By Katie Barton | Published on
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Fiberglass tub cleaner
Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover
fiberglass tub cleaners
The best fiberglass tub cleaners are non-abrasive. While fiberglass is a durable shower and bathtub material, it’s easy to scratch.
There are many cleaners you can use to break down soap scum and remove stains on a fiberglass bathtub. After deep cleaning, wash the tub once per week to prevent stains and discoloration from reforming.
The Best Fiberglass Tub Cleaners
Use any mild all-purpose cleaner or an appropriate tub and tile cleaner on fiberglass. If you’re looking for alternatives, try one of these five options.
Best Gentle Fiberglass Tub Cleaner: Dish Soap and Water
If your fiberglass tub is in excellent condition with no stains or discoloration, the best cleaner is a mixture of dish soap and water. Dish soap is a pH-neutral product that breaks down dirt and grime without affecting the surface.
To clean your tub with dish soap, dampen a sponge or microfiber cloth, add a couple of drops of soap, suds up the sponge, and wipe the tub and surround. Rinse well afterward.
Best Natural: Vinegar and Baking Soda
You can use vinegar and baking soda to clean and deodorize a fiberglass tub. Start by adding 1 part white distilled vinegar and 1 part water to a spray bottle. Next, spray the shower, allow it to sit for ten minutes, and then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.
To tackle stains, mix baking soda and water in a bowl until a paste forms. Apply the paste to a microfiber cloth and rub the stain using circular motions. Rinse afterward.
You can also use baking soda and vinegar to deodorize and clean the shower drain.
Best Stain Remover: Magic Eraser
Tackle stubborn stains on a fiberglass tub with a damp Magic Eraser. You can use the standard or bathroom versions that erase soap scum.
Best for Soap Scum: Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover
If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned the tub and it’s full of soap scum, try Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover. It will break down heavy soap scum with no scrubbing required.
Spray this on your tub and shower walls, wait 3 minutes, and rinse away. Depending on the severity of the build-up, you may need to treat your tub twice.
Best for Mold and Mildew: CLR Mold and Mildew Clear
Mold and mildew stains are tough to remove from fiberglass tubs, but not impossible. While bleach is one of the best cleaners for brightening and removing mold, it’s a bit harsh for fiberglass.
Try treating your mold and mildew stains with vinegar and baking soda. If that doesn’t work, rinse the tub well and use a product like CLR Mold and Mildew Clear. It’s a bleach-free spray that is safe for fiberglass and can remove mold stains from your tub.
Here’s what to do:
- Spray the solution on the mold stains
- Allow the cleaner to sit for ten minutes
- Wipe away with a cloth
- Rinse
Cleaners to Never Use on Fiberglass
Avoid using stiff-bristled scrub brushes, scrubbing pads, and abrasive cleaners on your fiberglass tub. Also, avoid bleach, as it can discolor your tub over time.
How to Keep Your Fiberglass Tub White
To keep your fiberglass white, avoid using harsh or acidic cleaners.
Start by deep cleaning the bathtub and tackling stains with one of the methods above. Then, keep up the routine by washing your bathtub at least once per week using a mild cleaner like dish soap and water.
To prevent dirt, mold, and soap scum, spritz your fiberglass tub with a tub and tile cleaner and rinse off after each use. Also, remember to run the bathroom exhaust fan so that high humidity and excess moisture don’t get trapped in the bathroom.
FAQs
What is the best cleaning product to use on a fiberglass tub? ›
Best Natural: Vinegar and Baking Soda
You can use vinegar and baking soda to clean and deodorize a fiberglass tub. Start by adding 1 part white distilled vinegar and 1 part water to a spray bottle. Next, spray the shower, allow it to sit for ten minutes, and then wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Dishwashing detergent.
- Power Bathroom Cleaner.
- CLR® Bath & Kitchen® Cleaner.
- Formula 409® All-Purpose Cleaner.
- Iron Out® Rust Stain Remover.
Rinse the fiberglass bathtub with the help of cold water and wipe away the excess water with the help of a paper towel. Now you can use a magic eraser to wipe away all the stains and dirt once again.
Does Dawn dish soap clean fiberglass tub? ›That's right: Grab your dish soap and a broom, and you might be as pleasantly surprised as we were to learn that Dawn is apparently just as effective at banishing bathtub scum as it is at removing all that grime and grease from your dishes and pans. Plus, this technique is equal parts simple and fast!
What should you not use on a fiberglass tub? ›A: The nice thing about fiberglass tubs and showers is that no matter how dirty they become, they are fairly easy to clean. Be careful not to use any abrasives on the fiberglass, such as scouring pads, steel wool or gritty cleaning solutions. “Soft Scrub” may be used sparingly on soap scum buildup.
How do professionals clean tubs? ›Sprinkle baking soda on all tub surfaces. For extra-dirty tubs, use tub-and-tile cleaner instead. Fill your bucket with a half-gallon of hot water and two tablespoons of dish soap. Dip a scrub sponge or a stiff nylon brush into the bucket, and scrub all bathtub surfaces.
