Do you REALLY need to wash your baby's tub before every bath?

You may have watched the viral clip on TikTok of a mom asking whether you really need to wash baby's tub before every bath. So, do you really need to go all out scrubbing your baby's bath every single time? We'll break it down for you. Spoiler alert: probably not.

Do baby tubs really get dirty?

First, let's bust the first myth that baby bath tubs are a breeding ground for bacteria. A bathtub is frequently rinsed, dries between uses, and is often coated with soap residues. Germs need a comfy spot to hang out and multiply. In a soapy tub that gets airdried after use, those comfy spots are very hard to come by which means any bacteria, or other pathogen, will struggle to find a surface to cling to and multiply. Basically: your baby's bath tub isn't as dirty as you might think it is. 

Your baby's bath tub probably needs to be only be cleaned at least once a week because of soap scum and grime build up. (That being said, if your child pooped in the bath - make sure to actually clean it!)

Ditch the chemicals

You might choose to give your tub a quick rinse after every bath, but don't be overly aggressive, especially if you opt for chemical cleansers. Most cleaners are respiratory and skin irritants, posing potential risks to both you and your baby. It's also important not to clean the bathtub immediately before a bath to avoid any fumes. The best time is to clean right after a bath so there’s at least 24-hours before your baby has to get in again.

Another issue with those chemical cleaners? Many cleaning products are designed to cling to surfaces which makes them harder to remove. This means chemical residue is often left behind even after rinsing. Also, tile and porcelain surfaces, being porous, can potentially absorb harsh cleaning products even after a thorough rinse.

Opt for a natural solution

How can you maintain a clean tub without harsh irritants? Use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. This solution ensures basic cleanliness without exposing your baby to harsh chemicals. Here's how to do it: 

1. Mix It Up: Create a solution by combining equal parts white vinegar and water. Put the solution in a spray bottle if you have one.

2. Apply and Soak: Spray the mixture across the tub surface, allowing it to sit for about 10 minutes.

3. Rinse Thoroughly: After the brief soaking period, just rinse it off. 

Our recommendations

First and foremost - do what works best for you. But if you're looking for advice, ours is: don't feel like you need to clean your baby's bath tub every time your baby goes into the tub. Rinse your baby's bath tub with water in between uses and let it air dry. For regular weekly washes, opt for a vinegar and water solution. If you choose to do deep cleans with chemical cleaners, make sure to do it right after your baby's bath so there's at least 24 hours before before they have to get in again, and rinse very, very well.