How to Scrub Your Acrylic Bathtub and Keep It Clean

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Remove water spots, mold, mildew, and rust from your acrylic bathtub
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Acrylic tubs can scratch easily, so to remove stains and clean your tub every week, use natural products like vinegar, baking soda and lemon. You can also buy gentle commercial cleaners designed for acrylic tubs. All you need to do is apply your cleaning product and scrub with a sponge or soft cloth, then rinse with hot water and polish with a dry cloth. Keep reading for all the best ways to clean your acrylic bathtub and shower.

Cleaning an Acrylic Tub

Baking soda or cream of tartar are great agents to clean an acrylic tub with. Rinse the tub with water and sprinkle the surface with baking soda. Fill a bucket with hot water and dish soap, then dip a sponge or cloth in the mixture and scrub the tub from top to bottom. Rinse with hot water and dry with a soft cloth.

Section 1 of 9:

Using Dish Soap & Baking Soda

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  1. Baking soda can get rid of mildew, soap scum, and rust. Rinse your tub with hot water to get rid of any dirt, hair, or debris. Sprinkle the walls and bottom of the bathtub with baking soda, making sure to cover the drain, the faucet, and the handles. [1]
    • Baking soda is a non-abrasive cleaner that can safely clean acrylic tubs.
  2. Fill a bucket with hot water and a couple of drops of a gentle dish soap. Dip a cloth or sponge in the solution and scrub the surface of the tub. [2]
    • If you notice any especially hard-to-get stains, sprinkle more baking soda directly on your sponge or cloth and scrub.
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  3. Rinse the entire tub with hot water. If there are still stains left behind, repeat this process. Use a soft dry cloth to dry the surface of the tub, the handles, and the faucet. [3]
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Section 2 of 9:

Using Shampoo

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  1. Rinse any hair, dirt, or soap down the drain with warm water. Dip a damp cloth in baby shampoo and scrub the tub, making sure to wash the faucet, handles, and drain. [4]
    • Scrub the walls in circles and rinse the rag often to remove any accumulated soap. Repeat until the tub is clean. [5]
    • Alternatively, use your own shampoo. Shampoo can remove soap scum and add extra shine to chrome fixtures. [6]
  2. Rinse the surface of the tub with warm water, making sure no residue is left behind. Use a clean dry rag to polish the surface of the tub. [7]
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Section 3 of 9:

Using Vinegar & Baking Soda

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  1. Remove any toiletries and rinse the tub with water to remove any hair or leftover soap deposits. Sprinkle baking soda all over the wet surface of the tub. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the tub—the baking soda will form a paste, removing soap scum, mildew, and stains. [8]
    • If you have large hard-to-clean stains, mix baking soda and water to create a paste, then use a sponge to apply it. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. [9]
  2. Mix 2 parts water with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle, spray the surface of the tub, and scrub the walls. [10] You can also use a sponge dipped in the solution to scrub the walls. The vinegar will activate the baking soda to help remove any stains. [11]
    • Optionally, add a little bit of dish soap to the spray bottle to make sure no residue is left behind. [12]
    • Use an unused toothbrush to scrub around the faucets and in tight corners. [13]
  3. Use a detachable shower head or fill a bowl with water to rinse down the walls of the bathtub until no baking soda or vinegar is left. Reapply baking soda to any leftover stains and scrub over them. Repeat until the entire tub is clean. [14]
    • To remove soap scum from the shower head, unscrew it and soak it in the vinegar water solution or tie a bag filled with vinegar around the head and let it soak for 30 minutes. Scrub the head with a toothbrush. [15]
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Section 4 of 9:

Using Lemon & Baking Soda

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  1. This works great if you’re looking to quickly scrub down your bathtub and treat soap scum stains. Wash any grime in the tub away with hot water. Cut a whole lemon in half and dip it in baking soda. Use the lemon to wash the tub, scrubbing any tough stains. [16]
    • Alternatively, mix 1 part baking soda and 1 part dish soap, then add a few drops of lemon juice. Scoop the mixture with a wet sponge and clean the tub from top to bottom. [17]
  2. Rinse the entire tub down with hot water to remove all the leftover grime and baking soda. If any stains remain, repeat this process until they’re gone. [18]
    • To remove hard-water spots from your fixtures, rub a freshly cut lemon on them and buff with a clean cloth. [19]
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Section 5 of 9:

Using Vinegar

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  1. Fill the tub with hot water and pour in 2 cups (470 mL) of distilled white vinegar. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then drain the tub. [20]
    • Alternatively, add 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water to a spray bottle, then spray the surface of the tub. Wait 15 minutes, then scrub with a clean sponge. [21]
    • Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of dish detergent or gentle dish soap. [22]
  2. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the tub from top to bottom. Wash away any leftover vinegar with hot water, then use a dry cloth to polish the surface. [23]
    • Optionally, sprinkle baking soda over the tub and scrub with a bucket of warm water and dish soap to make sure no vinegar residue remains. [24]
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Section 6 of 9:

Using Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda

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  1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are great for spot-treating mildew or mold spots. [25] Make a paste with 2 parts baking soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide, then use a sponge or cloth to apply it to the stains on your tub. [26]
    • Alternatively, make a paste with cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide.
    • This paste also makes a great grout cleaner for showers. Just add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of dish soap and use a grout brush or old toothbrush to scrub around the tiles. Rinse the area with water. [27]
  2. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe the baking soda off the tub and rinse the walls with clean water. If a stain is still there, repeat these steps until it’s gone. [28]
    • After you’re done, wipe the tub down with a rag to make sure it’s dry.
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Section 7 of 9:

Choosing Commercial Cleaning Products

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  1. A cream cleaner like Soft Scrub can get rid of soap scum and other stains. To get rid of heavy stains, apply the cleaner with a cloth or sponge and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing the area. [29]
    • When using any commercial cleaner, carefully read the label to make sure it’s safe for acrylic tubs. [30]
  2. Wet a melamine sponge with water, squeeze it out, then scrub your entire bathtub, including any stubborn stains. [31] Rinse any remaining product down the drain with hot water.
    • Make sure the melamine sponge you buy doesn’t contain bleach. [32]
  3. Check the label on bathroom cleaners to make sure it’s safe on acrylic. You can also check with your tub manufacturer for a list of approved commercial cleaners to use on the tub. [33] Here are some of the best cleaners for acrylic: [34]
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Section 8 of 9:

Cleaning Products to Avoid Using on an Acrylic Tub

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  1. Acrylic tubs can become damaged easily with chemical cleaners. Try to avoid using aerosol cleaners that come in cans or solvents (like acetone) or harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. [38]
  2. Cleaning tools like brushes, scrubbing pads, and the abrasive sides of sponges can cause scratches in your tub, [39] To avoid damaging your bathtub, use a gentle sponge or a soft cloth to clean it.
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Section 9 of 9:

Keeping Your Acrylic Tub Clean

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  1. Use one of these methods once a week to keep your tub clean and mold and mildew-free. [40]
    • Regular washing will also keep stains from forming in the acrylic tub and tile near the tub.
  2. Spray a daily shower cleaner over your tub and wipe it down with a sponge or cloth every day to prevent soap scum and other stains from forming. Apply the cleaner and dry the bath completely after you shower or bathe. [41]
    • Optionally, apply RainX (a car windshield water repellent) to your glass shower doors to keep them clean for longer. [42]
  3. When your bathtub drains slowly or clogs completely, take the cover off the drain. Push a plastic drain snake down the pipe, twist, and pull up the clog. [43] You can also pour 1 ⁄ 2 cup (0.12 L) of vinegar down the drain, then chase it with 1 cup (0.24 L) of heated vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then run hot tap water. [44]
    • If you leave cleanser or clog remover in the drain area, it could damage the acrylic surface.
  4. Most minor scratches can be easily repaired. However, if you’d like to skip that process and protect your tub from future stains and scratches, dip a cloth in car wax and apply it to the surface in circular motions. [45]
  5. Heat and tobacco from cigarettes can stain and damage an acrylic tub. [47] Try to avoid smoking in the tub or leaving cigarettes to burn on the edges. [48]
    • If you have cigarette burns or stains in your acrylic tub, you may need to sand and resurface the area. [49]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I clean tough water stains from around the jets in my Acrylic whirlpool tub? I have tried using a vinegar and baking soda paste but the water stains remain under the jets.
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    In addition to the vinegar and baking soda, try to use half of a lemon to fight the water stains. Apply the lemon directly to the stains, and then rinse and dry the area with a clean cloth.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    I have mold spots between the edge molding and the acrylic tub. I scrubbed them with vinegar and baking soda and a toothbrush, but some remain. What should I do?
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    You can try other cleaning elements such as bleach, borax, or hydrogen peroxide. Refer to "How to Remove Bathroom Mold" for instructions on trying these alternate methods.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 7
  • Question
    My acrylic tub is yellowing. How do I get it white again?
    Community Answer
    Have you tried the vinegar and baking soda mentioned in the beginning? If that doesn't work, you could try using them together, but dilute the vinegar with water first in the tub, then add the baking soda. They will foam like crazy, but are very effective for yellow stains. Mixed in a bucket, they will take hard scum off of shower doors, too.
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      Tips

      • Try to avoid using a scrub brush, scouring pad, or any other abrasive scrubber that can scratch up your acrylic tub. [50]
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      • Try to avoid using bleach, ammonia, or other abrasive cleaners that can damage your acrylic tub’s surface. [51]
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      • Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated by opening a window or running a fan while cleaning.
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      References

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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean an acrylic tub with natural products, start by filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. After 15 minutes, drain the tub and sprinkle it with baking soda while it’s still wet. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the tub. When you’re done scrubbing, rinse the tub with water. If you notice any lingering stains, rub half a lemon on them until they lift and then rinse the area with water. To learn how to use commercial products on an acrylic tub without damaging the surface, keep reading!

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