Essential oil smells great, reduces itchiness, and offers plenty of other health benefits, making it a must-have in every household. However, a few drops of this substance on light-colored surfaces such as bathtubs can quickly turn into a visible stain. This will mostly be the case when using essential oils with a darker or yellowish color. How to Remove Essential Oil Stains from Bathtubs
Of course, who says a dark spot, says a lot of elbow grease, right? Well, don’t worry. We’ve already done the legwork for you and compiled a list of easy approaches that actually work against essential oil stains.
Table of Contents
How to Remove Essential Oil Stains from Bathtubs. The Best Cleaners
Baking Soda
If you’re a fan of baking soda like me, here is how to use it to tackle the essential oil stain. Combine equal parts of baking soda and water until you get a consistent paste.
Apply the mixture to the discolored area with a soft cloth using circular motions. Then, let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping off the bathtub.
If the initial application fails to remove the essential oil stain, you can repeat this procedure.
Do NOT use the baking soda method on natural stone bathtubs!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent stain remover. But, to get the most out of it, we’ll combine it with baking soda.
I’m sure you’re weary of seeing baking soda in every approach. But I’m confident that if you stick with us to the end of this method, you’ll be able to remove the essential oil stain easily.
Mix one part of hydrogen peroxide with two parts of baking soda. Apply the mixture over the stained area, and proceed the same as you would when using baking soda with water.
When cleaning natural stone bathtubs, we recommend applying hydrogen peroxide directly on the surface. Do NOT mix it with baking soda since it could damage your bathtub.
Remark: Don’t forget to wear gloves when using this product.
Magic Eraser
The Magic Eraser appears several times in our cleaning guides for a good reason; it is fantastic at removing tough stains.
All you need to do is wet the sponge and start rubbing the stain. After that, rinse your bathtub, and you’re done. If you have several essential oil stains, you may need more than one sponge to thoroughly clean your bathtub.
The Magic Eraser is suitable for fiberglass, acrylic, and porcelain use but not for natural stone bathtubs. The thing is, since Magic Eraser is an abrasive product, it can harm natural stone surfaces.
Bar Keepers Friend
When none of the preceding items provides the intended effects, it’s time to go a little abrasive.
Even though Bar Keepers Friend is a bit harsh, it is an excellent cleaner that will save you a lot of trouble and elbow grease. Another great thing about this product is its ease of use.
Here is how to use it. Start by wetting your bathtub surface. Then, sprinkle BKR on the affected area and let it sit for one to two minutes to tackle the stain.
Use a damp sponge to scrub the area, then rinse the whole bathtub. You can repeat this approach if necessary.
Remark: Although BKR is safe for most surfaces, we strongly advise testing it in an inconspicuous section of your bathtub. If there are no adverse effects, you can thus apply it to the essential oil spot.
Also, when using BKR on a natural stone bathtub, make sure you have the right product, Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish which you can get on Amazon.
White Vinegar
Another well-known household cleaner on which you can rely is white vinegar. Because of its acidic nature, white vinegar can dissolve and cut through stains quickly.
In a spray bottle, mix two parts of vinegar with one part of water. Spray the solution on the stained area and wait for about 15 to 20 minutes. After that, rinse and repeat if needed.
While this method is effective on acrylic and fiberglass surfaces, we highly recommend avoiding using it on porcelain bathtubs. White vinegar is quite abrasive and can strip away the finish of the porcelain tub.
Remark: if you’re not a big fan of vinegar’s smell, you can use lemon juice instead.
Conclusion
We hope that you have learned something from this article. Also, make sure you test your selected product on a hidden part of your bathtub.
Not all bathtubs are made from the same material, and thus, some of them might show adverse reactions.
Just like with essential oil, your bathtub is also prone to be stained with turmeric and it is important to know how to remove turmeric stains from bathtub. Check out that article to learn how to restore your tub’s attractiveness in a blink of an eye.
Can essential oils damage bathtub?
Some essential oils can potentially damage certain types of bathtub surfaces, so it’s important to check with the manufacturer and to dilute them before use. Avoid leaving them in direct contact with surfaces for extended periods of time.
How do you remove essential oil stains?
To remove essential oil stains, blot the area, apply a stain remover or laundry detergent, wash in hot water, and repeat if necessary.
Do essential oil stains come out?
Essential oil stains can be difficult to remove, but with the right approach, they can usually be removed from most fabrics and surfaces. The key is to act quickly, use the right stain remover, and follow the recommended cleaning instructions.
How do you clean a bathroom after an oil bath?
After an oil bath, it’s best to wipe down all surfaces in the bathroom with a cleaning solution that can effectively cut through grease and oil, such as a mixture of hot water and vinegar or a specialized degreaser. Be sure to pay extra attention to the bathtub, shower, and sink, as these are likely to have the most oil residue.
Do essential oil stains come out?
To remove essential oil stains: blot up excess oil, apply pre-treatment, wash in hot water with enzyme detergent, check stain before drying, repeat as needed.
Is it safe to put essential oils in a hot tub?
Adding essential oils directly to a hot tub can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Consult with a professional before adding essential oils to your hot tub water.
We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, CleanyHome.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com.
