Methods for effective cleaning of an acrylic bathtub.

Cleaning Features by Type of Contamination

Despite the advantages of the material, various contaminants may form on the acrylic surface during operation. Depending on the type of plaque, it is necessary to use special cleaning compounds. Let’s consider this in more detail.

Limescale

This is a fairly common problem that occurs on the surface of all types of bathtubs. To remove limescale on an acrylic coating, you will need a solution of acetic or citric acid. To get rid of an old layer of lime, you need to:

• Add two tablespoons of vinegar or one packet of citric acid to a glass of water.
• The resulting composition should be applied to the contaminated areas and left for 20 minutes. During this time, it is advisable to additionally moisten the plaque with the prepared solution.
• After the allotted time, it is necessary to rinse the bathtub with warm water. If the first application did not remove all the dirt, the procedure is repeated.

You can also use specialized household chemicals for limescale. It is desirable that they contain oxalic or citric acid, which guarantees an excellent effect.

Soap scale

A solution based on water, vinegar and soda will help remove this type of sediment from an acrylic bathtub. Prepare the product as follows:

• Initially, add soda to a small amount of water to obtain a paste, which should be applied to the stain.
• At the next stage, dilute water with vinegar in equal proportions in a spray bottle.
• After the soda paste dries a little, treat it with the composition from the spray bottle.
• To ensure a good reaction, rub the treated area with a soft brush.
• At the end, rinse off all substances with clean warm water.

In order not to waste time on preparation, you can choose a special substance in the household chemicals departments. It is important that the product is compatible with acrylic. Even a universal composition will effectively remove soap scum.

Mold

Sometimes mold can form on the surface of the bathtub. The fungus spoils the appearance of the product and is potentially dangerous to human health. You can remove mold in the following way:

• Take a soft sponge and soak it well with hydrogen peroxide.
• Then treat the moldy area with gentle circular movements.
• After application, leave the mixture for one hour.
• After a while, remove the layer and rinse with hot water. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure.

Hydrogen peroxide is excellent against fungal forms and allows you to remove yellow plaque from the surface. You can also use purchased products, the main thing is that they have antibacterial properties.

Yellow spots

Yellowness on the surface of the bathtub is another nuisance that many owners of acrylic models face. You can get rid of plaque in the following way:

• You need to mix baking soda and soda ash in equal proportions. The resulting powder is applied to the contaminated areas and poured with table vinegar. In this state, you need to leave the mixture for one hour, then wash it off.
• Another option is to use ammonia, which is applied for 30 minutes. The solution allows you to perfectly whiten the material. It is advisable to open the bathroom door after application to air out the unpleasant smell.
• Grated laundry soap with washing powder will also help get rid of yellowness. These ingredients should be mixed to a paste-like state and applied to the stain for an hour.
• Hydrogen peroxide, which has a bleaching effect, copes well with yellow stains.

As in the previous options, you can also use commercial products for acrylic.

Rust

You can also remove yellow rust stains with Coca-Cola. This carbonated drink will not have a negative effect on the material and will cope with stains perfectly. It is recommended to perform the following manipulations:

• Initially, the surfaces must be thoroughly washed with warm water and dried.
• After this, apply Coca-Cola to a cloth napkin and gently wipe the rusty stains. Leave the compress with soda on for a little longer.
• As it dries, it is recommended to additionally moisten the cloth.
• After three hours, you can rinse the bathtub with clean water.

This technique will allow you to completely get rid of dirt without much effort.

The most effective cleaning products

Retail chains offer a wide range of household chemicals created specifically for the care of acrylic bathtubs. To buy a truly effective product, you must follow these rules:

Purpose

The packaging must clearly indicate that the composition is suitable for acrylic bathtubs. Information about the types of dirt that the substance can remove is also important.

