how to clean plastic tub surround how to clean plastic tub surround

Create a bleach solution by mixing two tablespoons of bleach into two cups of water in a bowl or bucket. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. Hydrogen Peroxide 4. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Remember, Its important to know the right way of using chemicals. 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. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. Dissolved white vinegar in water. Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). Follow the directions on the back of the tube for cure time. Mild dish soap can also be used to clean the plastic tub surround as it is gentle yet effective for removing dirt and grime. Here you will learn more about how to clean a plastic bathtub. Rinse cleaning. Hydrogen peroxide produced more oxygen than plain water does, which is why its often used to unclog drains and toilets. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Cleaning a plastic tub surround does not have to be hard or time-consuming if done properly. Be sure to rinse the rag often to get rid of soap residue. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. More things. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. Surrounds only require waxing twice a year to look good. When cleaning a plastic tub surround with a commercial cleaner, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions. Thorough weekly cleanings, occasional stain removal and semi-annual waxing help whiten the plastic and bring back the luster of the tub surround. 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. Bathtubs are covered in dirt and germs, which can cause all sorts of nasty problems. Step 3 Wet a cleaning sponge with vinegar. Their caustic nature could damage the surface or, even worse, cause etching if contact with the skin occurs. Scrub clean with a rag. Baking soda is another great go-to cleaner for plastic tub surrounds. Chlorine is very harmful if its not handled properly. Step 4. Wear your protective gear Your email address will not be published. The bubbles will loosen any dirt and grime. After you've used your usual bathroom cleaner on your plastic tub, you may wish to do a second cleanse using white vinegar. Allow the vinegar to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing it away with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge. Once ready, soak a microfiber cloth within this solution before scrubbing the plastic tub surrounding it gently. With the addition of moisture, the powder will take on a thick, foamy consistency. Its effective at removing grease and grime without harsh chemicals. A mixture of water and vinegar. Begin by mixing two tablespoons of dish detergent into one gallon of warm water in a spray bottle, stirring thoroughly until fully combined. Give it at least sixty minutes to an hour to mature. 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. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. Wet & Forget Shower is a weekly shower cleanser that does not require scrubbing and is kind to surfaces made of acrylic and fiberglass. 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. Melamine Sponges: As for melamine sponges, while their softness prevents them from causing deep scratches like steel wool does. Wipe of the excess with a clean rag. 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. Plastic bathtubs are durable and long-lasting. This makes them feel rather uninviting and can give your entire bathroom an old, worn-out vibe. You can resurface plastic by using specialized products designed specifically for this purpose. 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. 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. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. Hand sanitizer 7. Then, use a scouring brush to scrub off the moldy spots. Rinse multiple times and wipe completely to prevent streaks. Surfaces can be scratched or damaged when using a sponge with a rough surface. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. Ammonia cleansers are able to thoroughly clean any and all bathtubs and showers without causing any damage to the fiberglass. Dry the surround after every use to prevent discoloration and yellowing. Moisten the brush with fresh water as needed. How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround Tub Cleaner Bathroom Cleaner Shower Cleaner Fiberglass Shower Pan Remove Yellow Stains Plastic Bathtub Cleaning Household Cleaning Tips Regular Cleaning More information . Baking soda. 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. Rub the whiting into any scratched areas on the surround, then wipe off the excess. You can also use a more intense cleaner like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on any areas where you begin to see buildup. Hydrogen peroxide whitens your tub, and it will also bleach fabric. 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. Chlorine 3. Proper maintenance ensures that your plastic tub will stay in perfect condition. They advise that you use the magic eraser with an oven cleaning to get the best results. 4 Step 4. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. How do you whiten plastic shower walls? Rinse with clear water. If you're dealing with a dirty tub, you've come to the right place. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains. Soft sponges are also useful for cleaning plastic tub surrounds as their shape makes them ideal for reaching into corners and other areas that might otherwise go uncleaned. If you have an acrylic tub, you can use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath without worry, but you should avoid using bleach. I use vinegar on mine, but living alone and being neat and tidy helps, in a household with lots of people, not as easy. Acetone or turpentine. The active ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol, which easily removes stains on the plastic. 6. Spray the soapy mixture onto the plastic tub surround and let it sit for at least five minutes before scrubbing. To erase stains on the plastic that were created by dye, paint, or pigments, wipe these solvents over the surface with a soft cloth. Baking soda paste is also an excellent choice for cleaning a plastic tub surround. 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. Begin by wetting the bathtub and pouring a few drops of shampoo on a damp rag. Let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. 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. 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. Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! Spray the tub surround with the cleaner. Step 1 - Remove Excess Dirt From Fiberglass. 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. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. Scrub if necessary and then rinse with plain water. See a detailed demo at http://formula101.tvCleaning the tub is one of the most daunting tasks. 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. In order to do so, pour a generous amount of peroxide into the bathtub. They can be directly applied to the surfaces of tubs and shower enclosures composed primarily of plastics such as acrylics and polymers. 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. 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. Scouring Pads: Scouring pads, too, could cause scratching due to their rough texture so these should not be used either. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Another tip of how to clean plastic bathtub is using your home ingredients. Rinse the soiled sponge in the water many times throughout the cleaning process to avoid spreading dirt back onto the bathtub. They have the potential to leave behind residues that could harm the material. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents on a plastic tub surround, as they can permanently damage it. 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. How To Make Plastic Pots Look Like Ceramic? Alcohol 2. Simply combine an answer consisting of half water and half white vinegar in a spray container that has been left unfilled. Be sure to choose soft clothes such as microfiber cloth or terry towels for best results. Then, flush with water to clean it all up. After spraying or wiping the bleach over the surfaces, you should follow up with a water rinse. However, they tend to accumulate stains over time. Step 1 Fill a spray bottle with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, which is found in drugstores or convenience stores for a minimal price. 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. Terry cloth towels also have some absorbency but need to be replaced more frequently than microfiber cloths do, as they deteriorate quickly with washing. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Dishwashing detergent. 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. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. 5. Before you rinse the area, clean it . The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. But over time, plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures can start to look dull and dirty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Spread out a drop cloth over the tub, floor, and fixtures. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. Gloves are optional if you're cleaning with vinegar or dish soap. Your email address will not be published. Finally, flush it with water to get rid of any residue left by the acid in the lemon. [1] Avoid abrasive cleansers like scouring powders. 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. Allow this to sit for ten minutes, or for the amount of time that is specified on the label of the box. It can help to sanitize the surface but should never be used in its concentrated form because it can damage the plastic surface. The resulting solution should then be stirred with a spoon until it is completely blended together. You can repeat this process as often as needed until your tub is shiny and sparkling clean. Make a thick paste of baking soda similar to peanut butter or toothpaste consistency. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, How to Clean a Really Dirty Plastic Bathtub, How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs. Lemon remains to be an excellent natural cleaner. Always remember to wear protective gear when using harsh chemicals! Using either a terry cloth towel or microfiber cloth, scrub the surface of the tub surround until all dirt and grime have been removed. 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. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the rounded tiles from the top of the tub surround. Definitely dont use commercial abrasive cleaning products or solvents either. Instead of doing that, call out a professional cleaning service to handle it for you! Mix 1 tsp hand dishwashing soap in 1/2 gallon warm water. Step 3. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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. 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. To apply it, mix the dish soap with water and spray it on your bathtub. The soapy solution will remove the hydrogen peroxide and laundry booster solution from the plastic. How To Transfer Plant From Plastic To Pot? 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. The third step is to spray the mixture. Use a bucket or a pitcher to rinse your tub. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. Then, mix vinegar with water into a spray bottle and spray it on the stained area of your bathtub. Bathroomer: How to Clean Plastic Bathtubs and Keep Them White as New, Family Handyman: How to Clean Bathtub Stains. White distilled vinegar: fill a spray bottle with full-strength vinegar; let it stay there for a few minutes, and then scrub it off. Then, rinse it all with water. 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. 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. The most recent accessory to be added to your collection of tools for cleaning glass is Mr. Apply an auto whiting polish to the surround with a clean cloth. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. They are highly absorbent and can easily collect dirt, dust, and grime without leaving behind streaking or residue. 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. Take a nylon sponge that wont scratch surfaces and dip it in the soapy water. Drain and pat dry. 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. How to clean plastic bathtub 1. Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. Step 1. 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. Make sure to rinse the tub off afterward so any remaining rubbing alcohol doesnt dry onto the surface of your tub. 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. If the stain still has a white, chalky appearance, spritz it with white vinegar diluted to the maximum amount. Warm up around 100 milliliters of white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot. Let it sit for 30 minutes up to an hour before using it against the surface of your plastic tub surround. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Scrub the baking soda into the bathtub and faucets with a moist cloth or sponge. Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. These leave scratches that attract dirt and make the surround difficult to clean. Cut through your drywall along the edges with a Sawzall. Dirt comes to all of your furniture including the bathtub. After that, flush the bathtub with plenty of fresh running water. If you want the best result, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda. Required fields are marked *.