4 Step 4. To apply it, mix the dish soap with water and spray it on your bathtub. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. To clean your tub, start by flushing it out with hot water. How To Clean A Plastic Bathtub Surround? - Nationwide Plastics What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. Step 3. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. Once you're satisfied your tub is as clean as possible, you can work on removing mineral buildup, which masks shine. Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. When cleaning with chlorine, always wear protective gear like masks, hats, gloves, and glasses. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Additionally, acrylic is warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and the surfaces of bathtubs made of acrylic are smoother than those made of fiberglass. How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub | Hunker Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. You can also use a more intense cleaner like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any areas where you begin to see buildup. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Step 3. Step 4. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. 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. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. The whiting and wax fill scratches and whiten the surround. 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. 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. 10 Effective Tips: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Shoes, 8 Safe Ways: How to Dispose of Fragrance Oils. Your email address will not be published. Rub this paste into the stains and give it about half an hour to take effect. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If your acrylic tub is heavily stained or dirty, consider filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. After waiting an hour, use a towel or sponge to massage the area. 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. 3 Ways to Clean Tough Stains from a Bathtub - wikiHow Its important to wear the proper safety equipment when cleaning with a chemical in a plastic tub in order to protect yourself from potential damage. 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. Apply this paste onto the stained area of the tub and leave it for about 10 minutes. Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Apply the Paste. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. A mixture of water and vinegar. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. You might let the vinegar or bleach sit on the surfaces for 15 or more minutes before scrubbing and rinsing for extra cleansing power. These scuff marks are difficult to repair and could end up making your bathroom look even dirtier. Step 1. Spray the floor of the cage after beginning at the top and working your way down. Here's how to clean a plastic bathtub using a few tried-and-true methods and ingredients. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Their uneven texture can still lead to light scratching which ruins the appearance of a smooth finish on a bathtub surrounding area. If the dirt is particularly stubborn and difficult to remove, it may be wise to use something more abrasive like a terry cloth towel. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. The fourth step is to wipe away. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. Turn the water off. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. 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. When you're applying the bead, use a constant, steady speed to avoid an uneven finish. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Lime Away TSP Step 2. Microfiber cloths come in a variety of sizes and can be washed and reused multiple times. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. Discard the towels in a trash bag. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners or stiff bristle brushes to clean fiberglass surrounds. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub 1. Bleach should be diluted in water with approximately equal parts of each, sprayed or wiped on the surfaces and then rinsed with water. Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. When you clean your bathtub, you should start by emptying your bathtub. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. How To Clean Plastic Shower Walls? - Nationwide Plastics The plastic should be placed inside the container. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. Cleaning liquid 9. Required fields are marked *. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. Dont worry! Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. 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. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. Why Is There A Plastic Ball In A Guinness Can? How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! - YouTube 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. Commercial all-purpose cleaners are typically safe to use on plastic tub surrounds as they are formulated specifically for this purpose. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. How to Clean Plastic Bathtub: 9 Simple Method - World Sustainable Removing any suds and dirt before they have a chance to set on the plastic will make them far easier to get rid of. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. Tools you should never use include steel wool, scouring pads and melamine sponges. Spray the tub surround with the cleaner. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. More things 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. Allow the mixture to dissolve. 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. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. Your email address will not be published. Scrub until the stains disappear. Use this in the same way as you would use dish detergent. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. Spray the tub surround with the. Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). This particular one is quite easy to understand. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. 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. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach. 4 Step 4. 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. They are highly absorbent and can easily collect dirt, dust, and grime without leaving behind streaking or residue. 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. Victorian Plumbing recommends mixing 100 ml of vinegar with 30 ml of lemon juice and half a cup of baking soda to form a paste. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can easily eliminate dirt, grime, hard water stains, and odors. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. This particular one is quite easy to understand. 3 Step 3. Simply pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the greasy tub surface. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Spray the area, then wipe it off with a sponge, reserving the remaining solution to use on mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles, and a mask. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. Dry the surround after every use to prevent discoloration and yellowing. Rust stain-approved cleaners often stain fabrics. