Maya Ellison
White plastic can turn yellow over time due to a variety of factors, including exposure to light, oils, dyes in soap or shampoo, hard water deposits, and surface grime. While it may be challenging to restore heavily discoloured plastic, there are several methods to whiten a plastic shower floor. Some common approaches include using a mixture of bleach and water, applying a paste made from baking soda and vinegar, or employing a tub and shower refinishing kit. Additionally, a technique called retr0brighting involves bleaching yellowed plastics with hydrogen peroxide and exposing them to UV light.
How to whiten plastic shower floor
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of discolouration | Exposure to light, oils, surface grime, dyes in soap or shampoo, hard water deposits, and UV light |
| Cleaning products | Comet cleaner, mild detergent, baking soda, vinegar, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, borax, dish soap, shampoo |
| Tools | Sponge, plastic scrubbing pad, microfibre cloth, toothbrush, scourer sponge, paper towels, plastic gloves, sponge paint roller, sunglasses, plastic wrap, tape, rubber gloves, goggles |
| Techniques | Soaking, scrubbing, rinsing, air drying, retr0brighting, repainting |
| Precautions | Avoid using corrosive or abrasive products or tools to prevent further discolouration or scratches |
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What You'll Learn
Use a mild detergent and allow the plastic to air dry
Plastic shower floors can turn yellow over time due to a variety of factors, including surface grime, dyes in soap or shampoo, hard water deposits, and exposure to UV light. While some of these factors may cause permanent discolouration, there are several methods you can use to try and restore your plastic shower floor to its original white colour. One such method involves the use of a mild detergent and allowing the plastic to air dry.
First, it is important to choose a suitable mild detergent. Dishwashing detergent is a good option, as it is non-abrasive and can effectively remove surface grime and some dyes. Mix about an ounce of dishwashing detergent with a gallon of water, creating a dilute solution that is gentle yet powerful enough to tackle stubborn stains. You can also use a small amount of liquid soap or bubble bath with a microfibre cloth to gently clean the surface.
Next, apply the detergent solution to a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad. Ensure that the scrubbing pad is non-abrasive to prevent scratching the plastic surface. Start scrubbing the affected areas of the plastic shower floor gently but firmly. This step may require some elbow grease, especially if you are dealing with stubborn stains.
Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the plastic shower floor thoroughly with clean water. It is important to remove all traces of the detergent solution to ensure that no residue is left behind. Pay close attention to corners and crevices, where residue may accumulate.
Finally, allow the plastic shower floor to air dry completely. Avoid using towels or cloths to dry the surface, as this can introduce new contaminants or cause streaking. Air drying ensures that the plastic surface is given ample time to return to its original state without interference.
While using a mild detergent and air drying is a gentle and effective method for whitening a plastic shower floor, it may not produce drastic results for severe discolouration. For more intensive treatments, you may consider using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or even specialised products like a tub and shower refinishing kit or hydrogen peroxide for a process called "retr0brighting". However, always exercise caution when using new products, and be sure to test them on a small area first to ensure they do not cause further discolouration or damage.
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Bleach with a solution of water and paper towels
To whiten a plastic shower floor, one method is to use a diluted bleach solution. This can be done by mixing one tablespoon (15 ml) of bleach with one cup (240 ml) of water. It is important to first test this solution on a small area of the plastic to ensure it does not cause discolouration. If the solution is effective and the plastic is not harmed, cover the floor with the solution and let it sit for 1-2 hours.
When handling bleach, it is important to take safety precautions. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area. After the solution has been allowed to sit, it should be rinsed off with soap and water. This process may need to be repeated if the stain persists.
Another method is to use a paste made from baking soda and water. This paste should be rubbed into the plastic with a sponge or paper towel, pressing firmly to ensure the paste gets inside the pores of the plastic. The paste should then be left to sit for a day before being rinsed off with water. This method is recommended by green cleaning expert Susan Stocker, who suggests applying more paste after scrubbing to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
For more stubborn stains, a stronger bleach solution can be used. Equal parts water and bleach can be mixed and left to sit overnight on the stain. This should then be rinsed and left outside in the sun for two days to remove the smell of bleach and help lift the stain.
It is important to note that bleach may not be suitable for all plastics and can be corrosive, potentially causing further discolouration. Alternative methods for whitening plastic include using vinegar, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide.
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Apply a paste of baking soda and bleach
When it comes to whitening a plastic shower floor, there are a few methods you can try. One common suggestion is to create a paste using baking soda and bleach. This method can be effective, but it's important to exercise caution when working with bleach due to the risks associated with mixing it with certain substances.