Release form

The best solution would be to buy a spray, paste, gel or cream. It is forbidden to use powders, as they can leave scratches on the surface. Features of each form:

• Solution is the cheapest option, which copes well with most stains. However, liquid chemicals are used up quite quickly.
• Gel – the thick consistency of the product is economical to use. The substance is convenient to use for uniform application over the entire surface. At the same time, the cost is higher than the previous option.
• Spray – a liquid multi-dose form works effectively in hard-to-reach places. It cleans the surface well from old deposits. Economical consumption of the product, the price matches the quality.
• Cream and paste – have a high cost, but cope well with heavy dirt. Effective in operation.

Composition

It is important that the selected preparations do not contain additional abrasives, chlorine, alkalis, aggressive acids, etc.

Smell

Many products have a strong and rather sharp smell, which can cause allergic reactions. Accordingly, it is better to choose chemicals with a pleasant aroma.

Disinfection

The presence of disinfectant additives in the composition will be a plus. In addition to cleaning, the mixtures will be able to remove potentially dangerous microorganisms.

Purchased products for cleaning acrylic bathtubs

The household chemicals market offers a huge number of cleaning products from various brands. Of course, each manufacturer claims that its composition is the best and most versatile. However, let’s consider the rating of the most effective options that really work.

Akrilan

This is a universal foaming detergent that is in high demand among owners of acrylic bathtubs. The product is supplied in a convenient 400 milligram bottle. The main purpose is to clean limescale deposits and rust stains. Due to the disinfecting effect, it perfectly resists bacteria.

How to use:

1. Spray onto the contaminated area, after which the substance will begin to foam.
2. Rinse off the composition two minutes after application. The main thing is that the foam does not have time to dry.
3. Then simply wipe the bathtub dry with a cloth.

This is an affordable and effective formula, but the product has a high consumption rate and does not cope with mold.

Cif

A popular brand product that is actively advertised. Among the wide range, chemical compounds for acrylic surfaces are presented. It has many advantages:

• The cream has a pleasant smell.
• The thick texture ensures low consumption.
• It copes well with all types of dirt, including old ones.
• It has a convenient cap with a spray.
• Economical consumption.
• It is in the average price range.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• The active substances are falsely washed off. As a rule, it requires several rinsing stages to completely remove the foam.
• It copes relatively poorly with mold and limescale.

Unicum

It is supplied as a spray, which simplifies the application process. It is designed to remove fungal forms, oxidative reactions and deposits of hard minerals. It is in demand due to the following indicators:

• It requires a minimum amount of spray to remove stains.
• The active substances act quite quickly. Rinse off after 20 seconds.
• Excellent against fungi and bacteria.
• Effectively removes even old stains and plaque.
• Gives acrylic bathtubs extra shine.
• Sold at an affordable price in the store.

It has no particular disadvantages. The only thing is that when working with other cleaning products, it is recommended to use gloves, since the composition is quite aggressive and can leave a mark on your hand.

«Mr. Chister»

This is a universal product that can be used to wash all items in the bathroom, including acrylic surfaces. It has an antiseptic effect and covers the plumbing with a protective film that reduces the level of contamination. After application, wait 10 minutes, then rinse.

It is ineffective in cleaning rust and ingrained stains. Another disadvantage is a persistent chemical smell.

“Cinderella”

“Cinderella” is also among the top five chemical compounds. Its main advantage is its budget price. At the same time, the emulsion cleans all types of dirt on acrylic bathtubs well. The product has a pungent chemical smell, which makes it quite difficult to work with.

Folk methods

At home, you can also create fairly effective and safe for acrylic compositions. This will save money and get a non-aggressive chemical compound for removing various stains. Let’s consider the top five options.

Citric acid

The most effective option for combating limescale. Preparation steps:

• The bathtub itself should be filled with fairly hot water with a temperature of up to 60 °C.
• Next, pour two packets of acid into the water and stir thoroughly.
• After two hours, drain the mixture, rinse the bathtub thoroughly with clean warm water and wipe with a dry cloth.

For minimal contamination, you can soak a sponge in lemon juice and apply locally to the surface of the bowl.

