The easy way to clean your tub after using bath oils

Bathing has gone from frivolous pastime to necessary self-care ritual (just ask daily devotee Jenny Slate). But the products you cocktail with your bathwater—everything from apple cider vinegar to dreamy oils—can result in a hard-to-clean, slippery post-soak mess that leaves you more stressed out than when you originally hopped in the tub.

To help preserve your zen, Melissa Maker of Clean My Space shares some expert advice to keep your bathing area clean (and not slick). As an added bonus, her recommendations don’t require that you douse your tub with toxic chemicals that could then get on your skin during your next in-home spa experience.

Find out how to rid your tub of stubborn oils below.

1. DIY a degreaser

According to Maker, your first step is to obtain a cleaning product. “You can use a store-bought one, or make your own using 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup non-toxic dish soap and 20 drops of sweet orange essential oil.”  Then, Mixer suggests mixing these up in a bowl until it forms a nice paste.

2. Lather up

Though your aim is to rid the tub of residue, you’ll need to add a little elbow grease in order to do so. “Dip a damp sponge into the solution and spread it all over the tub,” says Maker. “Let this or your store-bought product sit for about 10 minutes. Using a clean, damp sponge, gently agitate the cleaning solution until you work it into a bit of a lather.”

3. Wash away the remnants

The last thing you want to do after going to all of the effort of de-oiling your tub is to leave behind cleaning-product residue to soak in later. “Rinse the tub well, using a detachable shower head or a container of warm water,” Maker advises. “Finally, use a squeegee or a thick microfiber towel to dry it off.”

If you have more dirt to clear, try pillaging your garden to DIY more non-toxic cleansers. Also, find out why housework is the ultimate hack for greater longevity.