To make the paste, use a ratio of around one part bleach to three parts baking soda. This mixture will result in a substance that can be spread onto the plastic shower floor. The paste should be thick enough to adhere to the surface without dripping or running off.
Before applying the paste, ensure that the shower floor is clean and free of any other cleaning products, especially vinegar. This is crucial because mixing bleach with certain substances, such as vinegar, can produce dangerous and toxic fumes. Therefore, always exercise caution and work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach.
Once the paste is applied, let it sit for a while. The duration may vary depending on the severity of the stains. For tough stains, you may need to let the paste work for several hours. After the paste has had sufficient time to work, scrub it off using a non-abrasive sponge or scrubbing pad. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers, as these can scratch and dull the surface of your plastic shower floor.
The baking soda and bleach paste method can be an effective way to remove tough stains, mould, and mildew from your plastic shower floor. However, always proceed with caution when using bleach, and if the discolouration is due to a change in the plastic itself, you may need to consider repainting the surface to restore its original colour.
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Use a refinishing kit from a hardware store
If your plastic shower floor has discoloured, you can restore its appearance by purchasing a tub and shower refinishing kit from a hardware store. These kits contain paint specially designed for use on acrylic and fibreglass, as well as chemicals to prepare the plastic.
Before you begin the refinishing process, ensure you clean the shower floor thoroughly. You can use a sharp razor scraper to remove layers of caked-on soap scum and any caulking on the curb, sides, or floor of the shower base. Then, mix trisodium phosphate (TSP) with warm water and wash the shower floor before rinsing well. The TSP may come with your refinishing kit, but if not, you will need to purchase it separately. It is caustic, so be sure to wear rubber gloves.
Once the shower floor is clean, you can begin the refinishing process. If there are any cracks or holes, you will need to fill them using a repair kit, which typically contains two-part epoxy filler, application tools, and sometimes fibreglass mesh cloth for patching large holes. Mix the epoxy filler and apply it to the affected areas, following the instructions provided in the kit.
After the filler has dried, you can start preparing the surface for painting. Use masking tape and paper to protect the areas around the shower base and on the shower walls directly above the base. Then, use sandpaper to scuff the entire shower base, dulling the finish. If your refinishing kit includes a primer, apply it with an abrasive cloth or kitchen scrubber. Keep the area well-ventilated and wear a respirator while working.
Finally, mix the paint according to the manufacturer's instructions, adding the specified amount of hardener. You can also add a non-slip texture to the mixture if desired. Apply the paint to the shower base, following the directions provided in the kit. Allow the paint to dry completely before using the shower.
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Treat with vinegar and borax
To whiten your plastic shower floor, you can treat it with vinegar and borax. This method is also suitable for cleaning ceramic, porcelain tiles, fiberglass, or acrylic shower floors.
First, heat some white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot but not too hot to handle. Pour the heated vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar liberally onto the shower floor, especially on the discoloured areas. Wait for around 10 to 15 minutes, then moisten a scrubbing sponge with more vinegar and scrub the shower floor.
Next, combine vinegar with borax to make a paste. You can also add baking soda to this mixture for extra cleaning power. Spread the paste liberally onto the discoloured areas of the shower floor. You may need to spray the paste periodically with more vinegar to keep it wet. Leave the paste on the shower floor for around an hour, then scrub it off with a brush or sponge.
Finally, thoroughly rinse the shower floor with clean water to remove any remaining paste and vinegar residue. Make sure to also rinse the grout lines. Use a handheld showerhead or a bucket of water for rinsing. Dry the floor with a squeegee or towel. Properly ventilate the bathroom to allow the shower floor to air dry completely.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to whiten a plastic shower floor. You can use a mild detergent, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or a specialised tub and shower refinishing kit. You can also try a mixture of bleach and water, applied with a paper towel, or a paste made from bleach, baking soda and water, applied with a brush.
Household products that can be used to whiten a plastic shower floor include vinegar, baking soda, and bleach.
The best method for whitening a plastic shower floor depends on the severity of the discolouration. For mild discolouration, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or a mild detergent may be sufficient. For more severe discolouration, a paste made from bleach, baking soda and water, or a specialised tub and shower refinishing kit may be more effective.
Yes, lemon juice can be used as a natural whitener for plastic shower floors. Simply cut a lemon in half and scrub the shower floor with the lemon, or soak a cloth in lemon juice and use it to wipe down the floor.
To prevent your plastic shower floor from turning yellow, avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers, as these can discolour and scratch the surface. Also, try to minimise the amount of UV light that the plastic is exposed to, as this can cause discolouration over time.
