A family is said to be only as clean as its bathroom, so it is critical to maintaining a spotless tub. However, knowing which to use and avoid can be overwhelming, especially with many available products. Fortunately, extensive research has been conducted to know the best cleaning products.
In general, it’s best to use non-abrasive cleaners on acrylic tubs, such as dish soap, Clorox wipes, or a vinegar and water solution. So avoid using bleach or abrasive cleaners such as steel wool on the tub.
Given that this was a fairly brief answer, it’s understandable if you require additional information. That is why this guide delves deeper into the subject to provide more in-depth answers to your questions.
How Can You Determine Whether A Bathtub Is Fiberglass Or Acrylic?
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You should ascertain the type of tub you own before rummaging through your cleaning supplies. Flexibility when pressing on the tub’s side and visible scratches and cracks in the surface indicate fiberglass or acrylic materials. A heavy and sturdy tub, or one that has been chipped, is most likely made of porcelain or enamel.
Aside from that, fiberglass tubs tend to be lighter and more durable than acrylic tubs. If you have doubts, you can contact the manufacturer or check their website.
Which Cleaners Are Safe To Use On Acrylic Bathtubs?
Once you’ve determined that your tub is acrylic, you can consider what products are safe to use to clean it. Acrylic is more resistant to damage than porcelain or enamel because it’s made of plastic. Nonetheless, gentle is the way to go when it comes to cleaning supplies.
Delta, for example, recommends that customers use dishwashing detergent to keep their acrylic showers and bathtubs clean. Additionally, most natural cleaners are safe to use on acrylic tubs.
When in doubt, consult the product’s label for cautionary statements regarding its use on acrylic or plastic surfaces. Avoid using stronger cleaners such as bleach or Lysol, which can cause long-term damage.
Is Vinegar Harmful To An Acrylic Bathtub?
While vinegar will not damage an acrylic tub, it will leave an odor and may require considerable manual labor. Therefore, I recommend diluting vinegar with warm water prior to cleaning your tub to be safe.
Softly scrub dirty spots with the vinegar solution using a wet cloth or a Magic Eraser for bathrooms. If the stain removal continues to be difficult, you can add baking soda to the mixture. This will help create a more effective acid cleaner.
Scrubbing is required to make the vinegar mixture effective. Unfortunately, this method isn’t my first choice due to how easily acrylic can be scratched.
However, because the supplies are inexpensive and readily available, it may be a viable option for a quick wash. Simply be gentle and avoid abrasive scrubbing tools such as steel wool.
Can Clorox Wipes Be Used On Acrylic?
Yes! Clorox wipes are a non-bleach cleaning solution that is entirely safe for an acrylic tub. The wipes can be used on various surfaces, including “bathroom and household surfaces,” according to the company’s website.
Clorox recommends that you rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning to remove any stains because the wipes may irritate the skin.
How Do You Determine Whether Your Bathtub Is Made of Porcelain Or Enamel?
Like plastic acrylic and fiberglass tubs, distinguishing a porcelain tub from an enamel tub can be tricky. This is crucial, as true porcelain bathtubs can withstand more abrasive cleaners than enamel-coated metal tubs.
Unlike with plastic tubs, there is a reckless way to tell the difference between these two types. Simply place a magnet against the bathtub’s side. The magnet will stick to an enamel tub because it contains steel but will fall off a solid porcelain tub.
Which Cleaning Products Are Appropriate for a Porcelain Bathtub?
Numerous cleaners suitable for acrylic tubs are also suitable for porcelain tubs. Dish soap and natural cleaners such as vinegar & water solutions, homemade baking soda, and vinegar paste are excellent options.
Additionally, true porcelain can withstand more abrasive cleaning agents. For instance, using bleach to clean a white bathtub is fine if it isn’t colored or made of vintage porcelain. However, avoid doing this regularly as the bleach may cause damage to the finish.
Which Cleaning Products Are Appropriate for Enamel Tubs?
Enamel bathtubs require significantly less maintenance than true porcelain bathtubs. Both Home Depot and the National Association of Realtors suggest dish soap as a safe product for your enamel tub. Dissolve soap in warm water and scrub using a cloth or Magic Eraser.
Another method for removing a particularly annoying stain is to soak it in hydrogen peroxide for five minutes. After that, you should wash it with soap and water.
As previously stated, enamel tubs are less durable than their porcelain counterparts. So avoid using bleach or vinegar on enamel, as they may cause deterioration.
Do Magic Erasers Contain Chemicals?
Magic Eraser is made of melamine foam, which is a copolymer of formaldehyde, melamine, and sodium bisulfite.
Are Magic Erasers Abrasive or Non-abrasive?
Magic Erasers shouldn’t be used on delicate surfaces such as marble or granite because they’re abrasive. Not only can you destroy the sealant, but the eraser may dull the appearance of the countertop. Each of these cleaning products has the potential to do more harm than good.
What Materials Are Bath Fitters Tubs Made Of?
Bath Fitter bathtubs, showers, and seamless walls are hygienic and easy to clean. It is made of acrylic, a non-porous and durable material, which is mold and mildew resistant.
Bath fitters won’t stain or tarnish in a short time as it requires minimal maintenance. However, fiberglass or glazed tubs and showers will.
What Can’t Be Erased with a Magic Eraser?
You can’t use magic erasers on painted, enameled, sealed surfaces or natural stone surfaces like granite and marble. Other things you can’t use a magic eraser on include your car, pots, pans with a nonstick coating.
Is Using a Magic Eraser on Your Teeth Safe?
Magic Erasers are made with chemicals that shouldn’t be ingested or applied to any body parts. Some experts have stated that experimenting with risky trends such as this one could permanently damage your teeth.
How Do I Bring the Shine Back to My Acrylic Bathtub?
Using the dishwashing solution, soak a cleaning rag. Clean the surface of your tub with the solution until all accumulation and stains are removed.
Saturate it with water using another rag, and with a soft towel, buff the tub’s surface. Examine the tub for luster.
Is Bar Keepers Friend a Safe Choice to Use in an Acrylic Tub?
Bar Keepers Friend shouldn’t be harmful to your acrylic surfaces when used correctly. Nevertheless, you must strictly adhere to the instructions for use, including thoroughly rinsing afterward.
What Should You Not Use on Stainless Steel?
Avoid using steel wool and steel brushes because they leave tiny particles on the surface of the stainless steel. These particles cause corrosion and can blemish the steel’s surface. Steel wool and brushes are also abrasive and can damage the stainless steel surface.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got all the facts, go get your Magic Eraser and Clorox wipes and get to work! Don’t forget to gift yourself with a long soak in your sparkling tub afterward.
