Cleaning an acrylic bathtub is a necessary but sometimes difficult task to do correctly. Acrylic bathtubs are one of the most common types of tubs, but they can be easily damaged by the strong chemicals found in everyday cleaning products. However, many cleaning products are safe for your acrylic bathtub and will leave it as clean as ever. We have researched and compiled a list of the best ones for you here.
When cleaning an acrylic tub, you need to use gentle, non-abrasive products. Here are the best acrylic bathtub cleaners to use:
- Better Life Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner
- Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
- Soft Scrub All-Purpose Surface Cleanser
- Clorox Bathroom Spray (Bleach-Free)
- Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner
- Arm & Hammer Scrub Free Bathroom Cleaner
- 409 All-Purpose Cleaner Spray
- Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid
- CLR Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner
- Iron Out Rust Stain Remover
The cleaning product is only half of the battle in effectively cleaning an acrylic bathtub. Other factors like choice of cleaning tool and cleaning method can make all the difference in avoiding bathtub damage. Continue reading to hear about these methods and for more information about the cleaning products listed above.
Acrylic Bathtub Cleaning Products
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First, it is important to understand the nature of acrylic and why some products are better than others when it comes to cleaning it. Acrylic is a type of plastic that is formed and heated to hold its shape. This makes it great for mass production and installation but causes it to be weaker than ceramic and other types of bathtub materials. Since it is a type of plastic, acrylic is easily damaged through scratching or harsh chemicals.
To avoid scratching or damaging acrylic surfaces, it is best to use gentle cleaning tools like the soft side of a sponge or a microfiber cloth. Staying away from bristly brushes and pumice stones, which are better suited for ceramic tubs, is also crucial to preserving acrylic. Excessive scrubbing with a tool like this can be damaging.
When possible, use products that require no scrubbing. This gets rid of the risk of physical damage to the acrylic surface. To avoid chemical damage, select gentle cleaning products. These products are typically bleach-free and non-abrasive. Natural products are usually the safest. Even if a product is chemically safe, nearly all cleaning product companies recommend testing the product on a small area of the tub before proceeding.
Here are some examples of safe-to-use, effective cleaning products for acrylic tubs:
1. Better Life Natural Tub & Shower Cleaner
With over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, the praise for this cleaner couldn't be any stronger. The brand prioritizes household health and the well-being of the environment; therefore, their products don't contain any harsh chemicals. The lack of bleach and other chemicals make it perfect for acrylic. This product will take care of stains, rust, and soap scum without damaging the acrylic.
Click here to see Better Life products on Amazon.
2. Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
This product hits all of our targets for an acrylic cleaner because it is bleach-free and requires no scrubbing. Wet & Forget is perfect for busy people because you simply spray the product in the tub, wait at least 8-12 hours, and then rinse. As a more preventative bathtub cleaner, it will protect and extend the life of an acrylic tub.
Click here to see Wet & Forget on Amazon.
3. Soft Scrub All-Purpose Shower Cleanser
As a multi-surface cleaner, Soft Scrub is safe on many household surfaces, including acrylic bathtubs. The product is efficient in removing soap scum, grime, and hard water stains. Its claim to fame is cutting through grease on the first wipe of the sponge. As the title suggests, it is soft on surfaces, including acrylic.
Click here to see Soft Scrub on Amazon.
4. Clorox Bathroom Spray (Bleach-Free)
Clorox is one of the more well-known cleaning product brands, usually for bleach-based disinfectants. This softer non-bleach bathroom spray is perfect for the soap scum that can build up on acrylic bathtubs. So, even though this version has no bleach, it still retains its characteristic disinfectant power.
Click here to see Clorox Bathroom Spray on Amazon.
5. Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner
Similar to the second product on this list, Clean Shower is also a preventative cleaner meant to prevent soap scum and other stains. It is also another product that does not require any scrubbing. Simply spray the bathtub and let it go to work removing stains and preventing mildew growth.
Click here to see Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner on Amazon.
6. Arm & Hammer Scrub Free Bathroom Cleaner
The Scrub Free Bathroom Cleaner from Arm & Hammer contains Oxi-Clean as a bonus. This added agent foams on contact with the surface of the tub, fighting stains and soap scum without the need for scrubbing. The foam does all the work and prevents damaging the acrylic.
