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. Combine baking soda and water to create a paste similar in consistency to toothpaste. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. 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. 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. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. Hydrogen Peroxide 4. Overstock recommends mixing a solution of equal parts vinegar and water and using a spray bottle to apply it all over your plastic bathroom fitting. Drain and pat dry. 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. Repeat as many times as required to completely remove the stain. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. Rub this paste into the stains and give it about half an hour to take effect. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Then, flush with water to clean it all up. They also wont harm the surface of the tub, so it can remain scratch-free during cleaning. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. Imfoto/Shutterstock. With the addition of moisture, the powder will take on a thick, foamy consistency. Here's how to clean a plastic bathtub using a few tried-and-true methods and ingredients. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. 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. Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. When cleaning a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions. Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. Most important, you should never use chemicals or abrasive materials on acrylic plastic. Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. Wipe of the excess with a clean rag. There are so many brands available in the market. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. 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. 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.. After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. For an even more refreshing smell, you can swap out the vinegar for some lovely lemon juice. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. Bleach is powerful enough to remove tough stains from plastic tub surrounds that cannot be removed with regular dish soap alone. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. Take a nylon sponge that wont scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub 1. To clean your tub, start by flushing it out with hot water. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. Step 1 - Remove Excess Dirt From Fiberglass. More things. Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. When cleaning a plastic bathtub surround, vinegar( lemon juice) is an effective option that may be used. Discard the towels in a trash bag. Cleaning your plastic bathtub and other surfaces in and around your bathroom is critical to your health. Plastic is a popular material for bathtubs and shower enclosures as it's known for being durable, making it ideal for daily use. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. 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. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. Some brands of enamel and fiberglass cleaner and polish products are abrasive, while others are not. Using circular motions around the entire surface area, slowly scrub away at tough stains until they are no longer visible on the surface. 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. Vinegar may take time to cut through grease, so it can be left for several minutes before being wiped away. Flush the area with water after youre done. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. 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. 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 most recent accessory to be added to your collection of tools for cleaning glass is Mr. Dont worry! Hydrogen peroxide produced more oxygen than plain water does, which is why its often used to unclog drains and toilets. Before you rinse the area, clean it . Spray the tub surround with the. Step 3. Steel Wool: A steel wool pad in particular is especially damaging as its coarseness makes it too abrasive even when trying to remove tough grime. Step 1. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. The hand sanitizer will dissolve the mildew stains, and get rid of them for good. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, melamine sponges, and commercial abrasive cleaning products, along with solvents. You can also use shampoo or body soap. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. 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. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. So what products can and should be used on acrylic plastic? Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough 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. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. This is possible because the oxidizing effect of chlorine could get rid of most of any stains on your plastic bathtub. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). 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. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. You might let the vinegar or bleach sit on the surfaces for 15 or more minutes before scrubbing and rinsing for extra cleansing power. https://goo.gl/2Trdac Show more Shop the DIY Power Couple store DIY. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. Step 6. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. After an hour go back inside and use a toilet brush to give the shower a gentle scrub and then rinse. 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. 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. Rinse and wipe clean after 30 minutes or an hour after applying the paste. They will be able to bring your bathtub back to its previous condition, without causing any damage. Then, take an old toothbrush (or whatever your preferred brush is), and scrub the sides of your bathtub. Lime Away TSP After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. How to Clean a Glass Coffee Pot: 7 Simple Tips! Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. Solvents, which you should never use on plastic tub surrounds, include mineral spirits, turpentine and acetone. Step 1. Create a bleach solution by mixing two tablespoons of bleach into two cups of water in a bowl or bucket. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or 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. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! 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. 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. It can be really frustrating to attempt to clean the bathtub yourself. To erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. These scuff marks are difficult to repair and could end up making your bathroom look even dirtier. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. 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. Additionally, acrylic is warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and the surfaces of bathtubs made of acrylic are smoother than those made of fiberglass. Submerge a cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush, into the bleach solution. 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. After it has dried, use an old toothbrush and some warm water to gently scrub this mixture (and the limescale) away. 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. Wipe gently and slowly and dont apply pressure or use any sharp and hard objects and materials to rub the tub. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. Allow the vinegar to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it away with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. Gently spray the tub and shower walls so that all surfaces are covered with the bathroom cleaner. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. Rinse multiple times and wipe completely to prevent streaks. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. Baking soda has strong de-greasing properties that can be used to clean oil or grease stains. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. When you are cleaning, you should make use of a sponge or towel that is not abrasive. Spray, turn the exhaust fan on and close the door behind you. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. Dry the surround after every use to prevent discoloration and yellowing. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Some of the best bathtub cleaners without scrubbing are effective, but others will need to be used with some scrubbing action, especially if the surround is visibly dirty or stained. Rinse and dry. Your email address will not be published. Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. Step 2. 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. