People prefer to invest in acrylic bathtubs as an ideal choice for their homes due to their durability, light weight, and smooth surface. Enjoyment is fun, work is painful, and you have to put in the tedious cleaning work after use. The shiny surface of the acrylic bathtub may cause scratches or discoloration due to improper cleaning, making the bathtub ugly and unattractive. For this reason, Giving Tree Home provides the following tips to help you understand how to clean an acrylic bathtub without damaging the bathtub's surface and get it clean so that it can stay like new for a longer period.
Initial Flushing
First, assemble all the cleaning implements that you will need to complete the cleaning task. For this, you will require mild dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, a soft sponge or cloth, a soft bristle brush, and microfiber towels. It is not recommended to clean with acetone or other aggressive chemicals, steel wool, or any other objects with sharp edges, as they can damage the acrylic surface.
To begin cleaning the bathtub, first, quickly wipe and rinse the bathtub to get rid of all the loose dirt, soapy residues, and hair. This step assists in breaking down the surface dirt and makes the whole cleaning process more efficient. For the final step, the tub should be rinsed with warm water so that all the parts of the tub are wet. After the initial rinse, flush out the water and get rid of it.
Detailed Cleaning
The recommended cleaning solution should be prepared from a few drops of mild dishwashing soap and warm water in a bucket or a spray bottle. This solution is less harsh but able to go through soap scum and dirt without scratching the acrylic surface.
Rub or scrub the soapy water on the surface of the bathtub where it is dirty or stained. With a sponge or a piece of cloth, gently rub the bathtub surface in circles. However, be sure to be very gentle when applying pressure since acrylic is quite sensitive and can be scratched easily.
Focus on the areas that are most likely to be affected by residue and buildup, including the corners, edges, and drain areas. You may use baking soda for removing persistent stains or soap residue by simply sprinkling some of it onto the sponge or directly onto the stained area. Baking soda is made up of tiny particles that work as a gentle scrubber to remove stains without damaging the surface.
However, if you have a very stubborn stain, try using a paste of baking soda and water. First, apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then use a soft toothbrush or sponge to scrub it. This method is useful for removing stains that have penetrated deep into the material without the need for strong detergents.
Through Rinsing
After cleaning the bathtub, use warm water to rinse it thoroughly to ensure that all traces of soap and baking soda are washed off. Be sure to wash off all the parts because any residue might cause scratches or haze on the surface.
After that, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the acrylic tub and remove all the water left on it. Microfiber is preferable because it is soft on the acrylic surface and can absorb water, minimizing water spots and streaks.
White vinegar is a good option if you prefer using natural products for cleaning. Vinegar can disinfect the area and break down mineral buildup and soap residue. Prepare a solution using equal parts of white vinegar and water and pour it into a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the bathtub surface and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing it with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse it with warm water and use a microfiber cloth to dry it.
Maintenance recommendations
To maintain the appearance of your acrylic bathtub, it needs regular care, even if you’ve had it for a while. After each use, clean the tub with a cloth or sponge to remove soap scum and minerals that might accumulate on the surface. Additionally, occasionally cleaning the tub with a soft cloth moistened with water will help preserve its shiny appearance. Avoid using oils in the bath, as these can leave a film that is hard to remove and can cause long-term staining.
For routine cleaning, it is advisable to clean the walls of the bathtub weekly and to do a deeper cleaning once a month. Regular weekly cleaning won’t remove all the dirt that accumulates, so deeper cleaning is necessary.
Always use mild detergents and cleaning instruments, avoiding chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine, which can harm the acrylic surface. If you find scratches or dull areas on the surface while cleaning, don’t worry. Some creams can help rejuvenate the finish of your bathtub. Toothpaste, acrylic polish, or scratch removers can be used to polish the tub and restore its luster, especially where small scratches are detected. It’s important to follow the manufacturers’ guidelines carefully when using these products to avoid further damage.
Ending
Therefore, the cleaning of an acrylic bathtub must be done very carefully without causing any harm to the material to be able to continue giving it its elegance and utility. It’s very easy to find harsh chemicals and scrubbers at stores, but you don’t have to use them to clean the bathtub because doing so can harm it; instead, you ought to use mild dish soap, baking soda, white vinegar, and soft cleaning equipment. Acrylic bathtub care means following proper process while cleaning your bathtub as well as getting a routine maintenance done because if it is not done correctly, your bathtub can look dull and its sparkling finish to will wear off.
