how to clean plastic tub surround

Then add 1 tablespoon of dish soap followed by three parts hot water. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. Step 5. Dishwashing detergent. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. More things. 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. If there are stains, you might not know what can remove them. Step 3. Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. After an hour go back inside and use a toilet brush to give the shower a gentle scrub and then rinse. Wipe gently and slowly and dont apply pressure or use any sharp and hard objects and materials to rub the tub. Wet & Forget Shower is a weekly shower cleanser that does not require scrubbing and is kind to surfaces made of acrylic and fiberglass. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Then, flush with water to clean it all up. Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. 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. Lemon water 6. By emptying the tub first, you will be able to access all the corners of your bathtub and clean it thoroughly. They have more texture which allows them to break up dirt easier. 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. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. The plastic should be placed inside the container. 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. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." Proper maintenance ensures that your plastic tub will stay in perfect condition. Solvents, which you should never use on plastic tub surrounds, include mineral spirits, turpentine and acetone. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. 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. 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. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. So what products can and should be used on acrylic plastic? 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. The hand sanitizer will dissolve the mildew stains, and get rid of them for good. After spraying the vinegar at full power on the stains and allowing it to sit for a few minutes, scrub the area to remove the vinegar. Step 4. 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. Then, rinse clean with hot water. Then, take an old toothbrush (or whatever your preferred brush is), and scrub the sides of your bathtub. 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. Additionally, acrylic is warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and the surfaces of bathtubs made of acrylic are smoother than those made of fiberglass. A mixture of water and vinegar. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. Hand sanitizer 7. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Step 4. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. Cleaning liquid 9. Diluted bleach is another great option for cleaning bathtub surrounds. Step 2. Cleaning a plastic tub surround is never easy because one wrong move and your shiny new bathtub could look worse with scratches. The dirt caused by these chemicals and treatments could stick to the tub and become a permanent stain. Step 1. Here's how to clean a plastic bathtub using a few tried-and-true methods and ingredients. Create a paste for cleaning the bathtub by mixing one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide (or cream of tartar). Then, rinse it all with water. Allow the plastic tub surround to dry completely before being used again afterward. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. When cleaning a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions. Dont worry! All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub, How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs. Baking soda. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. Spray the lemon water on the tub and leave it there until evening, or for a whole night. Make use of a bristle brush to collect debris in the crevices and along the borders of the bathtub. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. 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. Acetone: wipe the acetone on the plastic with a soft cloth to remove stains caused by dye, paint or pigments. Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. Rinse and wipe clean after 30 minutes or an hour after applying the paste. Scrub the surround with the baking soda and brush. Another tip of how to clean plastic bathtub is using your home ingredients. Several of them will have a 30-year or longer lifetime. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. By staying on top of your cleaning regimen, you can prolong the time in between deep cleans too. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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. Plastic bathtubs can be cleaned thoroughly with the right cleaning tools and proper technique. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. Cleaning your bathtub is easy with hand sanitizer. Let it stand for 10 minutes. Scouring Powders: Abrasive cleaners such as scouring powders should not be used on any kind of plastic surface as they can cause scratches or damage to the material. Be sure to rinse the rag often to get rid of soap residue. Dish soap 8. Check the area around the tubs borders to see whether it is thinner there; if it is, this may be a sign that the tub is made of acrylic. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Therefore it should always be avoided when cleaning any type of plastic tub surround surface. Finish by rinsing the bathtub completely. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. 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. If you're using a commercial bathtub cleaner, especially a heavy-duty bathtub cleaner or household bleach, always wear protective gloves and ideally open bathroom windows and doors for ventilation. Create a paste by adding 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to a bowl. After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. Allow the mixture to dissolve. The fourth step is to wipe away. Wet a soft nylon brush with warm water. 6. Simply pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz it over the greasy tub surface. After you've used your usual bathroom cleaner on your plastic tub, you may wish to do a second cleanse using white vinegar. 5 Step 5. Plastic tub surrounds often have a smooth surface that is easy to clean with a damp cloth since there are no grout lines to trap debris in the surface. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. Call a professional cleaner You have to read this! Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Spray . Doing so will loosen soaps and other products, facilitating the cleaning process. They will come to your home and give it a quick thorough cleaning! 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. 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. Drain and pat dry. 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. Step 4. 