You can also use shampoo or body soap. Allow it to set for up to one hour. Scatter baking soda on all of the surfaces of the tub. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. 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. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Step 1 - Heat vinegar. Chlorine 3. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains. Spray the lemon water on the tub and leave it there until evening, or for a whole night. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Alternative cleaning products suitable for use on a plastic tub surround include dish soap, white vinegar and household bleach. [1] Avoid abrasive cleansers like scouring powders. Start from the top and work your way down. This is possible because the oxidizing effect of chlorine could get rid of most of any stains on your plastic bathtub. These scuff marks are difficult to repair and could end up making your bathroom look even dirtier. However, they tend to accumulate stains over time. Step 3 Wet a cleaning sponge with vinegar. 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.Before you rinse the area, clean it with a dry microfiber towel using a gentle scrubbing motion. There are so many brands available in the market. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. Cleaning your plastic bathtub and other surfaces in and around your bathroom is critical to your health. 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. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. With white vinegar, spray it all over the tub surround or soak your cloth with the vinegar and wipe it over the surfaces before rinsing. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. Another tip of how to clean plastic bathtub is using your home ingredients. Method 1 Removing Fresh Paint Using Soap and Water Download Article 1 Run some hot water over the paint spot. 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. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. A mixture of water and vinegar. If you want to use a commercial product, consider all-purpose cleaners or bathroom-specific cleaners. 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. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. How to clean plastic bathtub is an ordinary problem in your bathroom. Tools you should never use include steel wool, scouring pads and melamine sponges. Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. Here you will learn more about how to clean a plastic bathtub. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. Wet a soft nylon brush with warm water. 6. 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. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. 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.. Alcohol 2. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. 10 Effective Tips: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Shoes, 8 Safe Ways: How to Dispose of Fragrance Oils. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Rinse off the baking soda paste with some fresh water and enjoy your newly refreshed plastic tub surround. Step 2. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. 2. If your acrylic tub is heavily stained or dirty, consider filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. Rub the whiting into any scratched areas on the surround, then wipe off the excess. Flush the area with water after youre done. Wearing protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and masks will decrease the chances of your skin getting irritated or damaging your vital body part such as the eye. How to Clean a Glass Coffee Pot: 7 Simple Tips! Instead of doing that, call out a professional cleaning service to handle it for you! Increase the ventilation 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. Imfoto/Shutterstock. Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. 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. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Required fields are marked *. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. You might let the vinegar or bleach sit on the surfaces for 15 or more minutes before scrubbing and rinsing for extra cleansing power. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. A mixture of water and vinegar. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. Bathtubs are great to enjoy a relaxing bath whenever you feel tired. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. 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. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. Lemon water 6. Hand sanitizer 7. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). Give your plastic tub enclosures a sparkling clean finish with vinegar. 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. With the addition of moisture, the powder will take on a thick, foamy consistency. https://goo.gl/2Trdac Show more Shop the DIY Power Couple store DIY. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. Cleaning liquid, or bathroom cleaner, is a very common cleaning agent. Thorough weekly cleanings, occasional stain removal and semi-annual waxing help whiten the plastic and bring back the luster of the tub surround. The plastic should be placed inside the container. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. 5. Step 1. Lime Away TSP If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. 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. Why Is There A Plastic Ball In A Guinness Can? 4 Step 4. Solvents, which you should never use on plastic tub surrounds, include mineral spirits, turpentine and acetone. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. Fill up your bathtub with two inches of hot water, and add one cup of hand sanitizer. 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. Yellowed plastic can be whitened by using cream peroxide or tartar. Start by spraying your cleaner directly onto the affected area of the plastic tub surround. Baking soda paste is also an excellent choice for cleaning a plastic tub surround. Wipe of the excess with a clean rag. Dish soap is an effective and affordable way to clean light soap scum and dirt from a plastic tub surround. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tvCleaning the tub is one of the most daunting tasks. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Step 2. 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. Most important, you should never use chemicals or abrasive materials on acrylic plastic. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. 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. By emptying your bathtub first, youll be able to see the stains clearly, so you will know what areas to scrub harder. 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. 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. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles, and a mask. Hydrogen Peroxide 4. Scrub all of the surfaces of the bathtub using a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush that has been dipped in the bucket. 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]. Create a paste by adding 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to a bowl. The acidic content in lemon water actually cleans the tub most effectively; also, the anti-bacterial property of lemon juice prevents unpleasant odor after cleaning. Melamine Sponges: As for melamine sponges, while their softness prevents them from causing deep scratches like steel wool does. 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. The third step is to spray the mixture. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! When you are cleaning, you should make use of a sponge or towel that is not abrasive. Step 3. Cleaning a plastic tub surround is never easy because one wrong move and your shiny new bathtub could look worse with scratches. 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. Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. 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. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. When you're applying the bead, use a constant, steady speed to avoid an uneven finish. 3 Step 3. Let it stand for 10 minutes. 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. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. This will almost certainly cause scratches and other damage to your tub. Bleach should be diluted in water with approximately equal parts of each, sprayed or wiped on the surfaces and then rinsed with water. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. For an even more refreshing smell, you can swap out the vinegar for some lovely lemon juice. 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. How do you whiten plastic shower walls? Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. Discard the towels in a trash bag. 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. Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. Step 1 Remove fabric shower curtains, rugs and spare towels from the bathroom before cleaning the tub. Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. They have more texture which allows them to break up dirt easier. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges can scratch the surface. Apply the Paste. 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. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! Then, take an old toothbrush (or whatever your preferred brush is), and scrub the sides of your bathtub. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. 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. Then, scrub the stain and mold away. Step 2 - Venitlate room. This will help loosen the dirt and grime before you clean the tub. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. Manage Settings What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. 5 Step 5. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. 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. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove wine stains from ceramic bathtubs. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Take a nylon sponge that wont scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Before attempting this process, the plastic should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. The coating provides protection against discoloration from ultraviolet rays. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround | BEFORE & AFTER FIBERGLASS REFINISHING @DIYPowerCouple Subscribe for more DIY! Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. Your email address will not be published. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Step 3. Combine baking soda and water to create a paste similar in consistency to toothpaste. Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. Video of the Day Step 2 Fill a spray bottle with a bathroom cleaner approved to treat rust stains. Step 1. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. 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. Several of them will have a 30-year or longer lifetime. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of the dirt in your bathtub, and keep it looking great. Dish soap 8. Proper maintenance ensures that your plastic tub will stay in perfect condition. [18] Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. Commercial all-purpose cleaners are typically safe to use on plastic tub surrounds as they are formulated specifically for this purpose. Step 2. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Rinse the soiled sponge in the water many times throughout the cleaning process to avoid spreading dirt back onto the bathtub. After you've removed any grime and mineral deposits from your tub, you should have it looking shiny and new. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass.