How to Clean Baby Bathtub the Easy Way

Ever looked at your baby’s tub and thought, “Is this really clean?” I’ve been there. As a mom who’s seen it all—from messy blowouts to grime in the corners—I know how fast things can get gross. But don’t worry. I’ll show you how to clean your baby’s bathtub quickly, safely, and without harsh stuff.

You don’t need fancy gear or strong cleaners. Just a few simple steps and baby-safe products. I’ll guide you through it. In no time, your baby’s tub will shine again. Let’s make bath time safe, clean, and stress-free!

How Often Should You Clean a Baby Bathtub?

Let’s keep it simple. Wipe your baby’s tub after each bath. Do a deep clean once a week. If there’s a poop mess (yep, it happens!), clean and disinfect it right away.

When my daughter was tiny, I bathed her every 2–3 days. The tub stayed pretty clean. But once she could splash, chew on toys, and sit up? Dirt showed up fast.

What I’ve learned: how often you clean depends on how often your baby takes a bath—and how messy they are.

Quick Wipe vs. Deep Clean: What to Do and When

• Daily Quick Wipe: After each bath, rinse the tub, wipe it down, and let it dry. It takes two minutes. This keeps slime and mold away.
• Weekly Deep Clean: Once a week, scrub the tub with baby-safe soap (see Section 3). This helps get rid of buildup you can’t see.
• Disinfect When Needed: Only use disinfectant if there’s poop, mold, or your baby has been sick. Always clean first before disinfecting.

Cleaning Changes as Your Baby Grows

The younger your baby, the fewer baths they need. But when they get older and love to splash? You’ll be cleaning more often.

Here’s a guide I use:

Cleaning Chart by Baby’s Age (0–12 Months)

Age	Bath How Often?	Quick Wipe	Deep Clean
0–3 months	Every 2–3 days	After each use	Once a week
4–6 months	Every 1–2 days	After each use	Once a week
7–12 months	Daily or almost	After each use	Once a week (or more)

What You’ll Need: Safe & Simple Supplies

You don’t need a lot to keep your baby’s tub clean. Just a few safe basics do the trick. I’ve tried many things over the years, but simple is best—especially for newborn skin.

My Baby-Safe Cleaning Kit

Here’s what I keep close by:

• Soft sponge or cloth – gentle and easy to rinse
• Baby-safe soap – unscented, no dyes (I use castile soap)
• White vinegar – great for daily wipe-downs
• 3% hydrogen peroxide – use when you need to disinfect
• Spray bottle – mix half vinegar, half water for a quick clean

What to Avoid (Even If It “Smells Clean”)

Baby skin is thin and sensitive. Strong smells and chemicals can irritate fast. Skip these:

• Bleach – unless you dilute it safely (see Section 3.3)
• Essential oils – natural, but not always safe for babies
• Rough brushes or pads – too harsh for baby tubs
• Scented cleaners – fresh smell, but risky for skin and lungs

Rule of thumb: If it stings your eyes or smells strong, don’t use it on baby gear.

Optional Extras (Nice, Not Needed)

Want to go the extra mile? These tools help, but aren’t must-haves:

• Sterilizing tablets – great for deep cleans or travel tubs
• Bottle brushes – perfect for tight spots and drains
• Drying rack or hook – helps the tub dry fast (no mold!)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Baby Bathtub

Cleaning your baby’s tub doesn’t have to feel hard. Once it’s a habit, it’s quick and easy. Here’s what I do each day, each week, and when things get… messy (hello, diaper blowouts).

Daily Quick Clean (After Each Use)

Takes 2 minutes. Keeps slime and mold away.

Here’s my simple after-bath routine:

• Empty the tub – Dump the bath water right away
• Rinse it out – Use clean water to wash off soap
• Spray and wipe – I use my vinegar-water mix and a soft cloth
• Let it air dry – Lean it on its side or hang it if it folds

Weekly Deep Clean (The Real Germ Buster)

Even if it looks clean, do this once a week. Germs hide!

My steps:

• Fill the tub – Use warm water and a splash of vinegar. Soak for 10–15 mins
• Scrub gently – Use a soft sponge and baby-safe soap
• Rinse well – Make sure no soap or vinegar stays
• Optional: Spray peroxide – A light mist helps kill extra germs
• Dry in sunlight if you can – Sunlight kills leftover bacteria

Disinfecting Safely (When Needed)

Disinfect only when needed—not every day.

When to disinfect:

• Baby poops in the tub
• You see mold or mildew
• Baby had a cold, flu, or tummy bug

Safe disinfecting choices:

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – Spray, let sit 10 mins, then rinse
• White vinegar – Spray or soak for daily germs
• Diluted bleach – 1 tablespoon bleach in 1 gallon water (only when needed—rinse VERY well)

Important: Always clean first, then disinfect. And rinse really well to protect baby’s skin.