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. Apply a light coat of white auto cream wax to the entire surround with a cotton cloth. How to Clean Your Bathtub - The Home Depot Before attempting this process, the plastic should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Bleach is powerful enough to remove tough stains from plastic tub surrounds that cannot be removed with regular dish soap alone. See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tvCleaning the tub is one of the most daunting tasks. Yellowed plastic can be whitened by using cream peroxide or tartar. The key to keeping it that way is through daily shower maintenance. Your email address will not be published. To clean a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, follow the manufacturer's directions, which will generally tell you to spray or wipe the product liberally over the surfaces, let it sit for a certain amount of time and then rinse with water. Baking soda. 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. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. Drain and pat dry. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. 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. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. 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. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! Step 6. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. Baking soda and vinegar 5. Its acidic substances can help to remove stubborn dirt, soap scum, and other debris from the surface. By staying on top of your cleaning regimen, you can prolong the time in between deep cleans too. How do you whiten plastic shower walls? It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. They have the potential to leave behind residues that could harm the material. 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 . The Process of Cleaning Your Shower The Grime on the Tray. Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. Allow it to set for up to one hour. The bubbles will loosen any dirt and grime. The hand sanitizer will dissolve the mildew stains, and get rid of them for good. Hand sanitizer 7. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. 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. Vinegar is commonly used to clean tubs because its acidic properties soften soap scum, allowing it to be easily brushed away. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Vinegar may take time to cut through grease, so it can be left for several minutes before being wiped away. The coating provides protection against discoloration from ultraviolet rays. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. Dishwashing detergent. Wait until the plastic tub surround is completely dry before you start using it again. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove wine stains from ceramic bathtubs. How To Clean Plastic Shower Surround? - Nationwide Plastics Vinegar that has been distilled. They also wont harm the surface of the tub, so it can remain scratch-free during cleaning. This is possible because the oxidizing effect of chlorine could get rid of most of any stains on your plastic bathtub. How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround - Pinterest How to whiten a yellowed plastic tub surround | eHow UK If you are planning to clean your acrylic tub using a ready-made cleaner, you need to read the label very carefully to make sure that the cleaner wont scratch the surface of the tub. 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. Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. 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. 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. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. Dish soap is an effective and affordable way to clean light soap scum and dirt from a plastic tub surround. Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. 6. It can be really frustrating to attempt to clean the bathtub yourself. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Doing so will loosen soaps and other products, facilitating the cleaning process. Your email address will not be published. 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. Video of the Day Step 2 Fill a spray bottle with a bathroom cleaner approved to treat rust stains. Scatter baking soda on all of the surfaces of the tub. How to Clean a Plastic Tub Surround | eHow Scrub clean with a rag. Drain and pat dry. It is your source for tips, tricks, cleaning tools, and anything related to cleaning that will help you live a cleaner lifestyle. 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. Step 3. Pesky, caked-on stains in your plastic bathtub got you down? The bleach should be diluted in water with roughly the same amount of each component. How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround - YouTube Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. Dish soap 8. 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. If required, carry out the procedure once more until the stain is removed. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. 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. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. How To Clean A Plastic Tub? - Nationwide Plastics 3 Remedies for Yellowing Bathtubs in a Mobile Home Your email address will not be published. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. 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. White distilled vinegar: fill a spray bottle with full-strength vinegar; let it stay there for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. However, they tend to accumulate stains over time. Chlorine 3. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. 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. Allow the plastic tub surround to dry completely before being used again afterward. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges can scratch the surface. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. These cleaners are gentle on surfaces so as not to damage them in the process. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. Rinse the soiled sponge in the water many times throughout the cleaning process to avoid spreading dirt back onto the bathtub. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. How Long Does Weed Stay Good In A Plastic Bag? By emptying your bathtub first, youll be able to see the stains clearly, so you will know what areas to scrub harder. How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs | Hunker Then, rub or wipe the surface of the tub with some rubbing alcohol on a wet paper towel or cotton ball to remove stains or mildew. Be sure to rinse the rag often to get rid of soap residue. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Cleaning your plastic bathtub and other surfaces in and around your bathroom is critical to your health. Chlorine is very harmful if its not handled properly. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. Allow the vinegar to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it away with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. These usually come in the form of spray-on coatings. 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. After rubbing the paste into the stain and allowing it to sit for up to an hour, you should wipe it off and then rinse it. Manage Settings Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. After that, flush it with water to remove any stains from the bathtub. Gently spray the tub and shower walls so that all surfaces are covered with the bathroom cleaner. Rinse and wipe clean after 30 minutes or an hour after applying the paste. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. Rub the surface of the tub as thoroughly as possible. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. Acetone: wipe the acetone on the plastic with a soft cloth to remove stains caused by dye, paint or pigments. Cleaning liquid, or bathroom cleaner, is a very common cleaning agent. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of the dirt in your bathtub, and keep it looking great. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. How to Clean a Glass Coffee Pot: 7 Simple Tips! How to Clean Vinyl Tub Enclosures | Home Guides | SF Gate