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. The Process of Cleaning Your Shower The Grime on the Tray. After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. Use a bucket or a pitcher to rinse your tub. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. Allow the mixture to dissolve. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy. Step 4. Apply an auto whiting polish to the surround with a clean cloth. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. Wait 15 minutes for the chlorine to work on the stain. Dish soap 8. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chlorine is very harmful if its not handled properly. When cleaning a plastic or ABS tub enclosure there are certain products that should be avoided. 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 2 - Venitlate room. Once you're satisfied your tub is as clean as possible, you can work on removing mineral buildup, which masks shine. When cleaning a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions. Spray the tub surround with the cleaner. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. 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. The key is to use mild cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda dish soap, bleach, mixer degreaser, and all-purpose cleaners for the best results. Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. Once clean, a thin coat of either cream peroxide or tartar should be applied evenly to the entire surface of the plastic. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. When you are cleaning, you should make use of a sponge or towel that is not abrasive. This is possible because the oxidizing effect of chlorine could get rid of most of any stains on your plastic bathtub. Required fields are marked *. 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 with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. The walls of the shower should be sprayed with the vinegar and water cleaning, and a suitable amount should be applied.Give the solution at least half an hour to take effect before interrupting it.Leave it alone for up to an hour in order to remove more stubborn hard water stains and soap scum accumulation. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. After you've used your usual bathroom cleaner on your plastic tub, you may wish to do a second cleanse using white vinegar. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. Step 3. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. It can be really frustrating to attempt to clean the bathtub yourself. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to the tub by trying to clean it yourself. The bubbles produced by hydrogen peroxide also make it more efficient at removing dirty stains than using just water would. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. 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. Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. When cleaning a plastic bathtub surround, vinegar( lemon juice) is an effective option that may be used. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. This will help loosen the dirt and grime before you clean the tub. The use of a magic eraser, according to a number of individuals, is the only approach that is capable of effectively cleaning a fiberglass shower. After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. Your email address will not be published. More things 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. By cleaning regularly, you can control the growth of microbes and remove bad odors. 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. Wet a clean cloth with the soapy solution and use it to wash your newly whitened tub surround. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. 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. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. If you're dealing with a dirty tub, you've come to the right place. 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. 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. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. Baking soda has strong de-greasing properties that can be used to clean oil or grease stains. 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. Before attempting this process, the plastic should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. Create a bleach solution by mixing two tablespoons of bleach into two cups of water in a bowl or bucket. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. 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. Submerge a cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush, into the bleach solution. Gently spray the tub and shower walls so that all surfaces are covered with the bathroom cleaner. Drain and pat dry. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. Step 3. Fill up your bathtub with two inches of hot water, and add one cup of hand sanitizer. 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. Repeat this procedure until the tub is clean. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! 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. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Hand sanitizer 7. Step 1. Flush the area with water after youre done. Your email address will not be published. Wear your protective gear Spray the tub surround with the. 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.. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. The piece of plastic should be placed inside the container. Abrasive cleaners include any commercial products that are not clearly labeled "nonabrasive" or as safe for acrylic or plastic as well as DIY cleaners, such as baking soda scrubs. Here you will learn more about how to clean a plastic bathtub. 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. You can also use shampoo or body soap. Allow the plastic tub surround to dry completely before being used again afterward. If there are stains, you might not know what can remove them. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. 2 Rinse the tub with water. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. They have more texture which allows them to break up dirt easier. Spread out a drop cloth over the tub, floor, and fixtures. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. The fourth step is to wipe away. How to Clean a Glass Coffee Pot: 7 Simple Tips! Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. Melamine Sponges: As for melamine sponges, while their softness prevents them from causing deep scratches like steel wool does. Step 3. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. 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. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. Step 2. Apply the Paste. 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. Rinse cleaning. Rinse with clear water. Either spray white vinegar all over the tub surround with a spray bottle or soak a cloth in the vinegar, then rub it over the surfaces of the tub before washing it out. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. Create a paste by adding 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to a bowl. Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. Mix 1 tsp hand dishwashing soap in 1/2 gallon warm water. Scrub the surround with the baking soda and brush. 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. 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. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. They also wont harm the surface of the tub, so it can remain scratch-free during cleaning. Take a nylon sponge that won't scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. Spray purified or ordinary tap water onto the cleaning powder. Microfiber cloths come in a variety of sizes and can be washed and reused multiple times. By staying on top of your cleaning regimen, you can prolong the time in between deep cleans too. Luckily, there are several methods to restore shine to plastic bathroom units at home. 3 Right Methods: How to Clean Hands After Touching Raw Chicken, 10 Smart Ideas: How to Dispose of Concrete. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Why Is There A Plastic Ball In A Guinness Can? Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. Dishwashing detergent. Once done scrubbing, use clean water to wash away any residual soap residue. Head to your pantry and pull out a natural-cleaning classic white vinegar then follow these simple steps: Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Yellowed plastic can be whitened by using cream peroxide or tartar. Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles, and a mask. How Long Does Weed Stay Good In A Plastic Bag? Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. When cleaning with chlorine, always wear protective gear like masks, hats, gloves, and glasses. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of the dirt in your bathtub, and keep it looking great. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. That said, you'll want to try using baby shampoo and warm water first, as this is usually the most effective cleaning method: If you're tackling tough stains, it's important to have baking soda in your cleaning arsenal. They can do a wide range of things: removing grease and grime, removing rust, and so on. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. Begin by mixing two tablespoons of dish detergent into one gallon of warm water in a spray bottle, stirring thoroughly until fully combined. 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. The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. https://goo.gl/2Trdac Show more Shop the DIY Power Couple store DIY. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. These scuff marks are difficult to repair and could end up making your bathroom look even dirtier. Your email address will not be published. Wet a soft nylon brush with warm water. Step 2. Rinse off the baking soda paste with some fresh water and enjoy your newly refreshed plastic tub surround. The whiting and wax fill scratches and whiten the surround. When you're applying the bead, use a constant, steady speed to avoid an uneven finish. Before you rinse the area, clean it . 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. If you want to use a commercial product, consider all-purpose cleaners or bathroom-specific cleaners. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. Steer clear of steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges can scratch the surface. Step 3. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Apply a light coat of white auto cream wax to the entire surround with a cotton cloth. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. Once done, wash away any remaining substance with clean water. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub, How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Gloves are optional if you're cleaning with vinegar or dish soap. Dont worry if your plastic tub surround looks old because the right cleaning solutions will make it look brand new. Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. Then, flush with water to clean it all up. Rinse the soiled sponge in the water many times throughout the cleaning process to avoid spreading dirt back onto the bathtub. Diluted bleach is another great option for cleaning bathtub surrounds. Step 2. Scatter baking soda on all of the surfaces of the tub. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. They will come to your home and give it a quick thorough cleaning! How to clean plastic bathtub 1. Spray, turn the exhaust fan on and close the door behind you. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. 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. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. After waiting an hour, use a towel or sponge to massage the area. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. Dry the surround after every use to prevent discoloration and yellowing. Put two tablespoons of dish soap and a half gallon of hot water in your bucket, and then fill the bucket with hot water. Baking soda and vinegar are both common household ingredients. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. Then, rinse clean with hot water. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The coating provides protection against discoloration from ultraviolet rays. Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. Cleaning liquid, or bathroom cleaner, is a very common cleaning agent. Step 2. For an even more refreshing smell, you can swap out the vinegar for some lovely lemon juice. Solvents, which you should never use on plastic tub surrounds, include mineral spirits, turpentine and acetone. Proper maintenance ensures that your plastic tub will stay in perfect condition. 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. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. Scrub until the stains disappear. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. In order to do so, pour a generous amount of peroxide into the bathtub. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." How do you whiten plastic shower walls? Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! 6. Make a paste of equal parts cleanser powder and water. Make use of a bristle brush to collect debris in the crevices and along the borders of the bathtub. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. Harsh chemical cleaners: Harsh chemical cleaners like oven cleaner or drain cleaner are also not suitable for plastic material. Dissolved white vinegar in water. 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. Plastic bathtubs are durable and long-lasting. Baking soda. Step 3. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. If the dirt is particularly stubborn and difficult to remove, it may be wise to use something more abrasive like a terry cloth towel. Step 2. Spray the area, then wipe it off with a sponge, reserving the remaining solution to use on mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. Simply pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the greasy tub surface. Your email address will not be published. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surround: 6 DIY Methods [Effective]. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. Thorough weekly cleanings, occasional stain removal and semi-annual waxing help whiten the plastic and bring back the luster of the tub surround. Let us share all the details on how to keep your plastic tub looking as good as new. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Your email address will not be published. In particular, it could be used to remove mildew from plastic bathtubs. This particular one is quite easy to understand. Let it sit for 30 minutes up to an hour before using it against the surface of your plastic tub surround. Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. Mix the cleaner with water and spray it all over the tub. Alternative cleaning products suitable for use on a plastic tub surround include dish soap, white vinegar and household bleach. You might think that cleaning your bathtub is something you can do on your own, but youre wrong. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. Spray the floor of the cage after beginning at the top and working your way down. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. Step 8. Commercial all-purpose cleaners are typically safe to use on plastic tub surrounds as they are formulated specifically for this purpose. However, they tend to accumulate stains over time. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. 5 Step 5. Plastic is a popular material for bathtubs and shower enclosures as it's known for being durable, making it ideal for daily use. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. If your acrylic tub is heavily stained or dirty, consider filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. 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. 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.