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! 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. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. Step 3. Dish soap 8. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy. More information How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround More like this Diy Cleaning Products Cleaning Household eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Step 1. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. Scatter baking soda on all of the surfaces of the tub. Baking soda and vinegar 5. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. Create a paste by adding 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to a bowl. Acrylic or plastic bathtubs and tub surrounds call for nonabrasive cleaning products only. Simply pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the greasy tub surface. Dishwashing detergent. They will come to your home and give it a quick thorough cleaning! Drain and pat dry. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to CleanCurious! Step 1 - Heat vinegar. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. The Process of Cleaning Your Shower The Grime on the Tray. Baking soda is another great go-to cleaner for plastic tub surrounds. Wet a clean cloth with the soapy solution and use it to wash your newly whitened tub surround. Instead, use a cleaner designed specifically for tubs and tiles if the tub is really grimy. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Cleaning a plastic tub surround is never easy because one wrong move and your shiny new bathtub could look worse with scratches. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. Step 3 Spray the floor of the cage after beginning at the top and working your way down. Acetone: wipe the acetone on the plastic with a soft cloth to remove stains caused by dye, paint or pigments. Let it stand for 10 minutes. Wet a soft nylon brush with warm water. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Step 3. Required fields are marked *. 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. Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. Its effective at removing grease and grime without harsh chemicals. Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. If your acrylic tub is heavily stained or dirty, consider filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. Increase the ventilation in your bathroom. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. Rub the surface of the tub as thoroughly as possible. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. The active ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol, which easily removes stains on the plastic. 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. Apply a light coat of white auto cream wax to the entire surround with a cotton cloth. Dissolved white vinegar in water. 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. Step 2. 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. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surround: 6 DIY Methods [Effective]. Make a paste with water and scrub the stall with a sponge or plastic applicator. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges can scratch the surface. 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. Once clean, a thin coat of either cream peroxide or tartar should be applied evenly to the entire surface of the plastic. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. By cleaning regularly, you can control the growth of microbes and remove bad odors. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Thorough weekly cleanings, occasional stain removal and semi-annual waxing help whiten the plastic and bring back the luster of the tub surround. Hand sanitizer 7. 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. Step 3 Wet a cleaning sponge with vinegar. The whiting and wax fill scratches and whiten the surround. 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. Spray a large amount of a bathroom cleaner that contains bleach and is advertised as being effective against soap scum on the fiberglass or tile that is found in the shower enclosure. Your email address will not be published. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. Allow the mixture to dissolve. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. Baking soda paste is also an excellent choice for cleaning a plastic tub surround. Your email address will not be published. Once done, wash away any remaining substance with clean water. Begin by mixing two tablespoons of dish detergent into one gallon of warm water in a spray bottle, stirring thoroughly until fully combined. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. Here you will learn more about how to clean a plastic bathtub. Plastic bathtubs are durable and long-lasting. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Cleaning liquid 9. 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. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Melamine Sponges: As for melamine sponges, while their softness prevents them from causing deep scratches like steel wool does. The third step is to spray the mixture. Abrasive cleaners include any commercial products that are not clearly labeled "nonabrasive" or as safe for acrylic or plastic as well as DIY cleaners, such as baking soda scrubs. Let it sit for 30 minutes up to an hour before using it against the surface of your plastic tub surround. 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. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. Video of the Day Step 2 Fill a spray bottle with a bathroom cleaner approved to treat rust stains. But it should be used carefully as it can damage some surfaces if not handled properly. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." 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. Spray purified or ordinary tap water onto the cleaning powder. 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 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. 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 . Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. 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. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. 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. Manage Settings Then add 1 tablespoon of dish soap followed by three parts hot water. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. Scrub all of the surfaces of the bathtub using a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush that has been dipped in the bucket. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. How To Transfer Plant From Plastic To Pot? Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Step 2 - Venitlate room. Why Is There A Plastic Ball In A Guinness Can? Rust stain-approved cleaners often stain fabrics. Step 3. 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. Make a paste of equal parts cleanser powder and water. 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. Another tip of how to clean plastic bathtub is using your home ingredients. Step 1. Using a scrubbing brush, scrub the tub until its cleaned. Then, rinse it all with water. 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. Wait until the plastic tub surround is completely dry before you start using it again. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. 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. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub, How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs. 2 Step 2. How do you whiten plastic shower walls? Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Step 2. Luckily, there are several methods to restore shine to plastic bathroom units at home. Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. Instead of doing that, call out a professional cleaning service to handle it for you! Dont worry if your plastic tub surround looks old because the right cleaning solutions will make it look brand new. 2 Rinse the tub with water. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of the dirt in your bathtub, and keep it looking great. Put two tablespoons of dish soap and a half gallon of hot water in your bucket, and then fill the bucket with hot water. After that, flush it with water to remove any stains from the bathtub. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. How To Make Plastic Pots Look Like Ceramic? Step 8. Step 2. Bathtubs are covered in dirt and germs, which can cause all sorts of nasty problems. The chemical reaction will continue until the stain is almost entirely gone. Step 3. [18] Allow the plastic tub surround to dry completely before being used again afterward. Proper maintenance ensures that your plastic tub will stay in perfect condition. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing.