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How to Remove Stains from an Acrylic Bathtub? – 8 Methods

how to remove stains from acrylic bathtub
Written by Kai Michel
Last Update: August 10, 2023

You can improve the look of your bathroom with a sparkling clean acrylic bathtub. If the tub has a small stain, it will appear dirty. Acrylic’s fragility prevents you from cleaning it with conventional methods like paint thinner, steel wool, and acetone, to name a few.

The bathtub will only become damaged if you use harsh chemicals and cleaners. Baking soda, white vinegar, borax powder, and shampoo work to clean tubs and keep it safe. They are safe for your skin and the tub.

Let’s see which of these methods can help you remove those disgusting stains!

How to Remove Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub?

Method 1: Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to remove black and red stains

Step 1: Gather tools

Step 2: Apply to the stains on the tub and let it sit for an hour.

Step 3: Use a sponge to rub the surface of the stain. Once the stain has come off wipe over with clean water.

You can repeat the steps if needed.

Method 2: Use baking soda to remove mild stains

Step 1: Gather tools

  • Baking soda
  • Clean cloth
  • Vinegar

Step 2: Use a spray bottle to mix in two parts vinegar and then two parts warm water.

Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.

Step 4: Spray the stains with the vinegar solution and let the baking soda and vinegar bubble.

Step 5: Rub the area with a soft cloth until it forms a paste

Step 6: Let the paste sit for about 20 minutes

Step 7: After waiting, wipe away the mixture and rub some more if needed.

Step 8: Rinse when cleaned.

Method 3: Use an abrasive cleanser to remove rust-colored and blue-green stains

Step 1: Gather tools

  • Cleaning powder
  • Clean water
  • Soft sponge

Step 2: Make a paste using equal parts of water and cleaning powder.

Step 3: Apply the paste to the areas stained and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Wet a soft sponge and scrub

Step 5: Rinse with warm water.

Method 4: Use vinegar to remove yellow stains

Step 1: Gather tools

  • Vinegar
  • Small bowl
  • Paper towel
  • Clean cloth
  • Baking soda

Step 2: Put paper towels in a bowl and soak with vinegar.

Step 3: Sit the wet paper towel on the stains.

Step 4: Let them sit for around 2 hours.

Step 5: Use a paste of baking soda and vinegar to clean the remaining stain with.

Step 6: Wipe over when done with a clean piece of cloth.

Method 5: Use turpentine oil and salt to remove yellow stains

Step 1: Gather tools

  • Turpentine oil
  • Gloves
  • Salt

Step 2: Mix turpentine oil and salt in equal parts

Step 3: Apply to the stains and rub in

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Method 6: Use borax and water paste to remove rust stains

Step 1: Gather tools

  • Borax
  • Fresh water
  • Clean cloth

Step 2: Mix borax with water to make a paste.

Step 3: Add some of the paste to a cloth and start rubbing the stain.

Step 4: Rinse off when done.

Method 7: Use dishwashing detergent

Step 1: Gather tools

  • A squirt of dishwashing liquid
  • Warm water
  • Clean cloth

Step 2: Add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to some warm water. Rub over the stain a few times.

Repeat the process if needed. Remember that some detergents work better than others.

Method 8: Use lemon juice

Step 1: Gather tools

  • Lemon juice
  • Salt

Step 2: Squeeze two lemons.

Step 3: Then mix in 1 tsp of salt.

Step 4: Use a brush and wipe the mixture over the stains.

Step 5: Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes then rinse with clean water.

What to Do if Stains Still Don’t Come Out?

Step 1: Gather the necessary supplies

  • Vinegar
  • Detergent
  • Baking soda
  • Clean cloth

Step 2: Heat the vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl for about 60 seconds.

Step 3: Pour dish soap over the tub.

Step 4: Add vinegar over the stains.

Step 5: Now add baking soda to cover the stain.

Step 6: Scrub the tub with a clean cloth that isn’t harsh.

Step 7: Wipe over the rest of the tub and rinse when finished.

Things to Do When You Remove Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub

1. Test products

Always test products either underneath the tub or on the side. Some products can remove paint or causes damage.

2. Wear old clothing

Some products can cause staining and bleaching of colors in the fabric. Therefore, you should always wear old clothing.

3. Use neutral and homemade remedies

Most homemade remedies are safer for your family and the tub surface. Always try homemade remedies first before moving on to harsh chemical cleaners.

4. Clean all the stained crevices

Get into all the crevices as once the tub is free of dirt and stains, marks in the crevices are easily noticeable.

5. Use soft tools and pads

Abrasive cloths and scrubbers can damage the acrylic surface. Always use soft plastic cloths and tools.

6. Rinse your bathtub down

Cleaners left on bathtubs too long can actually cause stains themselves. Always rinse the bathtub to remove all cleaner residues.

7. Keep air flowing

Certain cleaners like turpentine or commercial ones can have harsh fumes. Always keep doors and windows open when cleaning a bathtub. If you have a fan, have that going too.

Things to Avoid When You Remove Stains From an Acrylic Bathtub

1. Don’t use harsh chemicals

Harsh chemicals can actually cause damage to the bath surface and cause discoloration. Always stick to homemade cleaners if you can.

2. Avoid using tough scourers

Tough scrubbers like steel wool can cause scratches and take the paint of the surface. This can allow moisture to get inside the bath and cause mold.

FAQs

1. Is it ok to use bleach on an acrylic tub?

Ans. People have attempted to clean bathtubs with bleach, though the manufacturer prohibits it. You can make the solution softer by diluting it with water. Although bleach can cause yellowing, it is best to avoid it when cleaning bathtubs.

2. How to clean an acrylic tub without scratching it?

Ans. Don’t use abrasive cleaners and chemicals. Always check the packaging to see if they are safe to use on acrylic bathtubs.

3. Can lavender essential oil melt or damage an acrylic bathtub?

Ans. Dilute oils with water are most likely ok to be used in acrylic tubs. It is best to contact the manufacturer and ask directly. Some contain different chemicals that react badly on surfaces.

About the author

Kai Michel

Hello, this is Kai, addressing homeowners in need of some help with their home renovation projects. I’ve worked on numerous toilet repair projects over the years that incorporated a wide variety of tasks, from repair to renovation and maintenance. Besides acquiring a degree on the legal codes and procedures, I gathered vast insights into bathroom settings, toilets, showers, fittings, and other household appliances, fixtures, and components. This helps me guide my clients through their home improvement and interior development plans. Since maintenance is my area of expertise, I can assist people in all phases of the actual ‘improvement’ process. To get my messages even further, I contribute to this site through my blog posts. Check my content here for expert suggestions!

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