The bubbles produced by hydrogen peroxide also make it more efficient at removing dirty stains than using just water would. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. Use this in the same way as you would use dish detergent. Dish soap is an effective and affordable way to clean light soap scum and dirt from a plastic tub surround. Acetone: wipe the acetone on the plastic with a soft cloth to remove stains caused by dye, paint or pigments. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. Victorian Plumbing recommends mixing 100 ml of vinegar with 30 ml of lemon juice and half a cup of baking soda to form a paste. Vinegar is commonly used to clean tubs because its acidic properties soften soap scum, allowing it to be easily brushed away. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. After an hour go back inside and use a toilet brush to give the shower a gentle scrub and then rinse. Step 2 - Venitlate room. Wet a soft nylon brush with warm water. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. Submerge a cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush, into the bleach solution. Let it stand for 10 minutes. 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. If your acrylic tub is heavily stained or dirty, consider filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. After spraying the vinegar at full power on the stains and allowing it to sit for a few minutes, scrub the area to remove the vinegar. 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. Rust stain-approved cleaners often stain fabrics. Vinegar that has been distilled. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. Step 1. The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. Your email address will not be published. Then, take an old toothbrush (or whatever your preferred brush is), and scrub the sides of your bathtub. If you want to use a commercial product, consider all-purpose cleaners or bathroom-specific cleaners. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. Scrub clean with a rag. Pesky, caked-on stains in your plastic bathtub got you down? Remove any signs of mildew from silicone caulking surrounding the tub enclosure by rubbing it with a cloth dipped into a solution of 3-parts vinegar to 1-part water. Rinse and dry. Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. Then, rinse clean with hot water. Rinse cleaning. 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. 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. Make sure to only use nonabrasive products on it, and you will keep the plastic tub surround looking clean and in good condition for as long as possible. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Cleaning a plastic tub surround is never easy because one wrong move and your shiny new bathtub could look worse with scratches. If the dirt is particularly stubborn and difficult to remove, it may be wise to use something more abrasive like a terry cloth towel. 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. 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. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. If you're dealing with a dirty tub, you've come to the right place. Give your plastic tub enclosures a sparkling clean finish with vinegar. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. Step 3. You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Your email address will not be published. Step 3. Dissolved white vinegar in water. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Step 3 Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. Dont worry if your plastic tub surround looks old because the right cleaning solutions will make it look brand new. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Gently spray the tub and shower walls so that all surfaces are covered with the bathroom cleaner. Solvents: Its really important to remember not to use solvents like mineral spirits, acetone and turpentine on any type of plastic surface. Once clean, a thin coat of either cream peroxide or tartar should be applied evenly to the entire surface of the plastic. 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. 2 Step 2. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Microfiber cloths come in a variety of sizes and can be washed and reused multiple times. 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. How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround | BEFORE & AFTER FIBERGLASS REFINISHING @DIYPowerCouple Subscribe for more DIY! After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Step 2. Scrub the surround with the baking soda and brush. Then, rinse it all with water. Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. The dirt caused by these chemicals and treatments could stick to the tub and become a permanent stain. Luckily, there are several methods to restore shine to plastic bathroom units at home. 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. Baking soda. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. Rub the paste over the yellowed surround. 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. Step 1 - Heat vinegar. 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. 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. Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. You might think that cleaning your bathtub is something you can do on your own, but youre wrong. Step 1. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Melamine Sponges: As for melamine sponges, while their softness prevents them from causing deep scratches like steel wool does. Before you rinse the area, clean it . 2 Rinse the tub with water. These usually come in the form of spray-on coatings. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges can scratch the surface. 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 erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. Once done scrubbing, use clean water to wash away any residual soap residue. Head to your pantry and pull out a natural-cleaning classic white vinegar then follow these simple steps: Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Step 4. Tools you should never use include steel wool, scouring pads and melamine sponges. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Required fields are marked *. Acetone or turpentine. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. 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. Step 8. 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. Wipe of the excess with a clean rag. 6. When you clean your bathtub, you should start by emptying your bathtub. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. 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. What Part Of The Mantle Bends Like Plastic? 10 Effective Tips: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Shoes, 8 Safe Ways: How to Dispose of Fragrance Oils. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. These cleaners are gentle on surfaces so as not to damage them in the process. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. Scatter baking soda on all of the surfaces of the tub. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. Method 1 Removing Fresh Paint Using Soap and Water Download Article 1 Run some hot water over the paint spot. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. Combine baking soda and water to create a paste similar in consistency to toothpaste. Alcohol 2. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Required fields are marked *. Imfoto/Shutterstock. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. Your email address will not be published. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. Make a paste with water and scrub the stall with a sponge or plastic applicator. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Step 1 Remove fabric shower curtains, rugs and spare towels from the bathroom before cleaning the tub. 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. To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water. Step 3. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. How Long Does Weed Stay Good In A Plastic Bag? Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. Wet & Forget Shower is a weekly shower cleanser that does not require scrubbing and is kind to surfaces made of acrylic and fiberglass. 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. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Plastic is a popular material for bathtubs and shower enclosures as it's known for being durable, making it ideal for daily use. Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. Victorian Plumbing recommends mixing 100 ml of vinegar with 30 ml of lemon juice and half a cup of baking soda to form a paste. By emptying the tub first, you will be able to access all the corners of your bathtub and clean it thoroughly. Make a paste of equal parts cleanser powder and water. Several of them will have a 30-year or longer lifetime. Step 5. They have the potential to leave behind residues that could harm the material. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. The fourth step is to wipe away. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. How to clean plastic bathtub is an ordinary problem in your bathroom. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. Alternative cleaning products suitable for use on a plastic tub surround include dish soap, white vinegar and household bleach. 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. 5 Step 5. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. 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. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub 1. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. The hand sanitizer will dissolve the mildew stains, and get rid of them for good. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. The most recent accessory to be added to your collection of tools for cleaning glass is Mr. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. The Process of Cleaning Your Shower The Grime on the Tray. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains. Lime Away TSP By cleaning regularly, you can control the growth of microbes and remove bad odors. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. How To Make Plastic Pots Look Like Ceramic? A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. Cleaning your bathtub is easy with hand sanitizer. 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]. The bleach should be diluted in water with roughly the same amount of each component. After waiting an hour, use a towel or sponge to massage the area. When cleaning a plastic bathtub surround, vinegar( lemon juice) is an effective option that may be used. It is your source for tips, tricks, cleaning tools, and anything related to cleaning that will help you live a cleaner lifestyle. Create a paste for cleaning the bathtub by mixing one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide (or cream of tartar). Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. The first method of cleaning is to make use of a cleaning agent that is safe for acrylic. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach. Instead of doing that, call out a professional cleaning service to handle it for you! What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. If required, carry out the procedure once more until the stain is removed. Most important, you should never use chemicals or abrasive materials on acrylic plastic. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. More things 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. Step 3. Drain and pat dry. Call a professional cleaner You have to read this! 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. Step 4. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can easily eliminate dirt, grime, hard water stains, and odors. 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. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. 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! They will come to your home and give it a quick thorough cleaning! Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. These scuff marks are difficult to repair and could end up making your bathroom look even dirtier.