You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. Acrylic or plastic bathtubs and tub surrounds call for nonabrasive cleaning products only. Spray the lemon water on the tub and leave it there until evening, or for a whole night. This is a simple, non-toxic way to clean and preserve your acrylic tubs and shower.You can do it by yourself, but we are happy to help!Call anytime for an estimate: 1-866-252-3241---With same day service and 25 years of experience, you can have confidence the job will be done correctly.If you need plumbing, water damage restoration, HVAC repair, sewer \u0026 drain cleaning, or mold removal \u0026 remediationCall the Twin Home Experts.WE GUARANTEE OUR WORK!Let's Connect!Website: https://www.twinplumbing.com/Blog: https://www.twinplumbing.com/blog/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinhomeexperts/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetwinhomeexperts/ Cleaning your plastic bathtub and other surfaces in and around your bathroom is critical to your health. Your email address will not be published. 5. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. CLR will certainly help. Make a paste with water and scrub the stall with a sponge or plastic applicator. No scrubbing necessary.Spray your tub with a capful of Formula 101 mixed with water, give it a wipe, rinse, and then you will see an unbelievable shine!Want to see what else Formula 101 works great on?Visit http://formula101.tv to see powerful natural cleaning in action. Use this in the same way as you would use dish detergent. The plastic should be placed inside the container. Moisten the eraser sponge with hot water and scrub. Solvents, which you should never use on plastic tub surrounds, include mineral spirits, turpentine and acetone. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. Repeat this procedure until the tub is clean. Hydrogen Peroxide 4. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. The resulting solution should then be stirred with a spoon until it is completely blended together. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. Spray a large amount of a bathroom cleaner that contains bleach and is advertised as being effective against soap scum on the fiberglass or tile that is found in the shower enclosure. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. These directions will typically instruct you to spray or wipe the product generously over the surfaces, then let it sit for a certain amount of time before rinsing it off with water. You can also use a more intense cleaner like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any areas where you begin to see buildup. Rinse the soiled sponge in the water many times throughout the cleaning process to avoid spreading dirt back onto the bathtub. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. Create a paste for cleaning the bathtub by mixing one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide (or cream of tartar). Step 1. Step 2. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. Sometimes, chemicals and other treatments will be added to the water in order to help with the cleaning process and help treat injuries and wounds. They also wont harm the surface of the tub, so it can remain scratch-free during cleaning. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. Its important to wear the proper safety equipment when cleaning with a chemical in a plastic tub in order to protect yourself from potential damage. How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! Doing so will loosen soaps and other products, facilitating the cleaning process. Required fields are marked *. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Copyright 2023 Clean Curious.CleanCurious.com This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The bubbles produced by hydrogen peroxide also make it more efficient at removing dirty stains than using just water would. Turn the water off. Chlorine 3. Diluted bleach is another great option for cleaning bathtub surrounds. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, choosing the right type of bathtub for your home, How to Restore Shine to Plastic Bathtubs and Shower Enclosures, How to Clean and Restore Shine to a Fiberglass Tub. This will help loosen the dirt and grime before you clean the tub. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. In particular, it could be used to remove mildew from plastic bathtubs. Whether your tub surround needs a basic wipe down or a significant scrubbing with a heavy-duty bathtub cleaner, there's no getting around the physical effort involved. Then, take an old toothbrush (or whatever your preferred brush is), and scrub the sides of your bathtub. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Step 2 - Venitlate room. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Dish soap is another effective cleaning solution for your plastic bathtub. Do you have a bathtub that is discolored and stained? Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. Pesky, caked-on stains in your plastic bathtub got you down? This method utilizes baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap, and hot water to create an effective cleaning solution that cuts through tough grime on plastic tub surrounds. Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. Take a nylon sponge that wont scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Rinse and wipe clean after 30 minutes or an hour after applying the paste. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. It's downright impossible to enjoy a nice bath when you can see dirt, soap scum, and other types of stains in your tub, and if left unchecked, bacteria in your plastic bathtub can lead to health concerns. Gloves are optional if you're cleaning with vinegar or dish soap. Step 2. Wet a soft nylon brush with warm water. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. To clean a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, follow the manufacturer's directions, which will generally tell you to spray or wipe the product liberally over the surfaces, let it sit for a certain amount of time and then rinse with water. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. Dissolved white vinegar in water. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. Drain and pat dry. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. Lime Away TSP Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. They have more texture which allows them to break up dirt easier. Once done scrubbing, use clean water to wash away any residual soap residue. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. Mix 1 tsp hand dishwashing soap in 1/2 gallon warm water. Along with choosing the right type of bathtub for your home, it's crucial to know how to properly clean the type of tub you have or else you risk potentially making things worse. They can do a wide range of things: removing grease and grime, removing rust, and so on. