How to Fix a Slippery Bathtub or Shower

Published on Monday August 5, 2024

While bathrooms are usually a place of relaxation and self-care, they can also be dangerous. Slipping in the bathtub or shower is a common occurrence, and these slips can lead to dangerous falls that require a trip to the emergency room.

Thankfully, we have six easy ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from slippery bathtubs or showers.

6 Slippery Bathtub Solutions

The tips listed here range from quick and inexpensive to replacing a full tub or shower. Remember that there’s no substitute for bathroom safety precautions when it comes to protecting your family.

1. Non-Slip, Non-Abrasive Tape

Increasing traction is the quickest, easiest, and most affordable way to reduce the risk of falling. Look for non-abrasive tape to lay along the floor of your tub to help prevent the surface from becoming too slick.

Keep in mind that tapes like these wear away over time, so you’ll need to replace them frequently.

2. Non-Slip Sprays

Besides tape, there are a variety of non-slip sprays designed to increase traction in acrylic bathtubs.

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the bathtub and allowed it to dry, treat the surface according to the package instructions for your non-slip spray. Be precise with your application, and be careful only to cover areas of the tub that require additional traction.

3. Rubber Floor Mats

Another affordable way to help with a slippery bathtub is to place rubber, non-slip bathtub mats on its surface. However, unlike tape or sprays, non-slip mats may move around with use.

You can also find non-slip rugs to place just outside your tub to prevent slipping on wet tiles. Note that these, too, can become a tripping hazard if they bunch up or absorb too much water.

4. Grab Bars and Handles

While creating a non-slip surface is a great way to prevent falls, it’s not foolproof. It’s important to install additional safety features that can help keep you even safer in the bath or shower.

Accessible, secure handles and grab bars in and around the bathtub can be incredibly helpful in preventing a fall. If you’re in the process of updating your bathroom to meet aging-in-place standards, we highly recommend installing grab bars.

5. Accessible Storage

Falls often happen when you reach for something too far from your tub or shower. Make all soaps, shampoos, towels, and other bathtub necessities easy to reach by using shower caddies or adding additional hooks or towel racks to your bathroom.

6. Bathtub Replacement

For bathroom safety, consider replacing your old bathtub with a non-slip model or converting it to a walk-in shower. While this is by far the most expensive option, it’s also one of the most reliable and long-lasting.

Fix Your Slippery Tub For Good

Long Baths™ bathtub and shower products include slip-resistant tubs, low-barrier shower bases, grab bars, shower seats, and more so you can bathe safely and comfortably.

If you’re looking to upgrade your bath or shower, visit us online today to get a quote or schedule a free, in-home consultation!