Here's Why Your Tub And Shower Always Look Dirty

Avoid these common culprits so you can clean yourself in peace.

A nice shower or bath is one of the best ways to unwind at home. However, if your tub or shower is dirty, being in it can feel anything but refreshing and relaxing. And while you may be pretty good at keeping on top of your bathroom cleaning routine, sometimes it can feel like the dirt and grime just come right back. Even after a deep clean, sometimes our tubs and showers still don’t have that sparkle.

So why does this happen? We asked some cleaning experts for input. Here are some of the reasons your tub and shower always look dirty—and what you can do to fix it.

Related: How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom in 10 Steps

You're Contributing to the Dirt and Grime

Here’s the bad news. According to Norwex’s product development manager and home cleaning expert, Courtney Landry, more often than not, you are the primary reason why your shower and tub always look dirty (yikes). But don't worry, this is normal. “Oils in your skin tend to mix with soap film and warm water, making a buildup of dead skin, dirt, and soap scum in your tub or shower," Landry says. "Then, considering that your bathing area is usually wet, that also makes it rather easy for unwanted bacteria and mold to grow.”

Bath products are another part of the problem. If you're the kind of person who enjoys a multi-step bath and shower routine with scrubs, oils, and all the accoutrements, it’s going to result in a clearer you, but a grimier tub.

You Aren’t Cleaning Enough

Another culprit could be that you simply aren’t cleaning your shower and tub often enough. This isn’t a judgment call—we're all short on time these days—but cleaning more often can actually save you from more strenuous cleaning later on.

Landry tells me a weekly clean is what most of us need. Keep in mind, that if you shower at the gym, or don’t shower every day—you don't need to clean as frequently.

But, at the very least, you should give your shower and tub a rinse after every use. “Yes, it’s an extra step in your routine, but trust me, it will make your next cleaning easier," she explains. "This will stop soap film from sitting on surfaces and avoid the creation of soap scum build-up."

Related: How to Keep Your Shower Clean Daily With Low Effort Tasks

You Arent Using The Right Tools

It’s hard to get any job done without the right tools. That tiny sponge you've been using probably isn't going to cut it in a truly dirty bathroom. Landry is a fan of Norwex's Bathroom Scrub Mitt. “This heavy-duty, two-in-one bathroom scrub mitt easily removes stubborn spots without using any harmful chemicals, leaving your tub or shower sparkling clean,” she says. You can also use this to augment your daily rinse or after that long bubble bath.

Norwex’s non-scratch, two-sided scrub cloth is another option as well as the Grout Brush. “I love this brush in particular because it has tough, durable bristles in a specially designed v-shape that make quick work of grout cleaning,” Landry says.

If you want to get the job done quickly or want a deeper clean, consider using a rotating scrub brush. These have been hot on TikTok for a good reason—they’re easy to use and they work. Keep in mind these aren’t always cheap, but can be worth the investment if they save you time and money.

You Aren’t Using The Right Cleaning Products

If your tub and shower always look dirty, despite your best efforts, perhaps you just aren’t using the right cleaning products. A standard multipurpose cleaning spray isn’t always gonna cut it for these spaces. So, check to see if the bottle says “bathroom” or “tile and tub.” If mold and mildew are an issue, it’s best to use a product specifically formulated for these spots.

On the other hand, sometimes you need something a little stronger or you don’t want to spend a lot of money. If that's the case, old-fashioned bleach will get the job done for a good price. Just be sure to open your window, keep your fan running, or do whatever you can to create good ventilation while using the product.

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