How can I get streaks out of my bathtub?

Barb Evridge
by Barb Evridge

I tried a hint of pouring commode cleaner on my tub and now I have white streaks that I can’t scrub off.

  14 answers
  • Janice Janice on Mar 14, 2021

    Evidently the commode cleanr worked where it gravitated to, so why not soak an old cloth in the cleaner and place it in the area that needs cleaned. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes, then move on to a diferent are until the tub is completely treated.

    • Barb Evridge Barb Evridge on Mar 14, 2021

      I was going to do that but was warned that maybe the material my tub is made out of it is already damaged.

  • I agree, why not use it to remove the rest of the stained area? I found this which may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxOw0UKuHww

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 14, 2021

    I am a soaker. Tear off a few paper towel sheets and dampen them with the toilet cleaner. Then put the wet paper towel on the offending area. Let it sit for about half an hour and remove, scrub and rinse. Repeat if needed.

  • Dee Dee on Mar 14, 2021

    I agree with Mogie, Keep the area wet with the product you used. Try to keep it that way overnight. It should even out. Good luck

  • William William on Mar 14, 2021

    All great solutions. if they fail try using Easy Off No Fume oven cleaner in the BLUE can. Works on enamel, porcelain, and fiberglass. Spray ot on and let it sit for a while then rinse well.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Mar 15, 2021

    Most likely the streaks are where it has been cleaned and possibly the finish removed. You will need to clean the entire surface to get it clean. You might want to use a scouring stick.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Mar 15, 2021

    Hi! I can't tell if you removed the finish or build up from the picture. I would give it a good cleaning a section at a time with a product like Kaboom which is amazing and see if that evens it out. Toilet cleaner is so caustic, I hope it just cleaned in areas where it is streaked. Like Kaboom, Scrubbing Bubbles will lift surface dirt if left on a few minutes. I like the Kaboom because it changes color when it's done. Don't let either one dry without rinsing or you'll have to reapply and clean the stuff off. Rinses much easier the first time before it dries (both brands). Good luck!

  • Sharon Sharon on Mar 16, 2021

    Since toliet bowl cleaners are usually an acid, I would avoid using this in the tub. If you have damaged the finish, you could get the tub reglazed.... if its porcelin tub they use epoxy...... if its acrylic they have a new acrylic glazing product from Europe.

  • Connie Lyons Furmanek Connie Lyons Furmanek on Mar 16, 2021

    My cousin uses bowling alley wax on his shower walls and says it works great in keeping the walls shiny and easy to clean.


  • Annie Annie on Mar 18, 2021

    We use CLR full strength in a spray bottle, along with a magic eraser and warm water

  • Maura White Maura White on Mar 20, 2021

    Have your tried vinegar? If you have, I'd also recommend a citric acid based cleaner like this that would get rid of what seems to me as mineral deposits: https://amzn.to/3c6Z7SK


    You could also try Bar Keepers Friend (super cheap and can get at grocery store) that uses oxalic acid.

  • Vicki Barnett Horn Vicki Barnett Horn on Mar 21, 2021

    Saturate with white vinegar (can add a few drops of Dawn detergent), let set, then scrub with a Mr. Clean Magic eraser or Chlorox bathtub wand. I’ve used both but prefer the bathtub wand. It’s easier on my back and cleans faster.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 08, 2023

    Repeat what you did to the areas still grubby looking.

  • Janice Janice on Sep 23, 2023

    We all need be aware what the surfaces we are cleaning are made of. Some surfaces can be damaged when using certain chemical products on them. Also don't mix products together thinking it will be twice as weffective; often the fumes create a new chemical lthat can damage the lungs if inhaled. It's wise to try a new product you haven't used before in just a small area to see the results before using it on a larger surface.