Less than $20 Step 1: Remove the old caulk and clean the joint Photo 1: Loosen the old caulk Push a razor scraper in all the way under both edges of the old caulk bead to release its grip. Cleaning liquid, or bathroom cleaner, is a very common cleaning agent. Step 3 Wet a cleaning sponge with vinegar. Either spray white vinegar all over the tub surround with a spray bottle or soak a cloth in the vinegar, then rub it over the surfaces of the tub before washing it out. Rub the paste over the yellowed surround. Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. Most important, you should never use chemicals or abrasive materials on acrylic 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. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Wait until the plastic tub surround is completely dry before you start using it again. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. After you've removed any grime and mineral deposits from your tub, you should have it looking shiny and new. 5 Step 5. Repeat as many times as required to completely remove the stain. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Yellowed plastic can be whitened by using cream peroxide or tartar. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. If required, carry out the procedure once more until the stain is removed. Rub the whiting into any scratched areas on the surround, then wipe off the excess. Dish soap is an effective and affordable way to clean light soap scum and dirt from a plastic tub surround. Mix 1 tsp hand dishwashing soap in 1/2 gallon warm water. Start from the top and work your way down. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge. You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The coating provides protection against discoloration from ultraviolet rays. They are highly absorbent and can easily collect dirt, dust, and grime without leaving behind streaking or residue. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. 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. More information How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround More like this Diy Cleaning Products Cleaning Household 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. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surround: 6 DIY Methods [Effective]. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Step 1 - Remove Excess Dirt From Fiberglass. Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. The bubbles will loosen any dirt and grime. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. 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! Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with 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. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. The first method of cleaning is to make use of a cleaning agent that is safe for acrylic. These cleaners are gentle on surfaces so as not to damage them in the process. Begin by mixing two tablespoons of dish detergent into one gallon of warm water in a spray bottle, stirring thoroughly until fully combined. Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. The most recent accessory to be added to your collection of tools for cleaning glass is Mr. 2 Rinse the tub with water. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. 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 1. Acrylic or plastic bathtubs and tub surrounds call for nonabrasive cleaning products only. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Most people leave it as the very last part of their home to clean.Because even when you put vim, or clorox, or powdered bath cleaner on, you still have to scrub!That all changes today.Formula 101 is an Eco Friendly Cleaning System that can melt the soap scum off your surround tub in seconds. Vinegar that has been distilled. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. Drain and pat dry. Allow it to set for up to one hour. Once you're satisfied your tub is as clean as possible, you can work on removing mineral buildup, which masks shine. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. With the addition of moisture, the powder will take on a thick, foamy consistency. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray, turn the exhaust fan on and close the door behind you. More things Solvents: Its really important to remember not to use solvents like mineral spirits, acetone and turpentine on any type of plastic surface. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Chlorine 3. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. To clean your tub, start by flushing it out with hot water. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Baking soda paste is also an excellent choice for cleaning a plastic tub surround. Hydrogen Peroxide 4. Video of the Day Step 2 Fill a spray bottle with a bathroom cleaner approved to treat rust stains. Dishwashing detergent. Step 1. 6. Additionally, acrylic is warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and the surfaces of bathtubs made of acrylic are smoother than those made of fiberglass. 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. 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. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. When cleaning with chlorine, always wear protective gear like masks, hats, gloves, and glasses. Rust stain-approved cleaners often stain fabrics. Drain and pat dry. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. 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. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. Start by spraying your cleaner directly onto the affected area of the plastic tub surround. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub, How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs. Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Your email address will not be published. The chemical reaction will continue until the stain is almost entirely gone. For an even more refreshing smell, you can swap out the vinegar for some lovely lemon juice. How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround | BEFORE & AFTER FIBERGLASS REFINISHING @DIYPowerCouple Subscribe for more DIY! It can be really frustrating to attempt to clean the bathtub yourself. Vinegar may take time to cut through grease, so it can be left for several minutes before being wiped away. Before you rinse the area, clean it . Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. If you want to use a commercial product, consider all-purpose cleaners or bathroom-specific cleaners. 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. Step 2. Rinse and dry. Then, rinse it all with water. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. 2 Step 2. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. 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. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. 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. Step 3. Do you want to get rid of all that unattractive residue? You don't necessarily need to rule out use of enamel or fiberglass tub cleaner and polish nor heavy-duty bathtub cleaners, as there's a chance they are safe to use on plastic too. Step 3. 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. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Required fields are marked *. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub 1. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can easily eliminate dirt, grime, hard water stains, and odors. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. By emptying your bathtub first, youll be able to see the stains clearly, so you will know what areas to scrub harder. It is your source for tips, tricks, cleaning tools, and anything related to cleaning that will help you live a cleaner lifestyle. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. 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. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. You might think that cleaning your bathtub is something you can do on your own, but youre wrong. Alternatively, for extra-stubborn stains, you can use a combination of warm water and vinegar to clean your tub. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. In particular, it could be used to remove mildew from plastic bathtubs. Then, scrub the stain and mold away. 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. 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. This will almost certainly cause scratches and other damage to your tub. Once clean, a thin coat of either cream peroxide or tartar should be applied evenly to the entire surface of the plastic. Step 8. Wipe gently and slowly and dont apply pressure or use any sharp and hard objects and materials to rub the tub. 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. 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. Pesky, caked-on stains in your plastic bathtub got you down? Chlorine is very harmful if its not handled properly. Gently spray the tub and shower walls so that all surfaces are covered with the bathroom cleaner. Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. Cut through your drywall along the edges with a Sawzall. [18] Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. Commercial all-purpose cleaners are typically safe to use on plastic tub surrounds as they are formulated specifically for this purpose. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. Your email address will not be published. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. After an hour go back inside and use a toilet brush to give the shower a gentle scrub and then rinse. Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. Tools you should never use include steel wool, scouring pads and melamine sponges. Spread out a drop cloth over the tub, floor, and fixtures. Dont worry if your plastic tub surround looks old because the right cleaning solutions will make it look brand new. How do you whiten plastic shower walls? 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. 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. Step 5. 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. When cleaning a plastic or ABS tub enclosure there are certain products that should be avoided. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. Dish soap 8. 1. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens.