Acrylic is lightweight and easy to form, making it a popular and affordable material for bathtubs. However, it’s not the easiest to keep clean acrylic tubs without damaging the surface. Extra care and effort go a long way in keeping the sparkle and shine on an acrylic bathtub. Here’s how to keep soap scum and hard water deposits under control without harming the finish.
Many homeowners make the mistake of treating acrylic tubs like other shower stalls and only cleaning them when discoloration becomes noticeable. By this point, the scum and water deposits are so thick on the surface they’ll be hard to remove without a lot of hard work that could damage the finish. Clean the tub weekly, even during periods of light use, to ensure the surface stays clean at all times. Rinse the tub thoroughly after each use to reduce the amount of buildup between cleanings.
Since acrylic is a sensitive material, almost any bath cleaning product on the market can damage it. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations on specific acrylic-safe sprays and liquids. For general cleaning, most manufacturers recommend using a mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Scrubbing the tub with a thin layer of suds once or twice a week should keep away even the hardest water stains. If needed, lemon juice or vinegar mixed 50/50 with water can lift stains and deposits without damaging the finish, but don’t let any acids sit on the surface.
Scrubbing pads and abrasive cleaning products — even “soft” scrubs and textured dish sponges — can scratch the acrylic finish. Acrylic tubs need only soft and slippery materials and cleaning products. Microfiber cloths and large car cleaning sponges will help clean a large garden tub better and faster than the small standard dish sponge.
Watch what products you use in an acrylic tub. It’s harder to remove oily and sticky deposits left by bath bombs, oils, conditioners, and similar treatments. If there’s no other tub to use, make sure to clean with dish soap immediately after bathing, so the deposits don’t have time to stick.
With weekly attention and a basic routine, any acrylic tub can stay looking new for years. Find the perfect new tub at Kingston Brass.
