A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. Step 2. Rinse and wipe clean after 30 minutes or an hour after applying the paste. Put on protective gloves before handling any bleach solution, as this will protect your skin from any splashes or spills that may occur during the cleaning process. Bleach is powerful enough to remove tough stains from plastic tub surrounds that cannot be removed with regular dish soap alone. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. If there are stains, you might not know what can remove them. 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. 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. 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. Pesky, caked-on stains in your plastic bathtub got you down? Hydrogen peroxide produced more oxygen than plain water does, which is why its often used to unclog drains and toilets. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. 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 waiting an hour, use a towel or sponge to massage the area. Spray the area, then wipe it off with a sponge, reserving the remaining solution to use on mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Once you're satisfied your tub is as clean as possible, you can work on removing mineral buildup, which masks shine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Video of the Day Step 2 Fill a spray bottle with a bathroom cleaner approved to treat rust stains. Step 2. Solvents, which you should never use on plastic tub surrounds, include mineral spirits, turpentine and acetone. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. Wear your protective gear 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. 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. Flush the area with water after youre done. Step 3. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Scrub clean with a rag. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. Wait until the plastic tub surround is completely dry before you start using it again. 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. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. 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. There are so many brands available in the market. Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. But it should be used carefully as it can damage some surfaces if not handled properly. 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. In fact, white vinegar is often used as an all-natural cleaner for removing mildew from surfaces like bathtubs and shower surrounds made of plastic materials. Scrub all of the surfaces of the bathtub using a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush that has been dipped in the bucket. 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. Your email address will not be published. Step 1. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tvCleaning the tub is one of the most daunting tasks. 5 Step 5. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Thorough weekly cleanings, occasional stain removal and semi-annual waxing help whiten the plastic and bring back the luster of the tub surround. The hand sanitizer will dissolve the mildew stains, and get rid of them for good. Step 6. Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface. 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. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Step 5. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Baking soda and vinegar 5. Your email address will not be published. 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. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. Chlorine 3. By staying on top of your cleaning regimen, you can prolong the time in between deep cleans too. Two different BKF products are used by our supporters to remove stains from the plastic containers they use.The traditional powder cleaner known as Bar Keepers Friend, as well as our MORE Spray + Foam.A recent study at a science fair demonstrated that BKF materials are safe to use on a variety of surfaces; nevertheless, it is important to note that both compounds have the potential to etch or dull some plastics. Create a bleach solution by mixing two tablespoons of bleach into two cups of water in a bowl or bucket. Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. The dirt caused by these chemicals and treatments could stick to the tub and become a permanent stain. Here's how to clean a plastic bathtub using a few tried-and-true methods and ingredients. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Dish soap is an effective and affordable way to clean light soap scum and dirt from a plastic tub surround. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. Then, rinse it all with water. 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. 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. Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. Dissolved white vinegar in water. By cleaning regularly, you can control the growth of microbes and remove bad odors. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. Spray, turn the exhaust fan on and close the door behind you. The third step is to spray the mixture. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Step 1 - Heat vinegar. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. Moisten the eraser sponge with hot water and scrub. Baking soda and vinegar are both common household ingredients. Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. 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. Plastic is a popular material for bathtubs and shower enclosures as it's known for being durable, making it ideal for daily use. Baking soda is another great go-to cleaner for plastic tub surrounds. It can be really frustrating to attempt to clean the bathtub yourself. These cleaners are gentle on surfaces so as not to damage them in the process. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Their uneven texture can still lead to light scratching which ruins the appearance of a smooth finish on a bathtub surrounding area. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Step 3. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. Cleaning a plastic tub surround is never easy because one wrong move and your shiny new bathtub could look worse with scratches. [18] Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. Step 3. Wait 15 minutes for the chlorine to work on the stain. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. 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. Use a bucket or a pitcher to rinse your tub. To erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. Scrub until the stains disappear. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on a plastic tub surround, as they can permanently damage it. 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. 4 Step 4. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. 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. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Vinegar that has been distilled. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Step 3. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. 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. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. The key to keeping it that way is through daily shower maintenance. Fill up your bathtub with two inches of hot water, and add one cup of hand sanitizer. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. 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. Spray the lemon water on the tub and leave it there until evening, or for a whole night. 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. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. Then, scrub the stain and mold away. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Method 1 Removing Fresh Paint Using Soap and Water Download Article 1 Run some hot water over the paint spot. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. This will help loosen the dirt and grime before you clean the tub. 5 Step 5. 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. Rust stain-approved cleaners often stain fabrics. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. 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. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove wine stains from ceramic bathtubs. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. Cleaning a tub surround can seem like a daunting task because there's generally a lot of area to cover, although the surround doesn't tend to get as dirty as the tub itself. Rub the paste over the yellowed surround. Step 3. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. Let it stand for 10 minutes. By emptying the tub first, you will be able to access all the corners of your bathtub and clean it thoroughly. Instead of doing that, call out a professional cleaning service to handle it for you! The chemical reaction will continue until the stain is almost entirely gone. 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. Spray the tub surround with the. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Do you have a bathtub that is discolored and stained? On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. 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. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Rub this paste into the stains and give it about half an hour to take effect. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. Once done scrubbing, use clean water to wash away any residual soap residue. Call a professional cleaner You have to read this! 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 Long Does Weed Stay Good In A Plastic Bag? Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. Apply this paste onto the stained area of the tub and leave it for about 10 minutes. 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. Rub the surface of the tub as thoroughly as possible. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. 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. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. 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. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. By emptying your bathtub first, youll be able to see the stains clearly, so you will know what areas to scrub harder. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. 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. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. Required fields are marked *. Rinse off the baking soda paste with some fresh water and enjoy your newly refreshed plastic tub surround. Spray the floor of the cage after beginning at the top and working your way down. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. If required, carry out the procedure once more until the stain is removed. After you've used your usual bathroom cleaner on your plastic tub, you may wish to do a second cleanse using white vinegar. Gently spray the tub and shower walls so that all surfaces are covered with the bathroom cleaner. 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. Take a nylon sponge that won't scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. 5. Using circular motions around the entire surface area, slowly scrub away at tough stains until they are no longer visible on the surface. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. 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. These scuff marks are difficult to repair and could end up making your bathroom look even dirtier. 2. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. Spray the tub surround with the cleaner. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains. 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. 3 Step 3. 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. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! To choose the best bathtub cleaner and tools for a plastic tub surround, understand that plastic, or acrylic, is softer and more easily scratched than porcelain-enamel and fiberglass. If the dirt is particularly stubborn and difficult to remove, it may be wise to use something more abrasive like a terry cloth towel. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. Gloves are optional if you're cleaning with vinegar or dish soap. Rinse and dry. This will almost certainly cause scratches and other damage to your tub. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surround: 6 DIY Methods [Effective]. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water. 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. Before you rinse the area, clean it . Continue with Recommended Cookies. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. Step 1 - Remove Excess Dirt From Fiberglass. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. When you are cleaning, you should make use of a sponge or towel that is not abrasive. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Start by spraying your cleaner directly onto the affected area of the plastic tub surround. Lemon water 6. Rinse cleaning. Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. How To Make Plastic Pots Look Like Ceramic? Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. The fourth step is to wipe away. Wipe gently and slowly and dont apply pressure or use any sharp and hard objects and materials to rub the tub. How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround | BEFORE & AFTER FIBERGLASS REFINISHING @DIYPowerCouple Subscribe for more DIY! Dont worry! 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. Spray . What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. 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.