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. 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. Instead of doing that, call out a professional cleaning service to handle it for you! How To Paint a Tub & Shower Surround | BEFORE & AFTER FIBERGLASS REFINISHING @DIYPowerCouple Subscribe for more DIY! Scrub all of the surfaces of the bathtub using a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush that has been dipped in the bucket. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. When you are cleaning, you should make use of a sponge or towel that is not abrasive. Next, add one tablespoon of a gentle liquid dish detergent to the pail. Submerge a cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush, into the bleach solution. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge, Make use of a bristle brush to collect debris in the crevices and along the borders of the bathtub, We strongly suggest that you clean your acrylic bathing product that was manufactured using Delta ProCrylic or Acrylic with Innovex Technology with non-abrasive soaps and detergents, such as: Dishwashing detergent, Cleaner for the bathroom and kitchen by CLR. How To Transfer Plant From Plastic To Pot? In particular, it could be used to remove mildew from plastic bathtubs. 3 Step 3. This is possible because the oxidizing effect of chlorine could get rid of most of any stains on your plastic bathtub. Cleaning a plastic bathtub is a different process than cleaning a porcelain or fiberglass tub. After you've removed any grime and mineral deposits from your tub, you should have it looking shiny and new. Discard the towels in a trash bag. 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. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. Step 1 Remove fabric shower curtains, rugs and spare towels from the bathroom before cleaning the tub. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. The key to keeping it that way is through daily shower maintenance. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. How to Clean a Glass Coffee Pot: 7 Simple Tips! Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. 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. Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. 1. Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. However, they tend to accumulate stains over time. 3 Right Methods: How to Clean Hands After Touching Raw Chicken, 10 Smart Ideas: How to Dispose of Concrete. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. Take a nylon sponge that won't scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. Acrylic that has been treated with Clean is algae-free and safe to use. Create a bleach solution by mixing two tablespoons of bleach into two cups of water in a bowl or bucket. Spray the tub surround with the cleaner. 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. Fill up your bathtub with two inches of hot water, and add one cup of hand sanitizer. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! To erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. They can do a wide range of things: removing grease and grime, removing rust, and so on. With the addition of moisture, the powder will take on a thick, foamy consistency. Its acidic substances can help to remove stubborn dirt, soap scum, and other debris from the surface. 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. Manage Settings Acetone or turpentine. The whiting and wax fill scratches and whiten the surround. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. 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. 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. 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. However, the plastic, which is actually a reinforced plastic fiberglass composite, can develop yellowing as it ages. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach. Step 2. The bubbles will loosen any dirt and grime. 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. Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. They also wont harm the surface of the tub, so it can remain scratch-free during cleaning. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. CLR will certainly help. Imfoto/Shutterstock. 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. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. Wait 15 minutes for the chlorine to work on the stain. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. Step 3. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. Rinse cleaning. For an even more refreshing smell, you can swap out the vinegar for some lovely lemon juice. Technically, you can safely use lemon water, hand sanitizer, and dish soap (among other products) to remove hard dirt from your tub. 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. 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. 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. Baking soda and vinegar 5. If you're dealing with a dirty tub, you've come to the right place. You can also use shampoo or body soap. Their uneven texture can still lead to light scratching which ruins the appearance of a smooth finish on a bathtub surrounding area. Do you want to get rid of all that unattractive residue? 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. 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 youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. 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. Scrub with a brush until the stain is gone. You can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. For cleaning your plastic bathtub, rubbing alcohol is the best you can use. What you need to do before cleaning plastic bathtub, how to get rid of urine smell in bathroom. Your email address will not be published. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains. Alternative cleaning products suitable for use on a plastic tub surround include dish soap, white vinegar and household bleach. Cleaning your plastic bathtub and other surfaces in and around your bathroom is critical to your health. Chlorine isnt just used to disinfect water. After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. These usually come in the form of spray-on coatings. Once clean, a thin coat of either cream peroxide or tartar should be applied evenly to the entire surface of the plastic. Before attempting this process, the plastic should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Step 1 - Remove Excess Dirt From Fiberglass. Flush the area with water after youre done. 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. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. 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. How to clean plastic bathtub is an ordinary problem in your bathroom. Its effective at removing grease and grime without harsh chemicals. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy.

How To Make A Fireplace Draft Cover, Articles H

how to clean plastic tub surround