Let’s face it; no one enjoys cleaning up their bathtub. It’s a painstaking task to make those fixtures pristine. Of course, it’s also a necessary task. New tubs can cost upwards of $2000. When you add in the price of installation, your tub is a big investment that you need to maintain.
In the old days, I would spend hours hunched over the tub trying to scrub away grime. Then, I discovered tub scrubbers! The best bathtub scrubber can help restore the cleanliness of your tub in only a fraction of the time. Plus, they can cut back on all the manual labor you’re putting in, making them a must-have for any homeowner.
What is a Bathtub Scrubber?
Essentially, a bathtub scrubber is a cleaning tool used for tub maintenance. Designs vary quite a bit depending on the manufacturer and purpose. However, most have some kind of abrasive material to get rid of stubborn stains. This could be synthetic bristles or a mesh pad.
Whatever the case may be, the best bathtub scrubbers are all made to help you achieve one goal. They can get rid of a wide range of stains. Whether you’re dealing with standard biofilm or hard water stains, a scrubber is much more effective at cleaning surfaces than standard wiping alone.
Plus, they can get rid of issues you can’t see. With the right cleaning product, scrubbers effectively sanitize your bathtub. Did you know that a seemingly clean bathtub can harbor up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch? Having a scrubber in your cleaning arsenal can help you decrease that figure significantly, making your tub a clean space to relax.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Tub Scrubber?
Scrubbers aren’t just fancy cleaning tools. They can provide you with several benefits to make your job easier. Here are just a few.
More Leverage
Have you ever used a mop to pick up caked-on food off the floor? The reason you were able to do that is that the mop handle gave you more leverage. The same thing happens when you use a bath scrubber.
Having that extra length lets you create more force. While you could scrub with your hand, there’s only so much power you can create. Those tough water stains will not budge without some impressive cleaning strength. With a handle, you can create it without exerting too much stress on your body.
More Cleaning Power
With more leverage comes more cleaning power. This doesn’t just apply to standard cleaning brushes. Powered scrubbers have the most to offer in terms of power. Built-in motors can spin scrubbers at a rapid pace. With many revolutions per minute, tough stains are taken care of in seconds.
Less Contact
Another important perk of a scrubber is that it adds another layer of protection against your skin. Even if you’re using a pair of gloves, there’s always the risk of infection when you’re using a simple rag to clean. As we mentioned earlier, most tubs are filled with bacteria.
Mold can quickly climb up the tub walls while fungi start to grow in your fixtures. It’s not just unsightly. Bacteria and mold can also cause serious infections. Gastrointestinal viruses, harmful pathogens, and even staph bacteria can be calling your tub home. All it takes is one open wound or accidental exposure to get sick.
A scrubber lets you stay as far away from that harmful bacteria as possible. While you still need to take some precautions to be safe, that separation can dramatically decrease your risks.
Less Pain
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 200,000 people are treated for bathroom-related injuries every year. Slip and fall accidents are quite common. Many injuries are caused by over-exertion.
You don’t have to be using the bathroom to over-exert yourself. Hard scrubbing can put significant strain on your back and arms. Crouching down and leaning over the side of a tub can also put you at risk for losing your balance. A scrubber can eliminate some of those issues, allowing you to clean comfortably.
Are They Good for All Tubs?
Before you start scrubbing away, make sure that your tub can handle it. Some materials are more prone to physical scratches than others. Acrylic tubs and enamel-covered tubs are notorious for experiencing cosmetic issues after rigorous cleaning jobs.
If your tub is made out of a material that scratches easily, make sure that the scrubber you’re using is not too abrasive. Steer clear of things like scouring pads or steel wool. It’s also a good idea to avoid using abrasive cleaning products with the scrubber. Pairing something like bleach or powder with a scrubber is only asking for trouble. As long as you’re using a gentle cleaning product and a soft scrubber, you should be good to go.
Types of Scrubbers Available
There are two types of bathtub scrubbers available. The first is a basic manual scrubber. These options are very affordable and don’t require any power to use. They can be used on most surfaces without any problems and are versatile enough to clean hard-to-reach spots.
Your second option is to go with an electric scrubber. Electric devices offer the most cleaning power available. Thanks to the integrated motor, you don’t even have to do much manual labor. Just place the scrubbing head on top of the stain, press the power button, and go! Most electric scrubbers have replaceable pads or brushes, extending the life of your investment significantly.
How to Choose the Right One
Once you decide whether you want a manual scrubber or an electric one, you still have many decisions to make. Your purchase is going to change the way you clean, so it’s good to keep every feature in mind.
RPM
This consideration is exclusive to electric brushes. The RPM refers to revolutions per minute. It represents the spinning speed of the scrubber head. Some devices offer multiple speed settings to help you customize the cleaning experience. Others have a static speed. Either way, try to get a higher RPM rating. Faster spinning speeds will produce more cleaning power.
Power Source
Do you have an outlet near your tub? If so, corded cleaners will do just fine. Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in a battery-operated unit. Some products have a built-in battery that you can recharge. These help you save on maintenance costs. Just make sure that your scrubber has enough run time to help you complete each job.
Length
Longer handles are way more comfortable to use. Not only can you get better leverage, but you don’t have to bend over so much to reach the bottom of the tub! If you want even more comfort, look out for contoured grips and rubber coatings. They’ll only make the experience more pleasant.
Maintenance
While a scrubber is a tool made to help you maintain your tub, you’ll need to keep it in good condition, too. The primary maintenance requirement is replacing the scrubber head. Not all tools have a removable head, so keep this in mind if you want a product that you can use long-term.
5 of the Best Scrubbers for Bathtubs
Drillbrush Bathtub Scrubber
Looking for a heavy-duty cleaning solution? Check out these brushes from Drillbrush. The brush set does not include any powered equipment. They are designed to work with your existing drill. You can use pretty much any power drill. The brushes have a lengthy quick-change shaft, allowing you to swap the brushes out in seconds.
Three brushes are included. The biggest is a rounded brush that’s perfect for getting into tight corners and difficult spots. A 4-inch flat brush and 2-inch detail brush are included as well. This particular brush set is designed for bathroom surfaces. So, the bristles are made to be moderately soft. Generally, the pliable texture of the bristles is safe for most surfaces. However, we’d exercise caution over delicate finishes.
The cool thing about this scrubber is that you can make it as powerful as you want. Power drills offer tons of torque. If you need as much cleaning power as possible, just crank up the torque settings and let it rip! Alternatively, the brushes work well with low-powered drills for a softer cleaning experience.
Pros:
- Medium soft bristles
- Comes with 3 brush sizes
- Quick-change shaft
- Very powerful
- Can be used on many surfaces
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Can be slightly awkward to use
- Might cause scratches on delicate tubs
- Tends to be messy
Homitt Cordless Electric Spin Brush Set (HT-SS01)
This scrubber from Homitt was specifically designed for bathroom use. It’s a versatile piece of equipment that can be used on virtually any surface in your bathroom. This includes the tub. Four brushes are included. The large dome brush and flat brush will serve you well when it comes time to clean your tub. You can even use the smaller corner brush and detailing brush to take care of surrounding tiles.
The entire unit is powered by a strong 3.6-volt battery. It’s a rechargeable battery that provides up to an hour and a half of run time. While the brush only has one operating speed, it does a decent job of getting rid of stains. It spins about 300 times per minute, eliminating the need to scrub.
The handle of the scrubber is ergonomically shaped for comfort. The controls are located on one end, making it easy to turn on and off. Plus, it’s extendable! You can pull out the telescoping arm to make the scrubber up to 45 inches long.
Another thing I like about the scrubber is the articulating head. It turns on a pivot, which improves accessibility to hard-to-reach spots.
Pros:
- Extendable handle
- Articulating head
- Comes with four unique brushes
- Rechargeable battery
- Plenty of battery life
- Water-resistant heads
- Soft bristles
- 300 RPM
Cons:
- Only one cleaning speed
- Might not work for tough stains
Oxo Good Grips Extendable Tub and Tile Scrubber
From OXO is this uniquely shaped scrubber. Rather than using traditional bristles, OXO went for a mesh pad. While it’s gentle enough to be used on most finishes, the scrubbing power is something to be desired.
