Omar Khalid
Plastic tub surrounds are usually easy to clean because of their smooth surfaces. However, they can become yellowed and discoloured over time due to UV exposure, irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners, or scratches. To restore the colour and whiteness of your plastic tub surround, there are several methods you can try. These include using commercial cleaning products, homemade cleaning solutions, or a combination of both. For example, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help remove mineral deposits, while a paste made from sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide can tackle tough stains. Additionally, a diluted solution of bleach can be used on light stains, while undiluted bleach can be applied directly to heavy stains. It is important to note that bleach should only be used on white bathtubs and to always rinse the tub thoroughly before use to prevent skin irritation. For a more intensive treatment, a process called retr0brighting can be performed, which involves applying cream peroxide to the tub surround, covering it with plastic, and exposing it to UV light for several hours.
How to whiten a plastic tub surround
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of discolouration | Exposure to UV light |
| Prevention | Regular cleaning, dry the surround after every use |
| Commercial cleaning products | Bleach, Bar Keepers Friend, Power Paste, Pink Stuff, Bioclean, Bon Ami |
| Homemade cleaning products | Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, borax, cream peroxide, hydrogen peroxide |
| Application | Spray, scrub, soak, paste |
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What You'll Learn
Use a non-abrasive cleaner
To whiten a plastic tub surround, it is important to use a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent scratching and dulling the surface. While bleach is an option for whitening, it should only be used on white bathtubs. If you wish to use bleach, dilute it with water for light stains and leave it undiluted for heavy stains. Apply the bleach directly to the stains and let it sit until they disappear, then rinse it off before using the tub to prevent skin irritation.
Another option is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. This is an effective treatment for mineral deposits that can yellow a tub surround. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves the salts in hard water, and when mixed with baking soda, it creates a fizzy liquid that can soak and loosen grime overnight. You can also make a paste with these ingredients and spread it on the discoloured areas. If you do this, you may need to spray the paste periodically with vinegar to keep it from drying out.
A non-abrasive cleaner can also be made from a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water, with two tablespoons of baking soda added. This mixture can be used to combat mould. You can also make a paste from baking soda and water, similar in consistency to toothpaste, and rub it over the tub surround. Allow it to set for up to an hour, then rinse with clear water.
If you are using commercial cleaning products, be sure to choose a non-abrasive tub and shower cleaner.
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Avoid abrasive scrubbers
When cleaning a plastic tub surround, it is important to avoid abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool, scouring pads, and melamine sponges. These can scratch and dull the surface, causing permanent damage. Instead, opt for soft sponges, soft cloths, or rags. Microfiber or terry towels are also suitable options as they can break up dirt easily and are absorbent.
It is also important to stay away from abrasive cleaning products such as scouring powders, solvents, and harsh chemical cleaners. Scouring powders should be avoided as they can cause scratches and damage to the plastic surface. Solvents such as mineral spirits, acetone, and turpentine can leave behind harmful residues. Oven cleaners or drain cleaners are examples of harsh chemical cleaners that are not suitable for plastic materials.
When using a commercial cleaner, always check the label to ensure it is non-abrasive and suitable for plastic surfaces. Some chemicals and cleaners may deteriorate the plastic, causing cracks and potential property damage. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid any products that state they are not suitable for use on plastic or acrylic surfaces.
Additionally, soft rags or scrubbers can be used if needed, but caution should be exercised as they can leave scratches if not handled properly. Overall, by avoiding abrasive scrubbers and cleaners, you can effectively clean a plastic tub surround without causing any damage or scratches to the surface.
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Apply a vinegar and borax paste
Vinegar is an effective treatment for mineral deposits that can yellow a plastic tub surround. However, vinegar quickly runs off or evaporates when sprayed or wiped on a vertical surface. To prevent this, you can mix vinegar with borax to make a paste.
To make the paste, start by mixing borax with warm water until the borax is dissolved. Then, add vinegar to the borax water and mix in a small amount of dish soap. The borax will keep the solution from being too acidic.
Once you have your paste, spread it liberally over the discoloured areas of your plastic tub surround. You may need to spray the paste periodically with vinegar to keep it wet. After about an hour, scrub the paste off using a cleaning brush or sponge. Finally, rinse the tub surround with cold water and dry it.
Borax is an abrasive scouring powder that can remove mould, mildew, and soap scum. However, it can harm the surface of your tub over time, so use a very soft brush to scrub the paste off and avoid leaving the paste on for longer than necessary.
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Cover with thin plastic
If you want to whiten a plastic tub surround, you can use a cream peroxide developer. This method requires safety equipment, including plastic gloves, sunglasses, and a small sponge paint roller. You will also need a thin plastic sheet to cover the tub surround.
First, cut a thin plastic sheet to size, ensuring that it is large enough to cover each panel of the tub surround. You can purchase a thin plastic drop cloth from a painting supply store. A thin plastic sheet is important because you will need to let UV light pass through to reach the peroxide.
Next, spread the cream peroxide all over the panels of the tub surround. Use a sponge paint roller to apply a thin, even layer. After applying the peroxide, cover each panel with the thin plastic sheet. This will prevent the peroxide from drying out.
Finally, set up UV lights or place the tub surround in direct sunlight. Leave the setup for several hours, allowing the UV light to react with the peroxide and whiten the plastic. After a few hours, remove the plastic sheet and rinse off any remaining peroxide.
This method is effective in whitening yellowed plastic tub surrounds and can be a simple DIY project with dramatic results.
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Use a baking soda paste
If you want to whiten your plastic tub surround, one method is to use a baking soda paste. This approach can help remove stains and restore shine without damaging the surface. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a baking soda paste to whiten your plastic tub surround:
Prepare the Baking Soda Paste:
Start by preparing the baking soda paste. In a small container, mix equal parts of baking soda and a mild dish soap. You can adjust the amounts depending on the size of the stained area. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. You can also add a small amount of water to adjust the consistency if needed.
Apply the Paste:
Once you have prepared the paste, it's time to apply it to the plastic tub surround. Using a soft sponge or cloth, gently spread the paste over the stained or discoloured areas. Ensure that you cover all the affected areas generously with the paste.
Gentle Scrubbing:
After applying the paste, use your soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface. Work in circular motions, focusing on one small area at a time. This action will help lift any stains or discolouration without causing scratches on the plastic surface. Remember to be gentle and avoid using abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the plastic.
Rinse and Repeat:
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the paste from the plastic tub surround with clean water. Evaluate the results, and if necessary, repeat the process. You may need to apply the paste and scrub multiple times to achieve the desired level of whitening.
Alternative: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide:
For more stubborn stains, you can create a different type of baking soda paste. Combine baking soda with 3% hydrogen peroxide from a pharmacy to form a paste. This combination is particularly effective for bleaching yellowed plastics. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
By following these steps and using baking soda paste, you can effectively whiten your plastic tub surround, removing stains and restoring shine without causing any damage to the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a combination of vinegar and borax to create a paste. Spread the paste on the discoloured area and scrub it off after an hour. You can also use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft sponge to gently scrub the tub.
Plastic tub surrounds can turn yellow due to exposure to UV light, irregular cleaning, chemical cleaners, or scratched surfaces.
You can use a combination of baking soda and mild dish soap to create a paste. Apply this paste to the stained areas and gently scrub with a soft sponge. You can also use a non-abrasive tub and shower cleaner.
Yes, you can use a cream peroxide solution and cover the tub surround with thin plastic. Set up UV lights to shine on the tub surround for 8-10 hours. Alternatively, you can use a repair kit to fill in any cracks or chips and then apply a polish to blend it with the surrounding surface.