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. Scrub all of the surfaces of the bathtub using a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush that has been dipped in the bucket. The most recent accessory to be added to your collection of tools for cleaning glass is Mr. That said, you'll want to try using baby shampoo and warm water first, as this is usually the most effective cleaning method: If you're tackling tough stains, it's important to have baking soda in your cleaning arsenal. The use of a magic eraser, according to a number of individuals, is the only approach that is capable of effectively cleaning a fiberglass shower. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can easily eliminate dirt, grime, hard water stains, and odors. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. Be sure to rinse the rag often to get rid of soap residue. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. The key is to use mild cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda dish soap, bleach, mixer degreaser, and all-purpose cleaners for the best results. In this video I will show you my natural, chemicals free way to clean your textured fiberglass or plastic shower floor and make it white and clean again using baking soda and white vinegar.. Its acidic substances can help to remove stubborn dirt, soap scum, and other debris from the surface. See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tvCleaning the tub is one of the most daunting tasks. Video of the Day Step 2 Move the shower curtain and any fabric items such as bath mats, towels and washcloths, into a safe location. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. Spread out a drop cloth over the tub, floor, and fixtures. White distilled vinegar: fill a spray bottle with full-strength vinegar; let it stay there for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. By cleaning regularly, you can control the growth of microbes and remove bad odors. After you've removed any grime and mineral deposits from your tub, you should have it looking shiny and new. Baking soda and vinegar 5. Spray the area, then wipe it off with a sponge, reserving the remaining solution to use on mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround | BEFORE & AFTER FIBERGLASS REFINISHING @DIYPowerCouple Subscribe for more DIY! Bleach is powerful enough to remove tough stains from plastic tub surrounds that cannot be removed with regular dish soap alone. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. Start from the top and work your way down. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge. There are a variety of commercial bathroom cleaners that are suitable for use on vinyl tub enclosures, including dish soap, laundry detergent, soft gel or cream cleansers that are not abrasive, and many others. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove wine stains from ceramic bathtubs. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. Wet a clean cloth with the soapy solution and use it to wash your newly whitened tub surround. The use of a paste made of dish soap and baking soda, which should be kept on the stain for at least an hour before being washed out with vinegar and hot water, is recommended by a number of specialists. Dishwashing detergent. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. Try the cleaning method that is recommended by Home Depot for stubborn stains on fiberglass before you give up on attempting to scrub away the stains: Put on a layer of a paste made from baking soda and water, then cover it with a cloth that has been soaked in vinegar. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. Your email address will not be published. Rub this paste into the stains and give it about half an hour to take effect. It just so happened that we would be posting exclusively about ways to clean algae and remove algae from water today, but you should know it wasnt exactly our aim. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on a plastic tub surround, as they can permanently damage it. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. Step 3. 2 Step 2. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, melamine sponges, and commercial abrasive cleaning products, along with solvents. Then, scrub the stain and mold away. Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. That said, you'll want to try using baby shampoo and warm water first, as this is usually the most effective cleaning method: Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. Baking soda. Once clean, a thin coat of either cream peroxide or tartar should be applied evenly to the entire surface of the plastic. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Scrub until the stains disappear. To choose the best bathtub cleaner and tools for a plastic tub surround, understand that plastic, or acrylic, is softer and more easily scratched than porcelain-enamel and fiberglass. Step 1. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of the dirt in your bathtub, and keep it looking great. Even while removing the tub surround from the wall isnt particularly challenging, doing so may result in substantial damage to the wall that lies behind it.The correct approach to removing a tub surround may be laborious and time-consuming, but it is the only way to assure that the surround will be removed with as little damage as possible.Put on goggles, long sleeves, trousers, and work gloves before beginning the job. Do you want to get rid of all that unattractive residue? After that, flush it with water to remove any stains from the bathtub. Proper maintenance ensures that your plastic tub will stay in perfect condition. If there are stains, you might not know what can remove them. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. Rinse cleaning. Before attempting this process, the plastic should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Scatter a small amount of baking soda all over the tub and let it sit for at least five minutes or more depending on the severity of the stains. By emptying your bathtub first, youll be able to see the stains clearly, so you will know what areas to scrub harder. Baking soda and vinegar are both common household ingredients. Bathtubs are covered in dirt and germs, which can cause all sorts of nasty problems. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. This will almost certainly cause scratches and other damage to your tub. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Rinse and dry. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to CleanCurious! Mix the cleaner with water and spray it all over the tub. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). Your email address will not be published. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. This sort of deep clean may not go far enough in terms of restoring shine to an older plastic tub or shower, but it should be the first step anyway as it's important to thoroughly remove dirt before going in with other solutions. Put two tablespoons of dish soap and a half gallon of hot water in your bucket, and then fill the bucket with hot water. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. If you're using a commercial bathtub cleaner, especially a heavy-duty bathtub cleaner or household bleach, always wear protective gloves and ideally open bathroom windows and doors for ventilation. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. Wear your protective gear Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. Dish soap 8. Your email address will not be published. Some brands of enamel and fiberglass cleaner and polish products are abrasive, while others are not. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Step 3. Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. Drain and pat dry. Dont worry if your plastic tub surround looks old because the right cleaning solutions will make it look brand new. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges can scratch the surface. You do not want a dirty and moldy bathtub in your house, since it does not only affect the appearance of your house, it is also unhygienic. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. More information How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround More like this Diy Cleaning Products Cleaning Household 10 Effective Tips: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Shoes, 8 Safe Ways: How to Dispose of Fragrance Oils. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. You might let the vinegar or bleach sit on the surfaces for 15 or more minutes before scrubbing and rinsing for extra cleansing power. Before you rinse the area, clean it . Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. 6. Why Is There A Plastic Ball In A Guinness Can? Rinse with clear water. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. To begin this process, you will need to prepare the mixture by combining one part vinegar and one part baking soda together in a bowl. Cleaning liquid 9. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. When cleaning a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. Flush the area with water after youre done. Alternatively, for extra-stubborn stains, you can use a combination of warm water and vinegar to clean your tub. You don't necessarily need to rule out use of enamel or fiberglass tub cleaner and polish nor heavy-duty bathtub cleaners, as there's a chance they are safe to use on plastic too. 5 Step 5. Any soft, nonabrasive cleaning tool, such as a microfiber or terry cloth towel, and a sponge, rag, scrubber or brush labeled "nonabrasive" can be used to clean a plastic tub surround without risk of scratching it. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. After letting it sit for several minutes, use a soft cloth or sponge dipped in warm water and gently scrub away at the stain until it has been removed. Most people leave it as the very last part of their home to clean.Because even when you put vim, or clorox, or powdered bath cleaner on, you still have to scrub!That all changes today.Formula 101 is an Eco Friendly Cleaning System that can melt the soap scum off your surround tub in seconds. These cleaners are gentle on surfaces so as not to damage them in the process. How Long Does Weed Stay Good In A Plastic Bag? Harsh chemical cleaners: Harsh chemical cleaners like oven cleaner or drain cleaner are also not suitable for plastic material. Step 1 - Remove Excess Dirt From Fiberglass. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Step 3. Spray purified or ordinary tap water onto the cleaning powder. Begin by mixing two tablespoons of dish detergent into one gallon of warm water in a spray bottle, stirring thoroughly until fully combined. 2 Rinse the tub with water. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. By staying on top of your cleaning regimen, you can prolong the time in between deep cleans too. 4 Step 4. All-purpose cleaners are a great option for cleaning hard stains on plastic tub enclosures as they contain ingredients that remove grease and other stubborn stains efficiently. After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. Step 3. Combine baking soda and water to create a paste similar in consistency to toothpaste. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. Once done, wash away any remaining substance with clean water. Soft sponges are also useful for cleaning plastic tub surrounds as their shape makes them ideal for reaching into corners and other areas that might otherwise go uncleaned. Plastic tub surrounds often have a smooth surface that is easy to clean with a damp cloth since there are no grout lines to trap debris in the surface. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 6. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach. Allow the vinegar to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it away with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. A mixture of water and vinegar. Wait 15 minutes for the chlorine to work on the stain. 3 Step 3. Acrylic that has been treated with Clean is algae-free and safe to use. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. Abrasive cleaners include any commercial products that are not clearly labeled "nonabrasive" or as safe for acrylic or plastic as well as DIY cleaners, such as baking soda scrubs. When you are cleaning, you should make use of a sponge or towel that is not abrasive.Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface.To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water.Wet & Forget Shower is a weekly shower cleanser that does not require scrubbing and is kind to surfaces made of acrylic and fiberglass. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. Homemade cleansers, such as a combination of baking soda and water or trisodium phosphate and water, are another option that does not pose any health risks. The fourth step is to wipe away. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. Acetone or turpentine. Using a good bathroom cleaner and a soft cloth with warm water is the best way to remove the bulk of your bathtub's dirt and grime. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. The coating provides protection against discoloration from ultraviolet rays. Steel Wool: A steel wool pad in particular is especially damaging as its coarseness makes it too abrasive even when trying to remove tough grime. Scouring Powders: Abrasive cleaners such as scouring powders should not be used on any kind of plastic surface as they can cause scratches or damage to the material. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. 3 Right Methods: How to Clean Hands After Touching Raw Chicken, 10 Smart Ideas: How to Dispose of Concrete. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. In fact, white vinegar is often used as an all-natural cleaner for removing mildew from surfaces like bathtubs and shower surrounds made of plastic materials. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed.