Your newly installed acrylic shower and bathtub may look fresh and clean now, but can get filthy and stained without regular cleaning. No one wants to wash up in a gross-looking shower or bathtub, and these stains may harbour harmful bacteria or deadly mold that can make us sick!
Acrylic is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the bathroom for its water resistant properties at an affordable price. Due to its composition, acrylic has the tendency to react with harsh and abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface and leave stains. To fully clean an acrylic shower and bathtub, use cleaning implements that are gentle on the surface.
How to Clean an Acrylic Shower
Cleaning acrylic shower areas is simple when you have the proper tools. Since the shower is used daily, it is constantly in contact with moisture, making the shower area the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow in. Maintain a routine cleaning schedule, starting off by wiping down your shower area after every bath to keep the place dry and minimize the chances of mold.
General Upkeep: Clean with Cleaning Solution
If you're going with the commercial route, there are plenty of cleaners in the market that are safe for any acrylic surface. Stay away from commercial cleaners that use abrasive or corrosive ingredients, and reach for non-abrasive options instead. We recommend using Formula 409® All-Purpose Cleaner, CLR® Bath and Kitchen Cleaner, or even Dawn® Dish Soap!
For general upkeep, we advise you to clean your acrylic shower area, including shower walls, with a non-abrasive cleaning product of your choice, following the manufacturer's instructions on proper usage. Some cleaning products may require you to let it sit for a few minutes for full cleaning effect, while others have a spray-and-stay formula that needs no rinsing.
Soap Scum: Clean with Vinegar
Vinegar makes for a power bathroom cleaner, and is a safe way to remove soap scum and hard water stains from acrylic showers. Vinegar also kills mold and mildew for a deeper cleaning effect. Avoid using vinegar if your shower sealant does not tolerate acids. Do a patch test on a small area of your shower to check whether vinegar corrodes the seal or varnish.
To clean your shower with vinegar, combine equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Liberally spray the solution around your shower floors, and shower walls. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes, and use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any loosened soap scum and mineral stains. Rinse out your shower area with warm water to remove any residue.
Stains and Discolouration: Use a Magic Eraser
The Magic Eraser works, well, just like magic! This product was created to remove any type of stain with just water. The special sponge is made from a fine, scrubbing material that contains mild amounts of cleaning product. Perfect for use on most surfaces, all you'll need to do is to add water to the sponge, and use it to scrub away at stained areas and discolouration.
We recommend using the Mr. Clean Magic Bathroom Eraser, as this product was formulated to combat the toughest of bathroom stains, while considering the materials commonly used in bathrooms. Reviews have deemed the product to work well, and clears away stains from different surfaces, including acrylic.
How to Clean an Acrylic Bathtub
Acrylic bathtubs are affordable options for homeowners who want a little luxury in their bathroom. Although bathtubs are not as frequently used as showers, you will need to clean your acrylic bathtub weekly to maintain its pristine condition, and to prevent unsightly rings or stains from growing around your acrylic bathtub.
General Upkeep: Clean with Cleaning Solution
Bathtub maintenance is often overlooked in bathroom cleaning, as the bathtub is not as frequently used as other bathroom fixtures. However, bathtub upkeep is just as important as maintaining other areas of your bathroom. You can make the task easier by using cleaning products available on the marketplace for convenient cleaning.
Spray bottle types, like Lysol® Power Bathroom Cleaner, are easier to control, and provide better coverage than regular bottled or powdered cleaning products. Bath Bomb type cleaners may be easy to use as you simply drop it into a tub filled with warm water, but keep in mind that coloured bath bombs can create stains of their own.
Stains and Rings: Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide does wonders in bringing back that lustrous whiteness of your acrylic tub. When mixed together with baking soda in a spray bottle, you can create a powerful all-purpose cleaner that is safe to use, even when in contact with skin.
Mix the two ingredients together in a bottle, and apply liberally to your bathtub, and leave the solution to sit for 15-30 minutes, and use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away at the stains and rings of your acrylic bathtub.
Deodorize: Clean with Lemon and Salt
Lemon and salt can clean and deodorize your acrylic bathtub, leaving behind a refreshing lemon scent. The acid in lemon effectively gets rid of discolouration, while the gentle abrasion of fine salt scrubs away dirt and grime.
To scrub your acrylic bathtub with lemon and salt, cut a lemon in half. Use one half to apply fine table salt to your acrylic bathtub, working in gentle, circular motions. Make sure to get around the entire bathtub surface area, including the drainage hole, grout, and even the faucet. Discard lemon afterwards, and rinse away the salt with warm water.
Helpful Tip: When using table salt, look for brands that have no added anti-caking agents, as these preservatives may cause chalky residue on your bathtub.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew
Mold presents many health hazards that may arise from inhaling their spores. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions that range from mild to severe, depending on the person, as well as respiratory problems due to inhalation of spores. Mold also makes the bathroom look dirty, smell musty, and feel gritty. To prevent the growth of mold, here are a few steps you can take:
- Wipe the shower area and bathtub dry after every use
- Clean your shower area and bathtub at least once a week
- Use a mold-killing solution to prevent mold spores from settling in crevices
- Keep acrylic surface dry
- Open exhaust fans during and after baths for better air circulation
For all your cleaning needs, we at Luce Home can provide you with top-notch service that can keep your home spotless. Our professional house cleaning experts are experienced in sanitizing all types of surfaces. Book your appointment today!