Do NOT mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in one bottle. It creates a strong chemical reaction. Use one at a time.

How to Clean Different Types of Baby Bathtubs

Not all baby tubs are the same. Some are easy to clean. Others need more care. I’ve used plastic tubs, soft inserts, and foldable mesh ones—and each came with its own mess!

Here’s how to clean them without stress:

Plastic Baby Tubs

Most common. Super easy to clean.

These tubs are smooth and tough. That makes them the easiest to keep clean.

How to clean:

• Wipe it down after each bath
• Soak it in warm water + vinegar once a week
• Scrub with a soft sponge (no rough pads!)
• Let it dry all the way

Foam or Sponge Inserts

Soft and cozy—but mold loves them.

Foam tubs soak up water fast. That makes them harder to keep dry and clean.

How to clean:

• Squeeze out all water after each use
• Spray with white vinegar
• Let it dry standing up, in fresh air
• Deep clean once a week with soap and warm water

Collapsible or Mesh Tubs

Space-saving, but tricky to dry.

These tubs fold up small, which is great. But water can get stuck in the corners and seams.

How to clean:

• Rinse well after each use
• Spray vinegar in the folds and mesh
• Hang it wide open to dry—never fold it while wet
• Use a bottle brush for seams or joints

Quick Guide: Baby Tub Cleaning by Type

Tub Type	Daily Wipe-Down	Weekly Deep Clean	Extra Notes
Plastic	Easy wipe	Soap + vinegar	Check drain for buildup
Foam/Sponge	Vinegar spray	Soak + squeeze	Dry upright—never store while damp
Collapsible	Spray + rinse	Clean seams well	Always hang wide open to dry

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew in Baby Bathtubs

Let’s be real—mold is sneaky. You don’t always see it right away. I thought my baby’s tub was clean… until I saw pink slime near the seat. Never again.

Here’s how I keep mold away without hours of scrubbing:

How to Spot Mold (Even When You Can’t See It)

Mold isn’t always black or fuzzy. It can also show up as:

• Pink slime near edges
• Black dots on foam or mesh
• A musty smell, even if it looks clean
• A slimy feel, often on the bottom

Mold Loves Moisture—So Dry the Tub!

Mold grows fast in wet, dark places. The best way to stop it? Dry the tub—every time.

Here’s how I do it:

• Lean plastic tubs on their side, with the drain open
• Hang mesh tubs wide open (never folded!)
• Use airflow – open a window or turn on a fan
• Dry outside on sunny days (sunlight kills germs)

Smart Storage = Less Mold

Never stack or hide a wet tub. Even if it looks dry, trapped water can lead to mold.

Better storage options:

• Wall hooks – hang foam inserts or soft tubs
• Drying mats – good for small plastic tubs
• Over-the-door racks – perfect for small spaces

DIY Natural Mold Spray (That Actually Works)

Want a mold spray that’s safe for baby stuff? Here’s what I use:

Simple Mold Spray Recipe:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda (optional – adds scrubbing power)
• Optional: 2 drops tea tree oil
  (Skip this for babies under 6 months)

How to use:

1. Shake the mix in a spray bottle
2. Spray it all over the tub
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes
4. Rinse well and air dry

What to Do If Baby Poops in the Tub (It Happens!)

Yep—it’s gross. And yes, it will happen. One minute your baby’s giggling… the next, you see a little “gift” floating by.

The first time it happened to me, I panicked. Now? I have a plan. Here’s how to clean it up fast and safe—without the stress.

5 Easy Steps for Poop in the Tub

Don’t freak out—just follow this:

1. Lift baby out right away: Wrap them in a towel and rinse with clean, warm water (not from the tub).
2. Dump the water: Don’t try to save it—even if it looks clear.
3. Scoop and rinse: Use toilet paper or gloves to grab any poop. Rinse the tub with hot water.
4. Wash the tub: Use baby-safe soap and a sponge. Scrub all areas, even the corners.
5. Disinfect: Spray a safe cleaner (see below). Let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse, and dry.

How to Disinfect Safely After Poop

You must disinfect after poop. But skip harsh stuff. Use these baby-safe options:

• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
  Spray well, wait 10 minutes, rinse fully.
• White Vinegar (Undiluted)
  Spray and let air dry. Rinse if your baby has sensitive skin.
• Bleach Solution (only if needed)
  Mix 1 tablespoon bleach in 1 gallon of water. Soak the tub for 5 minutes, rinse a lot. Let it dry in fresh air if you can.

