary to remove tough stains.

    Tip

    To disinfect with this bleach and water solution, pre-clean the tub or shower by wiping away organic matter before applying the bleach and water solution.

  4. Rinse with water and air dry

    Empty the bucket and then refill it with clean water. Use this to rinse any areas water from the showerhead won’t reach, then let surfaces air dry. Once the bathtub or shower has dried, replace the items that were removed prior to cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any surfaces you can’t use bleach on?

Not every potential surface in a bathroom is safe for bleach, especially marble and unsealed tile. If you don’t remember what products the manufacturer did recommend, check back with them for advice on how to disinfect their material.

Can I use Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner + Bleach?

Yes, Clorox® Clean-Up® Cleaner + Bleach is great for cleaning most hard, nonporous surfaces when used as directed. Start by removing excess dirt, then spray Clean-Up® Cleaner 4–6 inches from the surface until thoroughly wet. Let stand for 30 seconds, then rinse or wipe clean.