Chloe Zhang
Plastic tub jets can turn yellow due to surface grime, dyes in soap or shampoo, and hard water deposits. To whiten plastic tub jets, one can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda, or bleach and dishwashing detergent. Another option is to use commercial products specifically designed for cleaning jetted tubs. For whitening the tub parts, a cream hair developer containing hydrogen peroxide can be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of discolouration | Sunlight/UV light, heat, and chemicals |
| Cleaning products | Salon Care 40 cream hair developer, vinegar, baking soda, bleach, commercial products |
| Cleaning tools | Brush, plastic wrap, gloves, safety glasses, soft cloth, dental floss |
| Cleaning process | Cleaning with household cleaner or alcohol, applying hair developer, covering jets, rinsing, scrubbing, rinsing again |
| Maintenance | Clean the tub about once a month |
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What You'll Learn
Use hydrogen peroxide
To whiten plastic tub jets using hydrogen peroxide, you can use either 3% or 12% hydrogen peroxide. The 3% solution is more readily available in drugstores or convenience stores, while the 12% solution can be found in Salon Care 40 cream hair developer, available at beauty supply stores.
Before applying the hydrogen peroxide, it is recommended to clean the plastic parts with a household cleaner or alcohol and let them dry. You can then apply the hydrogen peroxide in one of several ways:
- Soak the jets in a tub of hydrogen peroxide.
- Pour the hydrogen peroxide into a disposable cup and use a brush to apply a generous amount to the yellowed plastic parts.
- Combine two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide to create a thick paste, then smear it onto the stains.
If using the paste method, let it sit for 10 minutes to an hour before scrubbing and rinsing it away. If the stains remain, reapply the paste and try again. With the other methods, let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe the jets with a wet, clean, non-abrasive sponge. Repeat as needed until the yellowing is gone.
When working with hydrogen peroxide, it is important to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your skin and eyes.
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Try a hair developer
If your plastic tub jets have turned yellow, you can try a hair developer to whiten them. This method was discovered by vintage computer collectors who initially used a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda called Retrobrite. They later found that a hair developer achieved the same results without the extra step of mixing the solution.
Salon Care 40 cream hair developer, which contains 12% hydrogen peroxide, has been recommended by some online forums as a cheap and easy hack to whiten tub parts. However, it is important to note that there is a risk of the product melting the plastic. Before applying the hair developer, it is suggested to clean the plastic parts with a household cleaner or alcohol and let them dry.
To use the hair developer, pour some of the product into a disposable cup and apply a generous amount to the yellowed plastic parts with a brush. It is recommended to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes. Cover the jets with plastic wrap to keep the solution from drying and let it sit for 24 hours. Check the progress, and if needed, reapply the hair developer solution and let it sit for another 24 hours.
After the whitening is complete, remove the plastic wrap and thoroughly rinse away all the developer. Some forums recommend putting the pieces in the sun or using a UV light after applying the solution, as it is believed to speed up the lightening process.
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Bleach with UV light
If you want to whiten plastic tub jets using bleach and UV light, there are a few methods you can try. One common suggestion is to use hydrogen peroxide as a bleach, and a UV lamp or sunlight as a UV light source.
First, you will need to cover the affected surfaces with hydrogen peroxide. You can use a brush to apply the hydrogen peroxide to the yellowed plastic parts. You may want to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes.
Next, you will need to place the plastic tub jets under a UV light source. If you are using a UV lamp, ensure that the light reaches all areas evenly to keep the whitening effect uniform. If you are using sunlight, place the jets beside a window, and turn them regularly so that all sides are exposed.
The UV light activates the whitening reaction, and the hydroxyl radicals generated restore the original colour. This process can take some time, so you may need to leave the plastic tub jets under the UV light for a few hours or even a few days.
It is important to note that UV light can be dangerous, so if you are using a UV lamp, make sure to wear protection goggles and keep the area well-ventilated to avoid high ozone concentration.