Reuse or Replace? Here’s How to Know

You don’t always need to toss the tub. But sometimes, it’s the right move.

Okay to Reuse If:

• The poop was solid or stayed in one spot
• You scrubbed and disinfected well
• The tub is plastic, with no sponge parts

Consider Replacing If:

• It’s a foam insert that soaked up poop water
• There’s a stain or smell that won’t go away
• You just don’t feel good using it again

Final Checklist: Safe Baby Bathtub Cleaning Routine

Let’s keep this simple. Whether you’re tired, rushed, or dealing with a wild toddler, here’s your go-to cleaning plan.

Daily (Takes 2 Minutes)

• Empty the tub after each bath
• Rinse with clean water
• Spray with vinegar + water mix
• Wipe with a soft cloth or sponge
• Let it dry fully (lean it or hang it up)

Weekly Deep Clean (Once a Week)

• Soak in warm water + vinegar (10–15 mins)
• Scrub with baby-safe soap and a soft sponge
• Rinse well
• Optional: Spray with hydrogen peroxide
• Dry in the sun, if you can

Disinfect Only When Needed

Use after:

• Poop in the tub
• Mold or mildew
• Baby was sick

Safe options:

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – Spray, wait 10 mins, rinse
• White vinegar – Spray and rinse if needed
• Bleach solution – Only if needed, rinse very well

What I Keep on Hand (So I Never Stress)

• Small spray bottle (vinegar + water)
• Soft sponge (just for the tub)
• Castile soap (for deep cleaning)
• Drying hook or towel bar to hang the tub

Real Talk: What I Wish I Knew as a First-Time Mom

I wish someone had warned me how sneaky mildew can be.

With my first baby, I thought a quick rinse after bath time was enough. A few weeks later, I saw a pink film near the seat of the tub. I ignored it. (Big mistake.)

Soon, it started to smell weird—and I realized my baby had been bathing in a moldy tub. My heart dropped.

What I learned: Moisture hides in small spots. The tub has to dry all the way. Now, I wipe it down and lean it to dry. It takes less than a minute—and saves me a lot of stress.

Small Habits That Changed Everything

• I spray and wipe the tub every time: It’s just part of our routine now—like brushing teeth.
• I keep cleaning stuff close by: If I can reach it fast, I’m more likely to use it.
• I trust my senses: If the tub feels slimy or smells off, I clean it right away.

Most Important?

You don’t have to be perfect. Just be consistent.

Some nights I wipe the tub. Some nights I don’t—and clean it in the morning. That’s okay.

What matters most is keeping your baby safe and finding a routine that works for you.

Mom Reminder:

• You’re doing great.
• Even if the tub’s a mess.
• Even if this is your third time cleaning it this week.
• You’re showing up—and that’s what matters most.

Recommended Products I Use (and Trust)

Over the years, I’ve tried many cleaners and tools. Some were way too strong. Others just didn’t work. Now, I stick with a few simple products that are safe and get the job done.

This isn’t sponsored. Just real stuff I use every week and love.

My Favorite Baby-Safe Cleaner

I like to keep things simple. I use unscented castile soap, like Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild. It works on tubs, toys, and even the bath mat.

Why I love it:

• No fragrance, dyes, or weird stuff
• Safe for bottles and pacifiers
• One small bottle lasts a long time

Baby-Safe Cleaning Tools

These are the tools I grab every time:

• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth – Won’t scratch and leaves no fuzz
• Small bottle brush – Gets into tight corners and drains
• Glass spray bottle – I mix half vinegar, half water in it
• Mesh drying rack or wall hook – Keeps the tub dry and mold-free

Extra Things I Like (But Don’t Always Need)

I don’t use these all the time, but they help during travel or sick days:

• Sterilizing tablets – Good for travel tubs or if the water isn’t great
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – I use it when things get messy
• Natural mold spray – I make my own, but baby-safe store versions work too

Conclusion: Clean Tub, Happy Baby (and a Calmer You)

Cleaning your baby’s tub doesn’t have to be hard. A quick rinse each day and a weekly scrub go a long way. You’ll keep germs and mold away with just a few easy steps.

I learned this the hard way. I’ve let the tub sit too long. I’ve scrubbed pink slime. Once, I even tossed a moldy foam insert (gross!). Now, it takes me less than five minutes a day. And I feel good knowing the bath is safe.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just stay consistent.

A clean tub means one less thing to worry about—and more time for splashing and silly songs. You’ve got this!

What about you?
What’s your biggest baby bath struggle? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story or help if I can.

FAQs: How to Clean Baby Bathtub