Simply pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the greasy tub surface. Be sure to rinse the rag often to get rid of soap residue. 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. Some brands of enamel and fiberglass cleaner and polish products are abrasive, while others are not. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Step 3. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges can scratch the surface. Before you rinse the area, clean it . These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. Let it stand for 10 minutes. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Step 3. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. Then, rinse clean with hot water. Step 4. When cleaning a plastic or ABS tub enclosure there are certain products that should be avoided. How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround - SFGATE Start from the top and work your way down. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub, How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs. 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. Manage Settings Spread baking soda or a gentle cleaning agent over the entirety of the bathtub, then wait anywhere from five to ten minutes for it to take effect. Cleaning products vary considerably in their ingredients even from the same brand, so just be sure to double-check before using these products on plastic. To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water. How to Clean Your Bathtub - The Home Depot Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. If required, carry out the procedure once more until the stain is removed. Give your plastic tub enclosures a sparkling clean finish with vinegar. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. When cleaning with chlorine, always wear protective gear like masks, hats, gloves, and glasses. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. How to Clean Your Acrylic Shower or Tub | Delta Faucet Blog After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The bubbles will loosen any dirt and grime. How to Clean a Fiberglass Tub Surround | DoItYourself.com Ensure to take a look at the label for important details like non-abrasive and whether its suitable for materials such as plastic, ABS, polystyrene or acrylic. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. Step 1 - Remove Excess Dirt From Fiberglass. 4 Step 4. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. Step 2. 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. Mix the cleaner with water and spray it all over the tub. 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. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. Required fields are marked *. How to Clean a Plastic Tub Surround | eHow If you're dealing with a dirty tub, you've come to the right place. 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. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surrounds? - Nationwide Plastics Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. Wait 15 minutes for the chlorine to work on the stain. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Cleaning liquid 9. 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. Discard the towels in a trash bag. Take a nylon sponge that wont scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. Once done, wash away any remaining substance with clean water. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. Vinegar may take time to cut through grease, so it can be left for several minutes before being wiped away. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners or stiff bristle brushes to clean fiberglass surrounds. Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tvCleaning the tub is one of the most daunting tasks. Wear your protective gear If the paint spill is relatively fresh, you might be able to get rid of a good amount of it by flushing the spill with hot water. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. Baking soda and vinegar 5. Plastic bathtubs are durable and long-lasting. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. Rinse off the baking soda paste with some fresh water and enjoy your newly refreshed plastic tub surround. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove wine stains from ceramic bathtubs. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. Spray the tub surround with the cleaner. Step 2. Why Is There A Plastic Ball In A Guinness Can? Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains. 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. Cleaning liquid, or bathroom cleaner, is a very common cleaning agent. Required fields are marked *. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. Then, scrub the stain and mold away. They will come to your home and give it a quick thorough cleaning! Dishwashing detergent. Drain and pat dry. How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! - YouTube Before attempting this process, the plastic should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface. The Process of Cleaning Your Shower The Grime on the Tray. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. 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. More information How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround More like this Diy Cleaning Products Cleaning Household Scrub until the stains disappear. More things. Bathtubs are great to enjoy a relaxing bath whenever you feel tired. Create a paste for cleaning the bathtub by mixing one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide (or cream of tartar). This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. Harsh chemical cleaners: Harsh chemical cleaners like oven cleaner or drain cleaner are also not suitable for plastic material. 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. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can easily eliminate dirt, grime, hard water stains, and odors. Before you attempt to actually clean your fiberglass tub surround, rinse the material with clean water. Once done scrubbing, use clean water to wash away any residual soap residue. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. Step 5. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. Here you will learn more about how to clean a plastic bathtub. 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. White distilled vinegar: fill a spray bottle with full-strength vinegar; let it stay there for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. Spray the area, then wipe it off with a sponge, reserving the remaining solution to use on mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. Bleach should be diluted in water with approximately equal parts of each, sprayed or wiped on the surfaces and then rinsed with water. 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. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Alternatively, for extra-stubborn stains, you can use a combination of warm water and vinegar to clean your tub. Good Housekeeping recommends using something like Tilex Shower Spray daily to help keep your tub looking shiny and prevent any buildup of soap scum or mineral deposits. Call a professional cleaner You have to read this! Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. More things Rinse cleaning. 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. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. After it has dried, use an old toothbrush and some warm water to gently scrub this mixture (and the limescale) away. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. 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. How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs | Hunker This will almost certainly cause scratches and other damage to your tub. Apply this paste to the affected areas of your tub or shower enclosure and then leave it for around an hour to really work at the limescale. Soft rags or scrubbers may also be used as needed but should only do so if absolutely necessary- these tools can leave scratches if not handled properly so caution should be taken when using them for tough stains or debris. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. How to clean plastic bathtub is an ordinary problem in your bathroom. Let the baking soda paste sit for five minutes before using a soft sponge or scrubbing brush to lightly rub away any residual dirt or grime. 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. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. 2 Step 2. 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. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. Then, flush with water to clean it all up. Then, rinse it all with water. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. Chlorine 3. Rub this paste into the stains and give it about half an hour to take effect. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. Rust stain-approved cleaners often stain fabrics. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Do you want to get rid of all that unattractive residue? great option for cleaning bathtub surrounds, How to Clean Cat Urine from Bathtub: 6 DIY Methods [Hygienic], How to Clean a Bathtub Without Hurting Your Back: 3 Methods [Cautions], How to Remove Candle Wax from a Bathtub: DIY 3 Steps [Super Easy], How to Remove Adhesive From Fiberglass Tub: 4 Methods [With Steps], How to Remove Toilet Bowl Cleaner Stain From Bathtub | 5 DIY Methods, How to Clean Coconut Oil From Bathtub | Only 5 DIY Steps, How To Clean Calcium Buildup In Bathtub: 4 Methods [Proven], Can You Use Oven Cleaner On A Bathtub: 7 DIY Steps [Solved]. 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. Rinse multiple times and wipe completely to prevent streaks. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. How to Clean Vinyl Tub Enclosures | Home Guides | SF Gate If you want to use a commercial product, consider all-purpose cleaners or bathroom-specific cleaners. 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. 6. Alcohol 2. 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. All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. 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. Increase the ventilation in your bathroom. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. 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. Vinegar is commonly used to clean tubs because its acidic properties soften soap scum, allowing it to be easily brushed away. Step 3 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.. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The hand sanitizer will dissolve the mildew stains, and get rid of them for good. Then add 1 tablespoon of dish soap followed by three parts hot water. [18] Spray purified or ordinary tap water onto the cleaning powder. Your email address will not be published. 6. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. Cut through your drywall along the edges with a Sawzall. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. But it should be used carefully as it can damage some surfaces if not handled properly. How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround - Pinterest Check the area around the tubs borders to see whether it is thinner there; if it is, this may be a sign that the tub is made of acrylic. Luckily, there are several methods to restore shine to plastic bathroom units at home. These cleaners are gentle on surfaces so as not to damage them in the process. Apply the Paste. Vinegar that has been distilled. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. Step 4. To apply it, mix the dish soap with water and spray it on your bathtub. Dont worry if your plastic tub surround looks old because the right cleaning solutions will make it look brand new. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, melamine sponges, and commercial abrasive cleaning products, along with solvents. Acrylic or plastic bathtubs and tub surrounds call for nonabrasive cleaning products only. Apply this paste onto the stained area of the tub and leave it for about 10 minutes. Removing any suds and dirt before they have a chance to set on the plastic will make them far easier to get rid of. 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. Cleaning your bathtub is easy with hand sanitizer. Repeat as many times as required to completely remove the stain. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. 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. Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. Jeffrey Dmytrowich 102 subscribers Subscribe 29 23K views 8 years ago See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tv Cleaning the tub is one of. Turn the water off. You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge, Make use of a bristle brush to collect debris in the crevices and along the borders of the bathtub, We strongly suggest that you clean your acrylic bathing product that was manufactured using Delta ProCrylic or Acrylic with Innovex Technology with non-abrasive soaps and detergents, such as: Dishwashing detergent, Cleaner for the bathroom and kitchen by CLR. Scouring Pads: Scouring pads, too, could cause scratching due to their rough texture so these should not be used either. Acetone: wipe the acetone on the plastic with a soft cloth to remove stains caused by dye, paint or pigments. Start by spraying your cleaner directly onto the affected area of the plastic tub surround. 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. 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. They can do a wide range of things: removing grease and grime, removing rust, and so on. 2 Step 2. Step 1. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. How to Restore Shine to Plastic Bathtubs and Shower Enclosures 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. Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. Acrylic bathtubs are typically available in a wider variety of colors than fiberglass bathtubs, which are typically only available in white. Baking soda has strong de-greasing properties that can be used to clean oil or grease stains. They have the potential to leave behind residues that could harm the material. Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. This is possible because the oxidizing effect of chlorine could get rid of most of any stains on your plastic bathtub. How To Clean Plastic Shower Surround? - Nationwide Plastics 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. How To Make Plastic Pots Look Like Ceramic? Dish soap is another effective cleaning solution for your plastic bathtub. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. Dish soap is an effective and affordable way to clean light soap scum and dirt from a plastic tub surround.