Toothpaste

In everyday life, toothpaste is a universal product that can clean almost everything. It can remove rust and yellow stains from the surface of acrylic. Action algorithm:

• Apply a small amount of paste to the stain and rub evenly.
• After 15 minutes, wipe the area with a soft toothbrush.
• After cleaning, rinse everything with warm water.

Ammonia

In combination with hydrogen peroxide, it helps eliminate yellow and dark stains. How to use:

• Initially, you need to mix hydrogen peroxide with alcohol in equal parts.
• Wet a sponge with the resulting mixture and apply to the stain.
• Then gently rub it into the surface with a toothbrush.
• After achieving the desired result, rinse the bathtub.

Soda

Another universal assistant in the house that will help remove soap and limescale. How to use:

• Make a paste-like mixture of soda and water.
• Treat the surface with the resulting gruel and leave for 15 minutes.
• Then you need to rub vigorously with a soft sponge and rinse.

Apple cider vinegar

A product that is safe for acrylic and allows you to remove minor plaque and stains. How to use:

• Soak a sponge in vinegar and apply to the stain.
• Leave for 15 minutes, then simply wipe the area and rinse with warm water.

This method can remove limescale and fresh yellowness.

Disinfection recommendations

The bathroom is a warm and humid room, which is ideal for the growth of bacteria. Acrylic is a fairly resistant material to attacks by microorganisms, but still requires antibacterial care.

For maximum protection against potentially dangerous forms, it is enough to rinse the bathtub daily and treat it with disinfectants weekly. This will be quite enough for high-quality protection against potentially dangerous forms.

Two options for disinfecting acrylic products:

1. Using purchased disinfectants.
2. Treating surfaces with a steam generator, which will destroy all bacteria. The procedure is carried out carefully so as not to damage the bathtub coating.

What products are prohibited for cleaning?

All manufacturers assure that acrylic bathtubs have excellent dirt-repellent properties. Moreover, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms cannot develop on the surface of the material. At the same time, the products have high strength and impact resistance. But there is also a minus – the surface is subject to wear and tear and can be quite easily scratched by metal objects.

The main feature is that acrylic can react with active household chemicals and be damaged by abrasives. Like other plastics, acids and alkalis lead to the destruction of the acrylic structure. Accordingly, the washing process should be carried out extremely carefully and only with proven products that do not contain chlorine, acids, alkalis and ammonia. Cleaning is carried out without hard abrasive sponges, only with soft napkins or fabric fiber.

There is a list of substances that are strictly prohibited for washing an acrylic bathtub:

1. Powder abrasives – they can cause scratches on the surface.
2. Acetone – will lead to thinning of the top layer, which will ultimately spoil the product.
3. Strong acids, such as acetic essence, will react with the material, which will negatively affect the strength and appearance.
4. Solvents, Formaldehyde and chlorine-containing substances will provoke the appearance of pores, which will significantly reduce the service life.
5. Water, the temperature of which is above 60 ° C can cause cracks.

The described substances are incompatible with acrylic and can negatively affect its condition.

Preventive measures

During operation, various contaminants and plaque form on the surface of the acrylic bathtub, which must be removed. It is important to note here that not all modern compounds are compatible with acrylic coating.

In order for the acrylic bowl to serve for many years and have its original appearance, it is enough to follow the following recommendations:

• When cleaning the bathtub using chemicals, subsequent rinsing is performed with cold water. Hot water can increase activity and cause damage to the material.
• When buying a new product for cleaning an acrylic bathtub, it is advisable to study in detail the composition, instructions and manufacturer’s instructions.
• All work with household chemicals and folk remedies should be carried out only with protective gloves.
• Each model of acrylic bathtub has its own characteristics. Accordingly, it is important to take into account the care recommendations of a specific company of the product.

In order for the plumbing product to please the owner with its neat appearance for many years, it is recommended to carry out regular maintenance. Effective cleaning of products can be carried out both with specialized chemicals and with improvised means. Proper care of an acrylic bathtub will preserve its attractive appearance and integrity for the entire period of operation.