how to clean plastic tub surround
Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. Step 3. Step 1. Hydrogen peroxide produced more oxygen than plain water does, which is why its often used to unclog drains and toilets. Video of the Day Step 2 Fill a spray bottle with a bathroom cleaner approved to treat rust stains. Imfoto/Shutterstock. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Make a paste with water and scrub the stall with a sponge or plastic applicator. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Rub this paste into the stains and give it about half an hour to take effect. 10 Effective Tips: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Shoes, 8 Safe Ways: How to Dispose of Fragrance Oils. https://goo.gl/2Trdac Show more Shop the DIY Power Couple store DIY. Scrub all of the surfaces of the bathtub using a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush that has been dipped in the bucket. After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. 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. 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. Diluted bleach is another great option for cleaning bathtub surrounds. Plastic is a popular material for bathtubs and shower enclosures as it's known for being durable, making it ideal for daily use. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on a plastic tub surround, as they can permanently damage it. Try the cleaning method that is recommended by Home Depot for stubborn stains on fiberglass before you give up on attempting to scrub away the stains: Put on a layer of a paste made from baking soda and water, then cover it with a cloth that has been soaked in vinegar. Required fields are marked *. Mix the cleaner with water and spray it all over the tub. 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. Its acidic substances can help to remove stubborn dirt, soap scum, and other debris from the surface. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, melamine sponges, and commercial abrasive cleaning products, along with solvents. 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. Gently spray the tub and shower walls so that all surfaces are covered with the bathroom cleaner. Rub the paste over the yellowed surround. Combine baking soda and water to create a paste similar in consistency to toothpaste. The first method of cleaning is to make use of a cleaning agent that is safe for acrylic. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. Give your plastic tub enclosures a sparkling clean finish with vinegar. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. Then, scrub the stain and mold away. 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. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. The dirt caused by these chemicals and treatments could stick to the tub and become a permanent stain. Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. Your email address will not be published. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. Additionally, acrylic is warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and the surfaces of bathtubs made of acrylic are smoother than those made of fiberglass. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. If your acrylic tub is heavily stained or dirty, consider filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Wipe gently and slowly and dont apply pressure or use any sharp and hard objects and materials to rub the tub. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Step 2. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. Scouring Pads: Scouring pads, too, could cause scratching due to their rough texture so these should not be used either. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. Apply an auto whiting polish to the surround with a clean cloth. Step 3. 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. To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water. Spray . If you're using dish soap, mix a generous squeeze of the soap into a basin of warm water; soak your cloth, sponge or other tool in the soapy water; and apply it all over the tub surround. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. Make a paste of equal parts cleanser powder and water. Repeat this procedure until the tub is clean. Once done scrubbing, use clean water to wash away any residual soap residue. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. 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. After that, flush it with water to remove any stains from the bathtub. 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. Allow it to set for up to one hour. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. This particular one is quite easy to understand. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. Most important, you should never use chemicals or abrasive materials on acrylic plastic. 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. Step 2. Here's how to clean a plastic bathtub using a few tried-and-true methods and ingredients. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. Your email address will not be published. Step 1 Remove fabric shower curtains, rugs and spare towels from the bathroom before cleaning the tub. Turn the water off. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Scrub until the stains disappear. 6. Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. 4 Step 4. Bathtubs are covered in dirt and germs, which can cause all sorts of nasty problems. Rub the whiting into any scratched areas on the surround, then wipe off the excess. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. Their uneven texture can still lead to light scratching which ruins the appearance of a smooth finish on a bathtub surrounding area. Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. You might think that cleaning your bathtub is something you can do on your own, but youre wrong. 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. You can also use a more intense cleaner like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any areas where you begin to see buildup. Create a bleach solution by mixing two tablespoons of bleach into two cups of water in a bowl or bucket. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. If there are stains, you might not know what can remove them. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. Increase the ventilation in your bathroom. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. 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. Wet a soft nylon brush with warm water. Step 3. Then, flush with water to clean it all up. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. When you clean your bathtub, you should start by emptying your bathtub. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. So what products can and should be used on acrylic plastic? After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. Acrylic that has been treated with Clean is algae-free and safe to use. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Baking soda and vinegar 5. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy. Once done, wash away any remaining substance with clean water. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. How Long Does Weed Stay Good In A Plastic Bag? 2 Step 2. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. 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. 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. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Step 3. The plastic should be placed inside the container. 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. 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. After you've used your usual bathroom cleaner on your plastic tub, you may wish to do a second cleanse using white vinegar. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. 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. Required fields are marked *. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Dry the surround after every use to prevent discoloration and yellowing. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. Dissolved white vinegar in water. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. When you are cleaning, you should make use of a sponge or towel that is not abrasive. The Process of Cleaning Your Shower The Grime on the Tray. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. Instead of doing that, call out a professional cleaning service to handle it for you! It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. This method utilizes baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap, and hot water to create an effective cleaning solution that cuts through tough grime on plastic tub surrounds. More things Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners or stiff bristle brushes to clean fiberglass surrounds. When you're applying the bead, use a constant, steady speed to avoid an uneven finish. 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. Step 6. Step 1. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. To erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. Acrylic or plastic bathtubs and tub surrounds call for nonabrasive cleaning products only. Commercial all-purpose cleaners are typically safe to use on plastic tub surrounds as they are formulated specifically for this purpose. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. By cleaning regularly, you can control the growth of microbes and remove bad odors. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. 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. Cut through your drywall along the edges with a Sawzall. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. 3 Right Methods: How to Clean Hands After Touching Raw Chicken, 10 Smart Ideas: How to Dispose of Concrete. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Step 2. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Rinse off the baking soda paste with some fresh water and enjoy your newly refreshed plastic tub surround. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface. Bleach should be diluted in water with approximately equal parts of each, sprayed or wiped on the surfaces and then rinsed with water. Cleaning a plastic tub surround is never easy because one wrong move and your shiny new bathtub could look worse with scratches. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. Step 4. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. Removing any suds and dirt before they have a chance to set on the plastic will make them far easier to get rid of. Pesky, caked-on stains in your plastic bathtub got you down? 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. They will come to your home and give it a quick thorough cleaning! Spray the tub surround with the. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Plastic bathtubs are durable and long-lasting. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. 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. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. 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. They are highly absorbent and can easily collect dirt, dust, and grime without leaving behind streaking or residue. Step 3. Lime Away TSP Repeat as many times as required to completely remove the stain. Cleaning liquid 9. Once you're satisfied your tub is as clean as possible, you can work on removing mineral buildup, which masks shine. Before you attempt to actually clean your fiberglass tub surround, rinse the material with clean water. Baking soda and vinegar are both common household ingredients. Rinse the soiled sponge in the water many times throughout the cleaning process to avoid spreading dirt back onto the bathtub. Manage Settings Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Rinse and wipe clean after 30 minutes or an hour after applying the paste. Spray the floor of the cage after beginning at the top and working your way down. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to CleanCurious! Using a scrubbing brush, scrub the tub until its cleaned. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! Step 3 Wet a cleaning sponge with 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. Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. Acetone or turpentine. The hand sanitizer will dissolve the mildew stains, and get rid of them for good. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. Use this in the same way as you would use dish detergent. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of the dirt in your bathtub, and keep it looking great. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach.
