Be sure to thoroughly combine the dish soap and the water. They have the potential to leave behind residues that could harm the material. Even while removing the tub surround from the wall isnt particularly challenging, doing so may result in substantial damage to the wall that lies behind it.The correct approach to removing a tub surround may be laborious and time-consuming, but it is the only way to assure that the surround will be removed with as little damage as possible.Put on goggles, long sleeves, trousers, and work gloves before beginning the job. How To Clean Acrylic Tubs And Shower Walls - YouTube Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 6. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. This will help to effectively remove the yellowing from the plastic and leave it with a white finish. To apply it, mix the dish soap with water and spray it on your bathtub. Cut through your drywall along the edges with a Sawzall. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Allow it to sit for several minutes to allow it to absorb any dirt or grime present on its surface. Step 3. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda to make a bathtub cleaning paste (or cream of tartar). Spray, turn the exhaust fan on and close the door behind you. Itll foam, so scrub it all over using a sponge or brush. For effective cleaning of a plastic tub surround, microfiber cloths should be used. Make use of a bristle brush to collect debris in the crevices and along the borders of the bathtub. It is your source for tips, tricks, cleaning tools, and anything related to cleaning that will help you live a cleaner lifestyle. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of vinegar. 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. 3 Right Methods: How to Clean Hands After Touching Raw Chicken, 10 Smart Ideas: How to Dispose of Concrete. To avoid the accumulation of soap scum and dirt, clean the shower once per week with a gentle cleaner and water. The first method of cleaning is to make use of a cleaning agent that is safe for acrylic. How to clean an old vinyl tub and surround | Hometalk Rinse off any remaining residue with fresh water. How To Clean A Plastic Shower Stall? - Nationwide Plastics Acetone: wipe the acetone on the plastic with a soft cloth to remove stains caused by dye, paint or pigments. 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. Lime Away TSP 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. The dirt caused by these chemicals and treatments could stick to the tub and become a permanent stain. Mix baking soda with water to make the paste, then sprinkle it into the bathtub especially in the stained area. 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. Dish soap is an effective and affordable way to clean light soap scum and dirt from a plastic tub surround. 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. 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. Turn on the shower and direct the flow of water to the walls. Plastic bathtubs can be stained and dirty easily because theyre in contact with water and water alone. 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. However, Acrylic is a preferred choice for bathtub surrounds, and for a solid reason. Call a professional cleaner You have to read this! Repeat the wiping process with a fresh microfiber towel. Baking soda and vinegar are both common household ingredients. How to Remove Yellowing From Plastic Bathtubs | Hunker How to Clean a Glass Coffee Pot: 7 Simple Tips! Moisten the eraser sponge with hot water and scrub. Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. Scrub with a brush to loosen the stains, then flush all of it off with water. 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. But it should be used carefully as it can damage some surfaces if not handled properly. How to Clean Your Surround Tub and Make it Shine! The plastic should be placed inside the container. Wipe gently and slowly and dont apply pressure or use any sharp and hard objects and materials to rub the tub. 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. Dish soap is another effective cleaning solution for your plastic bathtub. By cleaning regularly, you can control the growth of microbes and remove bad odors. Limescale and other mineral deposits can grip onto your plastic tub or shower and cause it to look dingy and dull. Then use a damp rag to scrub away the baking soda and rinse the tub. Step 4. Drain the water and use a rag to get rid of any residue. 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. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Submerge a cleaning tool, such as a soft-bristled brush, into the bleach solution. Its effective at removing grease and grime without harsh chemicals. Pick up some painter's tape and use it to mask off the seam to help make cleaning up easier. 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. 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. However, over time due to everyday use, bathtubs can get dirty and stained. Try the cleaning method that is recommended by Home Depot for stubborn stains on fiberglass before you give up on attempting to scrub away the stains: Put on a layer of a paste made from baking soda and water, then cover it with a cloth that has been soaked in vinegar. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When cleaning with chlorine, always wear protective gear like masks, hats, gloves, and glasses. Apply this paste onto the stained area of the tub and leave it for about 10 minutes. After an hour go back inside and use a toilet brush to give the shower a gentle scrub and then rinse. 3 Ways to Clean an Acrylic Tub - wikiHow How to whiten a yellowed plastic tub surround | eHow UK Vinegar will not damage a plastic tub surround when used for cleaning purposes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to CleanCurious! 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. Required fields are marked *. Utilizing Peroxide to Restore the Original Color of Yellowed Plastic A container should be filled with straight peroxide. You can use a dishwashing or liquid laundry detergent. Step 3. Once youve scrubbed the desired area thoroughly, rinse away any remaining residue with cold water. Keeping your bathtub or shower looking clean and shiny should mean you don't need to worry about restoring it nearly as often. More information How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround More like this Diy Cleaning Products Cleaning Household The chemical reaction will continue until the stain is almost entirely gone. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, goggles, and a mask. Steps for cleaning plastic tub surrounded with dish soap: Step 1. Your email address will not be published. How to Clean Your Acrylic Shower or Tub | Delta Faucet Blog Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. With your fingers or a clean, soft cloth, apply the baking soda paste over the greasy surfaces. Step 4 Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. Vinegar, lemon juice, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda paste can be used for ultimate cleanliness. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of the dirt in your bathtub, and keep it looking great. However, it's important to check the label for the description "nonabrasive" and "suitable for acrylic, plastic, polystyrene, ABS, etc." You should use soft cloths such as microfiber or terry towels, sponges, or rags when cleaning a plastic tub enclosure. Alcohol 2. How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround - SFGATE Apply the paste to the stained area and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Baking soda has strong de-greasing properties that can be used to clean oil or grease stains. Check the bathtub for any mineral deposits or soap scum that may still be there. Step 1. Don't pry the caulk with the scraper because you could break off the razor blade. 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. Baking soda works wonders when it comes to lifting hard dirt and other stains from acrylic plastic. How Long Does Weed Stay Good In A Plastic Bag? Applying the paste to the yellowed surroundings will help. They are gentle on the surface of the plastic tub, so no damage will be caused by using them. 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. Combine 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. 3 Step 3. Allow the vinegar to be absorbed by the deposits and scum for fifteen minutes. Required fields are marked *. 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 whiting and wax fill scratches and whiten the surround. Wet a clean cloth with the soapy solution and use it to wash your newly whitened tub surround. Chlorine is very harmful if its not handled properly. 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. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Do you have a bathtub that is discolored and stained? Cleaning your plastic bathtub and other surfaces in and around your bathroom is critical to your health.