Is Dawn safe for acrylic tubs? ›Cleaning Method 1: Use an acrylic-safe cleaning product.
Some of the more popular brand names that are perfect to use include: Formula 409® All-Purpose Cleaner. Dawn® Dish Soap (or Your Favorite Brand) CLR® Bath and Kitchen Cleaner.
For acrylic bathtubs
Our 7-step bathtub cleaning guide will work well for acrylic tubs, since baking soda and Dawn Dish Soap are considered to be gentle cleaning solutions. For tougher stains on your acrylic tub, you can fill the tub with hot water and mix in a few cups of white vinegar.
Avoid cleansers and other solutions not approved for use with acrylic tubs, such as Scrubbing Bubbles, Goof Off, aerosol cleansers, paint removers and any type of thinners of acetones. We recommend using the following: Simply wash off with clean water or liquid dish soap such as Joy, Palmolive, or similar.
Will baking soda scratch fiberglass tub? ›Opt for non-abrasive cleaners such as dish and laundry detergents, household all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, or baking soda. Avoid abrasive cleaning products, such as scouring powders, since these can cause damage to your fiberglass bathtub or shower.
Will bleach damage fiberglass tub? ›
Whether or not bleach can damage a bathtub will depend on its material. Fiberglass, white porcelain, ceramic, stone, and cultured marble are bleach friendly and will not become damaged. Wooden, acrylic, cast iron, and copper bathtubs can not be cleaned with bleach, as they will become damaged.
Can you use SOS pads on fiberglass tubs? ›Shower/bathtub floor
“The steel wool pad will likely scratch the finish of the tub leaving black and gray marks.” You should also avoid using them on your tub or shower if it's made of fiberglass; they'll be too abrasive for a fiberglass surface.
August 16, 2021. Don't hide your shower or tub from guests because you're embarrassed about rust stains, mildewy grout, or marred surfaces. Bar Keepers Friend cleans porcelain, tile, fiberglass, and more.
What is the best way to clean a fiberglass shower? ›Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge when cleaning. A textured sponge will scratch or damage surfaces. Clean the shower weekly with a mild cleanser and water to prevent soap scum and grime build-up. Wet & Forget Shower is a no-scrub weekly shower cleaner that is gentle on acrylic and fiberglass surfaces.
How do you rejuvenate a fiberglass tub? ›Homemade Fiberglass Tub Cleaners
For weekly cleanings, pour 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle. Spray this right on the fiberglass surfaces and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Scrub gently with a nonabrasive sponge and rinse with clean water.
It's one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install. This super lightweight material is commonly used in two-story homes because there is no need to install additional support between the bathtub and the floor. Fiberglass tubs have a life span of 10-15 years.
How do you deep clean a fiberglass tub? ›Before you give up on trying to scrub away the stains, try the cleaning process Home Depot recommends for tough stains on fiberglass: Smear on a paste of baking soda and water, and cover that with a towel soaked in vinegar. Wait one hour, then rub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse. Wipe again with a clean microfiber cloth.
How do you clean a heavily soiled tub? ›Combine two parts vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and spray the entire bathtub. Allow this soaking solution to sit in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes. For tough stains: place a towel soaked in a vinegar and baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide onto the stain(s) and allow the towel to sit for up to one hour.
How do you clean a bathtub that hasn't been cleaned in years? ›Create a 1:1 mixture of baking soda and dish soap and add a few drops of lemon juice. Mix until it becomes foamy. Using a sponge, coat the tub with the solution and let it sit for 30 minutes. With a wet sponge, clean the tub from top to bottom, allowing the dirty water to run down into the tub.
Will vinegar hurt acrylic tub? ›Cleaning Tips for Acrylic Bathtubs
In order to clean your tub properly and keep it safe, you can use such products as baking soda, borax powder, shampoo and white vinegar. These things are absolutely safe not just for the acrylic bathtub, but for your skin as well.
What is the difference between fiberglass and acrylic tubs? ›
Bottom line is that acrylic is a stronger material than fiberglass. Acrylic tubs effectively resist wear and tear for years on end, while fiberglass is prone to scratching and cracking. Fiberglass also fades more quickly, especially if exposed to sunlight coming in through a window.
Is Simple Green safe for acrylic tubs? ›A: Simple Green Lime Scale Remover is safe and effective for cleaning acrylic tubs.
Is Bar Keepers Friend safe for acrylic tub? ›Acrylic - As per instructions by this article from Edmond Bathtub Refinishing, Bar Keepers Friend is their recommended cleaner for any acrylic bathtub finish. The professionals know best.
How do you clean an acrylic fiberglass tub? ›Clean the bathing area with a soft cloth, sponge (safe for Teflon surface) or soft brush and warm water. To soften mineral deposits, use a solution of vinegar and water. Always thoroughly rinse with warm water after cleaning.
