How to Remove Stubborn Bath Bomb Stains From Your Tub

For many, a relaxing soak in the tub isn’t complete without a bath bomb. But what happens when that colorful explosion leaves stains long after the water has drained? Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice your tub’s finish to enjoy bath bombs. By acting quickly and using gentle cleaning methods, you can lift dye and oil residue while keeping your tub looking shiny and stain-free.

We chatted with two cleaning experts who shared their favorite ways to tackle bath bomb stains quickly and effectively. They also explain what in bath bombs can cause staining and why certain tubs are more vulnerable than others.

Why Do Bath Bombs Leave Stains?

Bath bombs certainly look beautiful, but the same ingredients that make them colorful and moisturizing can also cause staining. Petya Holevich, house cleaner at Fantastic Services, says the dyes, oils, and additives present in bath bombs can cling to a tub’s surface. “Anti-slip textures on the bottom can also easily retain color and oil residue,” Holevich explains. Because bath bombs release a high concentration of dye into a fairly small amount of water, the pigment has prolonged contact with the tub’s surface. This gives the residue time to set, making it more difficult to remove.

It’s also worth noting that the type of tub you have matters, as some materials are more vulnerable than others. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are the most stain-prone due to their softer, more porous finishes, which allow dyes to penetrate more easily. “Additionally, acrylic tubs are also the easiest to scratch during aggressive stain removal methods, which further complicates the issue,” says cleaning expert Isabella Flores.

While porcelain and enamel-coated cast iron tubs are a bit more resistant, they can still stain if scratches allow dye to seep in. In general, the more porous or damaged the surface, the more likely it is to stain, Holevich notes. 

How to Remove Bath Bomb Stains

Resist the urge to overcorrect with harsh products. Things like abrasive cleaners, stiff scrub brushes, undiluted bleach, and strong acidic solutions can permanently scratch or dull the surface of acrylic and fiberglass tubs. 

Flores also notes that it’s critical to act quickly after a bath bomb stain happens. “Speed is the number one factor,” Flores says. “The sooner a dye stain is addressed after the bath, the better chance you have of removing it. The moment you see a dye stain occurring, rinse the tub immediately with warm water before doing anything else.”

Our experts recommend using gentle removal methods and products to remove bath bomb staining without ruining your tub.

Materials Needed:

• Dish soap
• Water
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloths
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton swabs

Instructions:

1. As soon as you notice staining, rinse your tub thoroughly with warm water.
2. To break down the bath bomb's oil-based components, apply a generous amount of dish soap to the stain. Using a soft microfiber cloth, gently rub in circular motions.
3. Rinse off the dish soap with warm water.
4. Next, create a paste using baking soda and water.
5. Apply the paste to the stain, letting the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
6. Gently rub the paste using a microfiber cloth.
7. If staining persists, Flores recommends using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently rub the affected area. (Perform a small test patch first.)
8. Rinse the area well after cleaning.