Rinse multiple times and wipe completely to prevent streaks. 6 Tips: How to Dispose of Fireworks Like a Pro! Dont worry if your plastic tub surround looks old because the right cleaning solutions will make it look brand new. Step 1 Remove fabric shower curtains, rugs and spare towels from the bathroom before cleaning the tub. 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. By doing this, you can create a paste that you can use to scrub your bathtub. 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. Wait until the plastic tub surround is completely dry before you start using it again. More things. 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. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. Step 1 - Heat vinegar. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. Gloves are optional if you're cleaning with vinegar or dish soap. 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. Give your plastic tub enclosures a sparkling clean finish with vinegar. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. White distilled vinegar: fill a spray bottle with full-strength vinegar; let it stay there for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. Vinegar that has been distilled. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. Step 3. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to 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. Use a bucket or a pitcher to rinse your tub. Scrub until the stains disappear. Removing any suds and dirt before they have a chance to set on the plastic will make them far easier to get rid of. Plastic bathtubs are durable and long-lasting. Step 3. 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. How to Clean Vinyl Tub Enclosures | Home Guides | SF Gate Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. Your email address will not be published. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." Continue with Recommended Cookies. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Plastic is a popular material for bathtubs and shower enclosures as it's known for being durable, making it ideal for daily use. Create a bleach solution by mixing two tablespoons of bleach into two cups of water in a bowl or bucket. It will be easier to remove the stain if you give the plastic time to soak in the sunlight. Doing so will loosen soaps and other products, facilitating the cleaning process. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. 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 can also wet a clean sponge or washcloth and use it to rub in the cleaner until it thickens. Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. After that, spray the solution over the glass door of your shower and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Most important, you should never use chemicals or abrasive materials on acrylic plastic. Step 4. To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water. 3 Step 3. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Your email address will not be published. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. 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. Alcohol 2. Rinse with clear water. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surround: 6 DIY Methods [Effective]. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. Cleaning a plastic tub surround is never easy because one wrong move and your shiny new bathtub could look worse with scratches. 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. Step 2. Otherwise, you could get sick and potentially make other members of your family sick as well. How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub | Hunker Instead, use a cleaner designed specifically for tubs and tiles if the tub is really grimy. CLR will certainly help. Put on protective gloves before handling any bleach solution, as this will protect your skin from any splashes or spills that may occur during the cleaning process. Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. Let the vinegar stay on the tub for about 30 minutes. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. Dish soap is another effective cleaning solution for your plastic bathtub. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. It works to gently exfoliate away dirt and grime while being safe for use on most surfaces. 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. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on a plastic tub surround, as they can permanently damage 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. Hydrogen peroxide produced more oxygen than plain water does, which is why its often used to unclog drains and toilets. Simply fill the tub with equal parts water and vinegar and allow this solution to sit for at least 15 minutes. Scrub clean with a rag. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Here's how to clean a plastic bathtub using a few tried-and-true methods and ingredients. A Guide to Cleaning an Extremely Soiled Plastic Bathtub First, take a pail and fill it with half a gallon of hot water. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Rinse away all traces of bleach residue using clean water after each application until all stains are gone. This will almost certainly cause scratches and other damage to your tub. To loosen grime and remove oils from the skin, scrub the entire bathtub with the soapy nylon sponge. Then add 1 tablespoon of dish soap followed by three parts hot water. 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. 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. There are so many brands available in the market. Simply cleaning it will remove any stains caused by harsh water. 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. You might let the vinegar or bleach sit on the surfaces for 15 or more minutes before scrubbing and rinsing for extra cleansing power. 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. 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 view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Call a professional cleaner You have to read this! Alternative cleaning products suitable for use on a plastic tub surround include dish soap, white vinegar and household bleach. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. To erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. How To Clean A Plastic Bathtub Surround? - Nationwide Plastics 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. Dishwashing detergent. Do you want to get rid of all that unattractive residue? The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. Baking soda is another great go-to cleaner for plastic tub surrounds. When cleaning a plastic bathtub surround, vinegar( lemon juice) is an effective option that may be used. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. They are highly absorbent and can easily collect dirt, dust, and grime without leaving behind streaking or residue. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. Do you have a bathtub that is discolored and stained? 3 Ways to Remove Paint from an Acrylic Tub or Bath - wikiHow Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. Method 1 Using Natural Products 1 Fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. 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. But it should be used carefully as it can damage some surfaces if not handled properly. 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. 6. Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. Spray the lemon water on the tub and leave it there until evening, or for a whole night. To use chlorine to clean a bathtub, you can simply sprinkle chlorine to a bathtub that has stains. Bathtubs are covered in dirt and germs, which can cause all sorts of nasty problems. Make sure all of the surfaces that you want to clean are wet. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The fourth step is to wipe away. Acrylic bathtubs are typically available in a wider variety of colors than fiberglass bathtubs, which are typically only available in white. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. Flush the area with water after youre done. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. Oven cleaner: let sit for one hour. Begin by mixing two tablespoons of dish detergent into one gallon of warm water in a spray bottle, stirring thoroughly until fully combined. How to Clean Your Acrylic Shower or Tub | Delta Faucet Blog Spray, turn the exhaust fan on and close the door behind you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Step 1. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove wine stains from ceramic bathtubs. How to Clean a Bathtub (Homeowner's Guide) - Bob Vila 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. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners or a scratched, dull surface all can make the yellowing more severe. Make a paste of equal parts cleanser powder and water. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. Turn the water off. Bathtubs are great to enjoy a relaxing bath whenever you feel tired. 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. You never know what bacteria could breed in the damp and humid surfaces in these areas. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Use a caulk tool or a plastic spoon to work the sealant into the joint. Chlorine destroys stains by further dissolving them into smaller particles that will then be easier to flush or scrub off. Their uneven texture can still lead to light scratching which ruins the appearance of a smooth finish on a bathtub surrounding area. Mix the cleaner with water and spray it all over the tub. You can also use a more intense cleaner like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any areas where you begin to see buildup. Rinse off the baking soda paste with some fresh water and enjoy your newly refreshed plastic tub surround. How to clean an old vinyl tub and surround | Hometalk Several of them will have a 30-year or longer lifetime. Before you rinse the area, clean it . They also wont harm the surface of the tub, so it can remain scratch-free during cleaning. Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge. Spread out a drop cloth over the tub, floor, and fixtures. Bleach is powerful enough to remove tough stains from plastic tub surrounds that cannot be removed with regular dish soap alone. In order to do so, pour a generous amount of peroxide into the bathtub. Make a paste using baking soda and water, the consistency of which should be comparable to that of toothpaste. 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. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. The bubbles produced by hydrogen peroxide also make it more efficient at removing dirty stains than using just water would. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. You may remove the yellowing from the plastic that lines your tub by utilizing items from both your own house and from a hardware shop. Repeat this procedure until the tub is clean. Step 2. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. The active ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol, which easily removes stains on the plastic. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. Don't assume enamel and fiberglass tub cleaners and polishes are suitable for plastic as well. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. These usually come in the form of spray-on coatings. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). Rinse the soiled sponge under the running water as often as you can so that you do not spread dirt back onto the bathtub. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. Increase the ventilation in your bathroom. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. 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. Your email address will not be published. How to Caulk a Tub Surround (DIY) - Family Handyman After that, flush it with water to remove any stains from the bathtub. 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. 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. 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. How To Clean Plastic Tub Surrounds? - Nationwide Plastics Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can easily eliminate dirt, grime, hard water stains, and odors. Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. On the other hand, as time passes, the plastic, which is in reality a composite made of reinforced plastic and fiberglass, might turn yellow. Step 1. Your email address will not be published. Step 3. Alternatively, use a nonabrasive tub and shower cleaner. By staying on top of your cleaning regimen, you can prolong the time in between deep cleans too. How to Clean a Fiberglass Tub Surround | DoItYourself.com Rinse with clear water and wipe dry. Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. 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. Although it can be tempting to use an abrasive scrubber, Delta Faucet explains that they can cause lasting damage to the plastic. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used.