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. Wear your protective gear Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. 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. In order to do so, pour a generous amount of peroxide into the bathtub. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. Required fields are marked *. If you're dealing with a dirty tub, you've come to the right place. 6. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Step 1. After it has dried, use an old toothbrush and some warm water to gently scrub this mixture (and the limescale) away. The whiting and wax fill scratches and whiten the surround. Bathtubs are covered in dirt and germs, which can cause all sorts of nasty problems. Scrub clean with a rag. Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. Scrub until the stains disappear. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. 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. Do you have a bathtub that is discolored and stained? Allow the mixture to dissolve. The question arises of how you can safely scrub away dirt and soap scum without damaging the material. Dish soap, preferably Dawn or your preferred brand, Cleaner for the Bathroom and the Kitchen by CLR. 2. 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. Acrylic bathtubs are typically available in a wider variety of colors than fiberglass bathtubs, which are typically only available in white. Step 3. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surround: 6 DIY Methods [Effective]. You might let the vinegar or bleach sit on the surfaces for 15 or more minutes before scrubbing and rinsing for extra cleansing power. You can also use a more intense cleaner like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any areas where you begin to see buildup. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. Harsh chemical cleaners: Harsh chemical cleaners like oven cleaner or drain cleaner are also not suitable for plastic material. 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. 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.. 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. When cleaning a plastic bathtub surround, vinegar( lemon juice) is an effective option that may be used. Lemon water 6. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. Wet a clean cloth with the soapy solution and use it to wash your newly whitened tub surround. In this video I will show you my natural, chemicals free way to clean your textured fiberglass or plastic shower floor and make it white and clean again using baking soda and white vinegar.. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." Give your plastic tub enclosures a sparkling clean finish with vinegar. Thorough weekly cleanings, occasional stain removal and semi-annual waxing help whiten the plastic and bring back the luster of the tub surround. Acetone or turpentine. Apply an auto whiting polish to the surround with a clean cloth. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. Dishwashing detergent. 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. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. 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. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. 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. Allow the plastic tub surround to dry completely before being used again afterward. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. For an even more refreshing smell, you can swap out the vinegar for some lovely lemon juice. 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. To apply it, mix the dish soap with water and spray it on your bathtub. Bleach is powerful enough to remove tough stains from plastic tub surrounds that cannot be removed with regular dish soap alone. The most recent accessory to be added to your collection of tools for cleaning glass is Mr. Dont worry! Using circular motions around the entire surface area, slowly scrub away at tough stains until they are no longer visible on the surface. 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. Imfoto/Shutterstock. 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. Cleaning liquid, or bathroom cleaner, is a very common cleaning agent. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. Step 2. Apply a light coat of white auto cream wax to the entire surround with a cotton cloth. Turn the water off. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Start from the top and work your way down. Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. After an hour go back inside and use a toilet brush to give the shower a gentle scrub and then rinse. 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. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. Chlorine could be an effective solution for getting rid of those stains from the bathtub. The third step is to spray the mixture. White distilled vinegar: fill a spray bottle with full-strength vinegar; let it stay there for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. Allow it to set for up to one hour. 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. 1. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. 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. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to CleanCurious! Let it sit for 30 minutes up to an hour before using it against the surface of your plastic tub surround. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. Scrub the surround with the baking soda and brush. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround | BEFORE & AFTER FIBERGLASS REFINISHING @DIYPowerCouple Subscribe for more DIY! How do you whiten plastic shower walls? Your email address will not be published. These usually come in the form of spray-on coatings. They are highly absorbent and can easily collect dirt, dust, and grime without leaving behind streaking or residue. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. Dissolved white vinegar in water. Make a paste with water and scrub the stall with a sponge or plastic applicator. Baking soda and vinegar are both common household ingredients. 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. 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. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray the area, then wipe it off with a sponge, reserving the remaining solution to use on mirrors, windows, and other surfaces. Put two tablespoons of dish soap and a half gallon of hot water in your bucket, and then fill the bucket with hot 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. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on a plastic tub surround, as they can permanently damage it. Luckily, this too is a problem that can be tackled with simple white vinegar. 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. 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. Manage Settings Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Start by spraying your cleaner directly onto the affected area of the plastic tub surround. What Part Of The Mantle Bends Like Plastic? Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. 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. Spray purified or ordinary tap water onto the cleaning powder. 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. Its effective at removing grease and grime without harsh chemicals. Apply the Paste. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. 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. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge. Wet & Forget Shower is a weekly shower cleanser that does not require scrubbing and is kind to surfaces made of acrylic and fiberglass. See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tvCleaning the tub is one of the most daunting tasks.