How do I make my dull acrylic tub shine? ›To keep your acrylic tub looking shiny and clean, it's recommended to apply automotive wax a few times a year. To do this, apply a thin layer of wax to the bathtub with a clean cloth. Then, work in the wax until the entire tub is covered.
Is Mrs Meyers safe for acrylic tubs? ›A: Mrs Meyer's is safe for all surfaces. Be sure to dilute the solution in water before using.
How do you clean an acrylic tub with Dawn? ›Pour a generous amount of dish soap into your tub and then start scrubbing with the broom. The stiff plastic bristles will deliver a deep clean, even against tough stains. When you're done, rinse the tub and you're all set.
Are Lysol wipes safe for acrylic tubs? ›The best way to clean a bathtub
For tubs that are made of acrylic, porcelain, enamelled steel, fiberglass and cast iron, Lysol® has you covered.
Vinegar and Common Bathtub Materials
Unless your bathtub is made from stone resin, stone tiles or metal, you actually may want to stay away from both baking soda or vinegar, as the heavy scrubbing from both substances will eventually damage the enamel coating on your bathtub.
To clean mold in showers, add 1 cup of bleach to 2 cups of water. Pour that shower mold cleaner solution into a spray bottle, spray the area and allow it to sit for five minutes at minimum. Wipe it with a clean cloth and see if there is any mold or mildew left.
How do you clean a shower with Dawn and vinegar? ›
Pour equal parts of vinegar and Dawn into a spray bottle. Gently shake, then spray liberally onto the surface to be cleaned. I have found the best results is when I use it to clean chrome shower and sink fixtures. After spraying on the fixture, rub and wipe it with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching.
Does Miracle Method work on fiberglass tubs? ›Fortunately, Miracle Method can repair the cracks, stop the leaks, restore the color and return your fiberglass tub and shower to its original beauty and appearance. Using the most advanced resins and materials, we can rebuild and patch most any hole, crack, or damage.
Which is better Brillo or SOS? ›What happens when you compare S.O.S® Soap Pads to Brillo® Soap Pads? Lab testing shows that S.O.S® Soap Pads last longer, have more soap, and clean faster!
Can you use steel wool to clean fiberglass tub? ›Never use any abrasive scrub pads, hard tools, or steel wool to rub or scrub the surface of the bathtub. This can cause the bathtub to crack and start showing marks and scratches.
Can you make a fiberglass tub look new again? ›Homemade Fiberglass Tub Cleaners
For weekly cleanings, pour 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle. Spray this right on the fiberglass surfaces and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Scrub gently with a nonabrasive sponge and rinse with clean water.
Make a cleaning paste by mixing one part of hydrogen peroxide and two part of baking soda. Put this paste on tough stains and let it sit for about 60 minutes. Then, take a soft sponge and rub the surface gently. After that, remove the paste and wash your acrylic tub with clean water.
Can you use Windex on fiberglass tub? ›Can you use Windex on fiberglass tub? Most Windex glass and multi-surface cleaners are crafted from detergents, solvents, fragrance, even ammonia. But despite all these ingredients, it should not hurt your hot tub. Harsh chemicals such as Comet must never be used on acrylic surfaces.
How do you polish a dull fiberglass tub? ›- In order to polish the surface, you need to sand down the entire tub or the areas that need polished. Use 2000 grit wet or dry sandpaper. ...
- Thoroughly dry off the tub before applying any compounds. ...
- Once you've achieved the level of shine desired, use an electric buffer to smooth out the surface.
- It's like bleach—but better! ...
- Soak a rag in a hydrogen peroxide solution (1 parts hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water), and apply liberally to the entire fiberglass shower.
- Let it sit overnight.
- Rinse the fiberglass shower with hot water.
- Use your squeegee to scrape any remaining water droplets.
That's right: Grab your dish soap and a broom, and you might be as pleasantly surprised as we were to learn that Dawn is apparently just as effective at banishing bathtub scum as it is at removing all that grime and grease from your dishes and pans. Plus, this technique is equal parts simple and fast!
What happens when you mix vinegar and Dawn dish soap? ›
“Vinegar is a good cleaner because it's acidic, but when you add dishwashing liquid/dish soap to it (which is a base or neutral) - you neutralise the vinegar. You take away the very thing that makes it work well. “The dishwashing liquid works that well on its own. Adding the vinegar is a pointless step.”
Why does blue Dawn and vinegar work? ›The reason? Dawn contains petroleum. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works. Vinegar removes residue and imparts shine.
Can you use Mr clean Magic Eraser on acrylic bathtub? ›Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath is safe to use on acrylic tubs, but definitely skip the bleach. If you're going to use a ready-made cleaner on your acrylic tub, carefully read the label to make sure it won't damage the tub's surface.
Can you use dawn on acrylic tubs? ›Cleaning Method 1: Use an acrylic-safe cleaning product.
Some of the more popular brand names that are perfect to use include: Formula 409® All-Purpose Cleaner. Dawn® Dish Soap (or Your Favorite Brand)