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Clean with vinegar
Cleaning your bathtub jets with vinegar is a simple and effective way to remove mould, bacteria, and other debris. It is also a great way to prevent discolouration caused by surface grime, dyes in soap or shampoo, and hard water deposits.
To clean your bathtub jets with vinegar, start by filling the tub with hot water. You want the water level to be at least a couple of inches above the jets. If your tub is especially dirty, you can use hotter water. Once the tub is filled, add detergent or dish soap. You can use about 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid or 4 tablespoons of powdered dishwasher detergent. If using liquid detergent, opt for a low-foaming formulation to avoid a soapy mess.
Now, add the vinegar. For every gallon of water, mix in about 2 cups of white vinegar. You can also add 2 tablespoons of vinegar for every tablespoon of detergent you used. Close the air-induction valves unless your manufacturer recommends otherwise. Turn on the jets at the highest level and let them run for about 10 to 15 minutes. The water will start to get dirty as the vinegar and detergent break down the grime in the jets. If your tub hasn't been cleaned in a while, you may want to repeat this step, running the jets for 15 to 20 minutes each time.
Finally, drain the tub and refill it with warm water. This time, run the jets for 15 minutes with the valves open to flush out any remaining mould or bacteria.
For a more concentrated cleaning solution, you can mix vinegar and baking soda. Combine equal parts of both ingredients to form a paste. Apply the paste to any remaining stains and scrub with a brush or old toothbrush. Rinse the paste away with warm water.
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Repaint the plastic
If you want to repaint the plastic of your tub jets, you can use an epoxy coating, which is designed for use over ceramic, porcelain, and fibreglass. Before you start, you'll need to remove the tub's existing caulk and clean the bathtub to remove any dirt, scum, or debris. You should also use a bleach-and-water solution to eliminate any mildew. If there are any chips or cracks, you'll need to patch them before applying the new coat of paint.
Once the tub is clean, you'll need to roughen the surface with sandpaper to help the new paint adhere. You can use painter's tape to protect the faucet and other surrounding surfaces that you don't want to paint. If you plan to use a paint roller, you should remove any loose fibres from it to prevent them from ending up in the epoxy.
When you're ready to start painting, mix the epoxy coating according to the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into a paint tray. Before you begin coating the whole tub, test the epoxy's adhesion and appearance in a small, hidden area. After a successful test application, you can start coating the whole bathtub.
Epoxy can be applied with an airless sprayer or a high-quality, 1/4-inch nap roller. If you use a paint roller, you can also use a high-quality paintbrush to work the coating into tight spaces, such as corners and around the faucet. It's important to apply the coating lightly to prevent dripping or stroke marks, and to maintain a wet edge as you work. After you've applied the first coat, let it dry for 1-2 hours before adding a second light coat. Once the second coat has dried for an hour, you can remove the painter's tape.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda to clean and whiten plastic tub jets. First, wipe away any hair or debris from the tub and fill it with hot water so that the water level is about 3 inches above the jets. Next, add 2 cups of white vinegar and run the jets on high for 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and refill the tub with warm water, running the jets again for another 10-15 minutes to flush out any remaining gunk. Finally, sprinkle baking soda inside the tub and use a soft cloth to scrub away any remaining mold, mildew, or soap scum.
Yes, there are commercial jetted tub cleaners such as Oh Yuk and Whirl Out that are specifically designed to remove mold, mildew, and bacteria without damaging the jets or tub wall materials.
An alternative method is to use a tub and shower refinishing kit, which can be purchased from a hardware store or building supply outlet. These kits contain paint specially designed for use on acrylic and fiberglass surfaces, as well as chemicals to prepare the plastic.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be used to eliminate yellow stains and whiten plastic bathtubs. Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide and spray it onto the tub, letting it soak for 10-15 minutes before wiping it down with a clean, non-abrasive sponge.
Yes, it is important to avoid using abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool, as these can scratch and dull the surface of the plastic. Additionally, always wear gloves and goggles when using bleach to protect your skin and eyes.