Click here to see Scrub Free with Oxi Clean on Amazon.
7. 409 All-Purpose Cleaner Spray
Similar to the Clorox Bathroom Spray, this 409 All-Purpose Cleaner Spray is an antibacterial product designed for use on multiple household surfaces. It also contains no abrasive chemicals, so it won't cause any wear on the acrylic tub. It is perfect for general routine cleaning.
Click here to see 409 All-Purpose Cleaner Spray on Amazon.
8. Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid
It is well-known that Dawn dishwashing soap is incredibly powerful on grease and pans that have food stuck on them. However, the soap can also be used to clean acrylic bathtubs. It is effective at cutting through bathtub grime and since it's gentle enough to use on plates, it's gentle enough for acrylic surfaces. Dawn may require more scrubbing than some of the other options on the list, so make sure to use a soft sponge or cloth.
Click here to see Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid on Amazon.
9. CLR Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner
If your bathtub has some particularly difficult build-up or grime, a heavier product may be necessary. CLR Pro is a multi-purpose degreaser with industrial strength. That being said, it still doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that will damage an acrylic bathtub.
Click here to see CLR Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner on Amazon.
10. Iron Out Rust Stain Remover
Another heavy-duty cleaner worth mentioning on the list is Iron Out. Designed and marketed as a rust stain remover, it is also effective on soap scum and other bathtub stains caused by iron-rich hard water. As with every product on this list, Iron Out does not contain any abrasive chemicals, making it completely safe for use on acrylic bathtubs.
Click here to see Iron Out Rust Stain Remover on Amazon.
Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?
Some bathtub materials, like fiberglass, can turn yellow over time and continuous use. Fortunately, acrylic is designed to prevent the build-up of mildew and retain its color throughout its lifetime. The biggest risk carried by acrylic tubs is chemical and physical damage.
How do you get stains out of an acrylic bathtub?
To remove stains from an acrylic bathtub, multiple products may need to be used depending on the stain's severity. We suggest starting with some of the cleaning products mentioned above that do not require scrubbing. If the stain remains after trying one of those products, use a heavy-duty cleaner like CLR Pro or Iron Out.
Can you use Scrubbing Bubbles on an acrylic tub?
Scrubbing Bubbles has a list of surface types that are approved for use listed on the back of the can. Unfortunately, acrylic is not one of those listed materials. This means that Scrubbing Bubbles has not been approved by the manufacturer for use on acrylic bathtubs due to some potentially damaging chemicals contained in the product.
In Closing
There are many safe product options for cleaning an acrylic bathtub as long as you pair them with soft sponges and gentle methods. This list will keep you prepared for different stain types and levels of severity. Having one or two of them in your cabinet will ensure that your bathtub is always perfectly clean.
Check out our other posts on acrylic bathroom surfaces:
Acrylic Bathtubs Pros And Cons: What Homeowners Need To Know
6 Simple Steps To Clean An Acrylic Shower Base
FAQs
How do you make an acrylic tub white?
Acrylic tubs can be kept white by regularly cleaning and sanitizing them with mild detergent and warm water. Occasionally, use a mild abrasive cleaner to help keep the tub white and rinse thoroughly. For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to scrub the stain away. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the acrylic.
How do you get the yellow out of an acrylic tub?
You can use a combination of baking soda, white vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide to remove yellow discoloration from an acrylic tub. First, make a paste of baking soda and white vinegar and apply it to the yellow area. Let it sit for several minutes, then scrub the area with a non-abrasive sponge. Finally, spray the area with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it away.
Why is my acrylic bathtub turning yellow?
Acrylic bathtubs can turn yellow over time due to exposure to UV light, chemical cleaners, and hard water deposits. Use soft, non-abrasive cleaners to prevent yellowing and avoid harsh chemical and bleaching agents. Also, regularly wipe down and dry the tub after use and keep the tub covered or covered with a shower curtain when not in use.
How do I get my dingy tub white again?
You can try several methods to make your dingy tub white again. You can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which will act as a mild abrasive to remove any built-up soap scum and mildew. You can also use a commercial cleaner explicitly designed for tubs and showers. These often contain bleach or potent cleaning agents that can help remove stubborn stains. Finally, you can use a pumice stone to scrub any tough stains.
