It can be really frustrating to attempt to clean the bathtub yourself. Spray the area, then wipe it off with a sponge, reserving the remaining solution to use on mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. These scuff marks are difficult to repair and could end up making your bathroom look even dirtier. [1] Avoid abrasive cleansers like scouring powders. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. The bubbles produced by hydrogen peroxide also make it more efficient at removing dirty stains than using just water would. Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. Then, scrub the stain and mold away. It is your source for tips, tricks, cleaning tools, and anything related to cleaning that will help you live a cleaner lifestyle. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. How to Clean Bathtub Stains (DIY) | Family Handyman Vinegar, dish soap, bleach solution, DIY degreaser, baking soda, and all-purpose cleaners are some of the best ways to clean a plastic tub surround. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub | Hunker You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. Step 1. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Apply this paste onto the stained area of the tub and leave it for about 10 minutes. Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. Allow the plastic tub surround to dry completely before being used again afterward. When you're applying the bead, use a constant, steady speed to avoid an uneven finish. 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. How to Clean a Plastic Tub Surround | eHow Then, rub or wipe the surface of the tub with some rubbing alcohol on a wet paper towel or cotton ball to remove stains or mildew. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround - Pinterest Make a paste with water and scrub the stall with a sponge or plastic applicator. 3 Step 3. Discard the towels in a trash bag. Using circular motions around the entire surface area, slowly scrub away at tough stains until they are no longer visible on the surface. Do you want to get rid of all that unattractive residue? 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. Rinse cleaning. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Imfoto/Shutterstock. They will come to your home and give it a quick thorough cleaning! Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. The plastic should be placed inside the container. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach. Despite pricey natural stone or tile with difficult-to-clean grout lines, Acrylic has a smooth surface that complements any look and feels and is easy to clean. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. Rinse and dry. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. How to Restore Shine to Plastic Bathtubs and Shower Enclosures CLR will certainly help. For an even more refreshing smell, you can swap out the vinegar for some lovely lemon juice. Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. Video of the Day Step 2 Fill a spray bottle with a bathroom cleaner approved to treat rust stains. Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. With the addition of moisture, the powder will take on a thick, foamy consistency. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Using a scrubbing brush, scrub the tub until its cleaned. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. Rub the surface of the tub as thoroughly as possible. If required, carry out the procedure once more until the stain is removed. 1. 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The most recent accessory to be added to your collection of tools for cleaning glass is Mr. If your bathtub is made of plastic, you should steer clear of cleaning solutions that include acids or alkalis.The use of strong chemicals such as bleach, acetone, paint thinner, and cleaners packaged in aerosol cans is not recommended when cleaning acrylic plastic tubs.If bleach is not diluted, it has the potential to deteriorate plastic bathtubs, despite the fact that it is an extremely efficient disinfectant. Diluted bleach is another great option for cleaning bathtub surrounds. How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround Tub Cleaner Bathroom Cleaner Shower Cleaner Fiberglass Shower Pan Remove Yellow Stains Plastic Bathtub Cleaning Household Cleaning Tips Regular Cleaning More information . They can do a wide range of things: removing grease and grime, removing rust, and so on. Manage Settings Turn the water off. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. Painting on the Surrounding of an Acrylic Tub, How to Make Stained Kitchen Cabinets Look Shiny Again, How to Remove Hard Water Stains in a Porcelain Toilet, Michigan State University: Cleaning Fiberglass Sinks and Tubs, University of Nebraska: Cleaning Fiberglass Tubs and Showers, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests, How to Clean and Restore a Worn Fiberglass Shower Base. If you are planning to clean your acrylic tub using a ready-made cleaner, you need to read the label very carefully to make sure that the cleaner wont scratch the surface of the tub. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. Baking soda paste is also an excellent choice for cleaning a plastic tub surround. Cleaning liquid 9. Required fields are marked *. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. The first method of cleaning is to make use of a cleaning agent that is safe for acrylic. After you've removed any grime and mineral deposits from your tub, you should have it looking shiny and new. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. These usually come in the form of spray-on coatings. Rub this paste into the stains and give it about half an hour to take effect. The walls of the shower should be sprayed with the vinegar and water cleaning, and a suitable amount should be applied.Give the solution at least half an hour to take effect before interrupting it.Leave it alone for up to an hour in order to remove more stubborn hard water stains and soap scum accumulation. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. Acrylic bathtubs are typically available in a wider variety of colors than fiberglass bathtubs, which are typically only available in white. 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. When cleaning a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions. You may remove the yellowing from the plastic that lines your tub by utilizing items from both your own house and from a hardware shop. 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. Be sure to rinse the rag often to get rid of soap residue. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. If the dirt is particularly stubborn and difficult to remove, it may be wise to use something more abrasive like a terry cloth towel. Vinegar is commonly used to clean tubs because its acidic properties soften soap scum, allowing it to be easily brushed away. 2. Your email address will not be published. When cleaning with chlorine, always wear protective gear like masks, hats, gloves, and glasses. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Once clean, a thin coat of either cream peroxide or tartar should be applied evenly to the entire surface of the plastic. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. You might let the vinegar or bleach sit on the surfaces for 15 or more minutes before scrubbing and rinsing for extra cleansing power. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. 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. 3 Ways to Remove Paint from an Acrylic Tub or Bath - wikiHow Hydrogen Peroxide 4. After that, flush it with water to remove any stains from the bathtub. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners or stiff bristle brushes to clean fiberglass surrounds. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. They have more texture which allows them to break up dirt easier. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Luckily, there are several methods to restore shine to plastic bathroom units at home. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. 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. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. Allow the mixture to dissolve. Drain and pat dry. Acrylic or plastic bathtubs and tub surrounds call for nonabrasive cleaning products only. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. To clean your tub, start by flushing it out with hot water. After rubbing the paste into the stain and allowing it to sit for up to an hour, you should wipe it off and then rinse it. Dish soap is another effective cleaning solution for your plastic bathtub. 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. Put on protective gloves before handling any bleach solution, as this will protect your skin from any splashes or spills that may occur during the cleaning process. Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. How to Clean the Surround of a Plastic Bathtub When cleaning a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions. 10 Effective Tips: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Shoes, 8 Safe Ways: How to Dispose of Fragrance Oils. The bleach should be diluted in water with roughly the same amount of each component. More things. Step 5. 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. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Step 3. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. Just make sure to choose a cleaning liquid made for plastic bathtubs, in case the chemical in the cleaning liquid is not compatible with plastic. Start from the top and work your way down. How to Clean and Restore Shine to a Fiberglass Tub | Hunker You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. How To Clean Plastic Shower Walls? - Nationwide Plastics How do you whiten plastic shower walls? Let it stand for 10 minutes. Cleaning a tub surround can seem like a daunting task because there's generally a lot of area to cover, although the surround doesn't tend to get as dirty as the tub itself. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Increase the ventilation in your bathroom. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Your email address will not be published. After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. 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. To erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. You can also use shampoo or body soap. Simply pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the greasy tub surface. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. Bleach should be diluted in water with approximately equal parts of each, sprayed or wiped on the surfaces and then rinsed with water. 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. Apply a light coat of white auto cream wax to the entire surround with a cotton cloth. How to whiten a yellowed plastic tub surround | eHow UK Step 1. How To Clean A Plastic Bathtub Surround? - Nationwide Plastics Baking soda and vinegar are both common household ingredients. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface. 8 Best Tub Surrounds 2022 - Organize Your Bathtub Walls - Lueliving Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. You might think that cleaning your bathtub is something you can do on your own, but youre wrong. Once done, wash away any remaining substance with clean water. 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. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose.