How to clean a bathtub after using a bath bomb

A bath bomb or bath fizzie is a consumer product used during bathing. It was invented and patented in 1989 by Mo Constantine, co-founder of Lush Cosmetics.

Bath bombs' primary ingredients are a weak acid and a bicarbonate base. These are unreactive when dry, but react vigorously when dissolved in water to produce their characteristic fizzing over a period of several minutes. This is an acid–base reaction that involves conversion of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate to monosodium citrate and carbon dioxide:

C₅H₇O₅CO₂H _(aq.) + NaHCO_{3 (aq.)} → C₅H₇O₅CO₂⁻Na⁺_(aq.) + H₂O_(l) + CO_{2 (g)}

The other ingredients in bath bombs can vary considerably. However, most have scented ingredients as well as dye to impart a pleasant fragrance and color to bathwater. Lathering agents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, are also often added to create bubble foams.

Will bath bombs stain the bathtub?

Knowing what your bath bombs are made of is a great way to determine whether they are likely to stain your tub or shower. Generally, a bath bomb recipe contains three things:

• baking soda
• citric acid
• cornflour

These ingredients create the fun, fizzing effect we all enjoy, as well as soothing irritated skin. Recipes are also enhanced further by the addition of colourants, scents and essential oils.

It is important to be aware of how much of a bath bomb recipe to use in your tub. A standard bath bomb size should not leave any marks, but exceeding the standard amount increases this likelihood.

Ensuring you follow the right water to bath bomb ratio is also important when you are experimenting with how much bath bomb to use. With too little water, the intensity of the colour is more concentrated, leaving traces in your tub or shower.

Tips to Stop Bath Bombs from Staining Your Tub

While it is quite rare for a standard bath bomb size product to stain your tub, there are ways you can prevent any unsightly marks.
1. Avoid Brightly Coloured Bombs in Your Tub
We all love a brightly coloured bath bomb set, but these recipes are more likely to stain your tub. As such, if possible, choose bath bomb sets not too brightly coloured.
2. Fill Your Tub the Whole Way for a Balanced Ratio
The more water that is in your tub, the less concentrated the colours and oils from the bath bomb recipe. Along with ensuring you have the right amount of water to match the standard bath bomb size and water ratio, this will contribute to keeping your tub clean and stain-free!
3. ‘Shower With’ or ‘Shower Down’
Move into the shower and avoid stains entirely! Bath bombs used in the shower create the same effects that you enjoy in the bath.
If using bath bombs in the shower is not for you, as soon as you are finished in your tub, be sure to shower down and wash the area. This will remove any lingering colour before it gets the chance to stain.
4. Take Care When Cleaning Your Tub
Cleaning your tub is necessary, but you should be mindful of the kind of products you‘re using. Harsh chemicals can affect the coating on your tub, breaking it down and leaving it more susceptible to bath bomb stains.

How to Clean a Bathtub in 8 Easy Steps

• Things You'll Need:
• Gloves
• Bucket
• Hot water
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Clean microfiber cloth
• Clean sponge
• A tub and tile cleaner (optional)
• Magic Eraser (optional)

Step 1: Empty the Tub
Before you get to cleaning, Mehmetoglu recommends removing any bath toys, loofahs, bath mats, and toiletries from the bathtub, They'll only get in the way of a thorough cleaning job, and you don't want any cleaning products to end up on them—especially if you have kids who may put toys in their mouths.
Step 2: Put on Gloves
Cleaning gloves will protect your hands from potentially harsh cleaning products as you scrub the dirt and grime away from the tub. Plus, you may just want to avoid getting all that dirt and grime on your hands.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda
Next, generously sprinkle the shower tiles, bathtub, faucets, and showerhead with a layer of baking soda.
Step 4: Fill Your Bucket
While the baking soda sits on the bath's surface, fill your bucket with hot water and a few drops of your go-to dish soap.
Step 5: Scrub the Tub
Immerse your sponge in the soapy water, then scrub all parts of the tub in circular motions. The baking soda, Mehmetoglu says, will help to whiten the tub and get rid of soap scum. Plus, it'll help deodorize the tub if there are any lingering odors. While any sponge will do, Mehmetoglu has a favorite tool. "The Scrub Daddy sponge uses the least amount of water and will not scratch your bathtub," she says.
Step 6: Rinse Away Products
After cleaning the tub fully, rinse it out with hot water, ensuring all the baking soda and soap residue are gone from nooks and crannies.
Step 7: Dry the Tub
Next, dry the tub with a clean microfiber cloth, taking care to polish the faucets and showerheads. Once everything's dry and polished, you can put your toiletries and bath accessories back in!
Step 8: Wash the Shower Curtain
If you have a shower curtain, make sure to clean that, too—your bathtub won't stay clean for long if your curtain and liner are dirty. You can simply throw the fabric part in the wash with your other laundry, stain treating it beforehand if needed. The plastic liner can go in the washing machine, too. Just make sure to use cool water and add a few bath towels to prevent excessive wrinkling.