Rinse and wipe clean after 30 minutes or an hour after applying the paste. Here are a few tips for a quick and easy oh how to clean plastic bathtub: If you want to clean another bathroom part, you can check how to clean toilet stains or how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom article! 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 active ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol, which easily removes stains on the plastic. 4 Step 4. It can be really frustrating to attempt to clean the bathtub yourself. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. Dont worry! Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. 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. Step 3. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. 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. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to CleanCurious! Allow the plastic tub surround to dry completely before being used again afterward. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. Before you attempt to actually clean your fiberglass tub surround, rinse the material with clean water. Step 1 Remove fabric shower curtains, rugs and spare towels from the bathroom before cleaning the tub. Take a nylon sponge that won't scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. Removing any suds and dirt before they have a chance to set on the plastic will make them far easier to get rid of. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. 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. Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains. Step 4. Step 1. Step 2. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. 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. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. 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. The fourth step is to wipe away. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. 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 . 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. Step 2. 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. Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on a plastic tub surround, as they can permanently damage it. But it should be used carefully as it can damage some surfaces if not handled properly. Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. Tools you should never use include steel wool, scouring pads and melamine sponges. 2. Another tip of how to clean plastic bathtub is using your home ingredients. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. Cut through your drywall along the edges with a Sawzall. Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. Step 3. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub 1. 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. Rub the paste over the yellowed surround. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. When cleaning a plastic or ABS tub enclosure there are certain products that should be avoided. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. 1. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains. 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. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Harsh chemical cleaners: Harsh chemical cleaners like oven cleaner or drain cleaner are also not suitable for plastic material. Hydrogen peroxide produced more oxygen than plain water does, which is why its often used to unclog drains and toilets. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. 2 Step 2. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Dishwashing detergent. 2 Rinse the tub with water. A mixture of water and vinegar. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface. Using circular motions around the entire surface area, slowly scrub away at tough stains until they are no longer visible on the surface. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. 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. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. 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. Step 6. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub, How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. 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. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why Is There A Plastic Ball In A Guinness Can? The plastic should be placed inside the container. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. Wear your protective gear Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Wait until the plastic tub surround is completely dry before you start using it again. Alternative cleaning products suitable for use on a plastic tub surround include dish soap, white vinegar and household bleach. Dish soap is another effective cleaning solution for your plastic bathtub. 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. 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. You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. 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. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. Do you want to get rid of all that unattractive residue? Step 3. Rinse off the baking soda paste with some fresh water and enjoy your newly refreshed plastic tub surround. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. Solvents: Its really important to remember not to use solvents like mineral spirits, acetone and turpentine on any type of plastic surface. 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. Pesky, caked-on stains in your plastic bathtub got you down? Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. 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. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Baking soda is another great go-to cleaner for plastic tub surrounds. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. It is not required to replace the tub surround since it is expensive to do so, and unless you need or want to spend that sort of money, you should not replace the tub surround. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. 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]. Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. The dirt caused by these chemicals and treatments could stick to the tub and become a permanent stain. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. 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. 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. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. How To Make Plastic Pots Look Like Ceramic? 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. Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. 5. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles, and a mask. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners or stiff bristle brushes to clean fiberglass surrounds. 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. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Thorough weekly cleanings, occasional stain removal and semi-annual waxing help whiten the plastic and bring back the luster of the tub surround. Rinse with clear water. The bubbles produced by hydrogen peroxide also make it more efficient at removing dirty stains than using just water would. Step 2. Combine one teaspoon of hand dishwashing soap with half a gallon of warm water and mix thoroughly.Wash the newly whitened tub surround by soaking a clean cloth in the soapy solution and then using the cloth to scrub the surface.Both the hydrogen peroxide and the laundry booster solution will be eliminated from the plastic by the soapy solution.After giving the surround of your tub a rinsing with lukewarm water, dry it off with a fresh towel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Submerge a cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush, into the bleach solution. Spread out a drop cloth over the tub, floor, and fixtures. Rinse multiple times and wipe completely to prevent streaks.