The good news is that the scrubber is very sanitary. It has an antimicrobial material for the scrubbing head, which helps to keep bacteria at bay. You can replace it periodically to keep the scrubber in good shape.
What I like about this scrubber is that you don’t have to get too close to the grime. The telescoping handle extends up to 42 inches. All you have to do is twist the handle to lock it into place. At the end of the scrubber, the head is installed on a pivot. This makes it easy to get in tight spots. The tool is particularly useful for cleaning corners and seams. It’s not a traditional square or a circle. Instead, it features a triangular head, which is great for cleaning every inch of your tub and surround.
Pros:
- Extends to 42 inches long
- Antimicrobial scrubber head
- Efficient scrubbing shape
- Comfortable handle
- Replaceable heads available
- Pivots
- Durable build
Cons:
- Can collect water
- Pad isn’t as powerful
- Handle lock is prone to slipping
Libman Scrub Brush Kit
Want to keep things simple? This scrubber set from Libman may be for you. The set includes three manual scrubbing brushes to take care of your tub and other bathroom surfaces. Each scrubber is made out of polypropylene and recycled plastics. The handles are covered in softer sanoprene material.
The great thing about these scrubbers is that they’re relatively comfortable to use. The grips are all molded to fit the contours of your hand. Furthermore, they’re covered in non-slip material and have various hard grooves to improve your grip. You can scrub away comfortably without having to worry about fatigue affecting your technique too soon.
The bristles are plentiful on these brushes, making it easy to erase stubborn stains. They’re a bit on the hard side, so exercise caution when cleaning your tub.
Pros:
- Made of polypropylene
- Affordable
- Set of three brushes
- Contoured grips
- Non-slip grip
- Made of recycled components
Cons:
- On the smaller side
- Handles are short
- Bristles might be too hard for some tubs
Homitt Electric Spin Scrubber
Here’s another scrubber from Homitt. This model is a bit simpler than the previous scrubber on this list. However, it can still get the job done very well. It utilizes a high-capacity rechargeable battery. When fully charged, it can last up to 4 hours before the battery is depleted. That’s more than enough time to clean your tub and the rest of your bathroom.
In terms of power, the scrubber is quite impressive. It spins 280 times a minute to remove stains and grime. There are three replaceable heads included. The traditional dome brush and flat brush can be used on the main surface of your tub while the corner brush can take care of the surround and transitions.
The handle is a bit shorter than other options. It’s only 15.35 inches long. It’s not adjustable but the angled end does make it easier to reach tough spots without having to bend down too much. Light texturization on the plastic handle can improve your grip as well to help you clean efficiently.
Pros:
- 280 RPM
- Rechargeable battery
- Includes 3 replaceable brushes
- Battery can last up to 4 hours
- Angled head
- Simple controls
- Comfortable grip
- Available in many colors
- Convenient hanging loop
Cons:
- Only one operating speed
- No telescoping handle
- Can be difficult to remove brush head
Conclusion
Tub scrubbers are a worthy investment that can make cleaning up a breeze. While any of our recommended picks are better than hand scrubbing, the Homitt HT-SS01 is clearly a cut above the rest. The multi-purpose scrubber has everything you need to make your tub good as new. With its multiple brushes, you can reach every spot on your tub.
While it’s not as powerful as the Drillbrush set, I think that it’s more than enough to complete cleaning jobs efficiently. It’s the right balance of power and softness. You won’t have to worry about accidentally marring up your tub.
When compared to all of the other scrubbers on this list, the Homitt is the most flexible. Not only are you getting different cleaning heads, but the unit itself is fully adjustable. You can modify the length, pivot the head, and more to get the angle just right. There’s no need to bend over like you would with the Libman set or Drillbrush sets.
The Homitt HT-SS01 is the better all-around scrubber for your tub. It’ll make quick work of your regular maintenance tasks, leaving more time for you to soak and relax.