Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. Apply the Paste. The bubbles will loosen any dirt and grime. Mix 1 tsp hand dishwashing soap in 1/2 gallon warm water. 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. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. Luckily, there are several methods to restore shine to plastic bathroom units at home. All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. Step 4. The resulting solution should then be stirred with a spoon until it is completely blended together. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to CleanCurious! Using circular motions around the entire surface area, slowly scrub away at tough stains until they are no longer visible on the surface. Submerge a cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush, into the bleach solution. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. Here's how to clean a plastic bathtub using a few tried-and-true methods and ingredients. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. Here are a few tips for a quick and easy oh how to clean plastic bathtub: If you want to clean another bathroom part, you can check how to clean toilet stains or how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom article! Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Vinegar that has been distilled. In particular, it could be used to remove mildew from plastic bathtubs. Chlorine is very harmful if its not handled properly. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Hydrogen peroxide produced more oxygen than plain water does, which is why its often used to unclog drains and toilets. Make use of a bristle brush to collect debris in the crevices and along the borders of the bathtub. These usually come in the form of spray-on coatings. 5 Step 5. Fill up your bathtub with two inches of hot water, and add one cup of hand sanitizer. You might think that cleaning your bathtub is something you can do on your own, but youre wrong. Then, take an old toothbrush (or whatever your preferred brush is), and scrub the sides of your bathtub. Allow the vinegar to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it away with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. 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. Drain and pat dry. Rinse cleaning. Cleaning liquid, or bathroom cleaner, is a very common cleaning agent. The plastic should be placed inside the container. Step 1 Remove fabric shower curtains, rugs and spare towels from the bathroom before cleaning the tub. Step 1. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! Dont worry! After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. Step 2. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. This is a simple, non-toxic way to clean and preserve your acrylic tubs and shower.You can do it by yourself, but we are happy to help!Call anytime for an estimate: 1-866-252-3241---With same day service and 25 years of experience, you can have confidence the job will be done correctly.If you need plumbing, water damage restoration, HVAC repair, sewer \u0026 drain cleaning, or mold removal \u0026 remediationCall the Twin Home Experts.WE GUARANTEE OUR WORK!Let's Connect!Website: https://www.twinplumbing.com/Blog: https://www.twinplumbing.com/blog/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinhomeexperts/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetwinhomeexperts/ This will almost certainly cause scratches and other damage to your tub. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Rust stain-approved cleaners often stain fabrics. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. Increase the ventilation in your bathroom. The first method of cleaning is to make use of a cleaning agent that is safe for acrylic. The whiting and wax fill scratches and whiten the surround. Removing any suds and dirt before they have a chance to set on the plastic will make them far easier to get rid of. Take a nylon sponge that wont scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. Rinse multiple times and wipe completely to prevent streaks. Its effective at removing grease and grime without harsh chemicals. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Start by spraying your cleaner directly onto the affected area of the plastic tub surround. Scouring Pads: Scouring pads, too, could cause scratching due to their rough texture so these should not be used either. 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. 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. There are so many brands available in the market. How To Clean Acrylic Tubs And Shower Walls Twin Home Experts 247K subscribers Subscribe 161K views 4 years ago This is a simple, non-toxic way to clean and preserve your acrylic tubs and. 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. Before you rinse the area, clean it . Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge. Spray the tub surround with the. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. 4 Step 4. Lemon water 6. Step 3. Step 1. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. 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. 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. CLR will certainly help. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. [18] This will help loosen the dirt and grime before you clean the tub. Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. The dirt caused by these chemicals and treatments could stick to the tub and become a permanent stain. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. 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. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. They can do a wide range of things: removing grease and grime, removing rust, and so on. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. After it has dried, use an old toothbrush and some warm water to gently scrub this mixture (and the limescale) away. Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles, and a mask. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. 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. The bubbles produced by hydrogen peroxide also make it more efficient at removing dirty stains than using just water would. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. 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. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. Step 5. Chlorine 3. How to Clean a Glass Coffee Pot: 7 Simple Tips! Turn the water off. Spray the floor of the cage after beginning at the top and working your way down. After waiting an hour, use a towel or sponge to massage the area. Allow it to set for up to one hour. Simply pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the greasy tub surface. 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. 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. 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. Solvents, which you should never use on plastic tub surrounds, include mineral spirits, turpentine and acetone. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. You can also use a more intense cleaner like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any areas where you begin to see buildup. Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. 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. Their uneven texture can still lead to light scratching which ruins the appearance of a smooth finish on a bathtub surrounding area. 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. Step 6. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. 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. Repeat as many times as required to completely remove the stain. Before attempting this process, the plastic should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. If your bathtub is made of plastic, you should steer clear of cleaning solutions that include acids or alkalis.The use of strong chemicals such as bleach, acetone, paint thinner, and cleaners packaged in aerosol cans is not recommended when cleaning acrylic plastic tubs.If bleach is not diluted, it has the potential to deteriorate plastic bathtubs, despite the fact that it is an extremely efficient disinfectant. Gloves are optional if you're cleaning with vinegar or dish soap. If there are stains, you might not know what can remove them. If the dirt is particularly stubborn and difficult to remove, it may be wise to use something more abrasive like a terry cloth towel. Bathtubs are great to enjoy a relaxing bath whenever you feel tired. 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. 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. Most important, you should never use chemicals or abrasive materials on acrylic plastic. Required fields are marked *. After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. Remove any signs of mildew from silicone caulking surrounding the tub enclosure by rubbing it with a cloth dipped into a solution of 3-parts vinegar to 1-part water. When cleaning a plastic bathtub surround, vinegar( lemon juice) is an effective option that may be used. Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. 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. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. Scrub all of the surfaces of the bathtub using a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush that has been dipped in the bucket. To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. How to clean plastic bathtub is an ordinary problem in your bathroom. 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. White distilled vinegar: fill a spray bottle with full-strength vinegar; let it stay there for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. 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 active ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol, which easily removes stains on the plastic. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. 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. Step 3. 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. Then, flush with water to clean it all up. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. More things. Several of them will have a 30-year or longer lifetime. But it should be used carefully as it can damage some surfaces if not handled properly. More information How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround More like this Diy Cleaning Products Cleaning Household Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. Baking soda has strong de-greasing properties that can be used to clean oil or grease stains. Solvents: Its really important to remember not to use solvents like mineral spirits, acetone and turpentine on any type of plastic surface. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. The Process of Cleaning Your Shower The Grime on the Tray. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. By staying on top of your cleaning regimen, you can prolong the time in between deep cleans too. 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. 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. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. Dry the surround after every use to prevent discoloration and yellowing. Your email address will not be published. Using a scrubbing brush, scrub the tub until its cleaned. The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. 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. Mix the cleaner with water and spray it all over the tub. 1. Vinegar may take time to cut through grease, so it can be left for several minutes before being wiped away. Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. When cleaning a plastic or ABS tub enclosure there are certain products that should be avoided. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. Melamine Sponges: As for melamine sponges, while their softness prevents them from causing deep scratches like steel wool does. How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! Acrylic that has been treated with Clean is algae-free and safe to use. 10 Effective Tips: How to Remove Yellow Stains from Shoes, 8 Safe Ways: How to Dispose of Fragrance Oils. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Rub the surface of the tub as thoroughly as possible. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Copyright 2023 Clean Curious.CleanCurious.com This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Step 4. Make a paste of equal parts cleanser powder and water. Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains. 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. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. When cleaning with chlorine, always wear protective gear like masks, hats, gloves, and glasses. 6. 5 Step 5. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. 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. https://goo.gl/2Trdac Show more Shop the DIY Power Couple store DIY. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has 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. Required fields are marked *. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. 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. With the addition of moisture, the powder will take on a thick, foamy consistency. The third step is to spray the mixture. Step 3 Wet a cleaning sponge with vinegar. 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. Here you will learn more about how to clean a plastic bathtub. Doing so will loosen soaps and other products, facilitating the cleaning process. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. 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. Dish soap is another effective cleaning solution for your plastic bathtub. It is your source for tips, tricks, cleaning tools, and anything related to cleaning that will help you live a cleaner lifestyle. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot.