How to clean an acrylic bathtub from yellowing?

One tiny detail can ruin the whole aesthetic. Especially when it comes to yellowing on an acrylic bathtub. Stains and rust marks have never been pleasant, so let’s figure out how to whiten an acrylic bathtub at home.

Why does an acrylic bathtub turn yellow?

Most people have personally experienced the phenomenon of yellowing and know what it is. But how many people know why it occurs? If you look into the depths of the rust/yellowing process, you can see that everything is quite simple and trivial.

First, it all depends on the water hardness. Hard water contains a large amount of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. Soon, they cover the acrylic bathtub, forming limescale, which is not easy to clean

Secondly, there is the residue from any shampoos, shower gels, conditioners, etc. Such deposits left by shampoos, shower gels, conditioners, and other products can appear due to certain chemical reactions. For example, if the tap water contains a large amount of minerals or hardness, shower products can interact with these substances to form sediments. This seemingly small detail cannot affect the process of yellowing, but it plays a significant role.

Thirdly, do not rinse the bath after cosmetics. Returning to the second point about shampoo deposits, we can say that if you do not wash the acrylic bathtub from the remnants of the products, they will invincibly form a precipitate.

Fourthly, the use of inappropriate instant products. For example, cheap bleaches that only harm the bathtub, or even worse, aggressive home remedies. We’ll talk about this later and find out what home methods you can NOT use to clean an acrylic bathtub.

How to properly clean an acrylic bathtub?

Acrylic bathtubs require careful cleaning to avoid scratches and surface damage.

CAN be used:

• Mild detergents designed specifically for acrylic.
• Gentle home remedies (vinegar solution, baking soda solution).
• Sponges or soft sponges for cleaning.

DO NOT use:

• Abrasive or harsh cleaners such as coarse particle cleaners or brushes (only their solution may be used).
• Solvents containing acetone or paint thinners.
• Rough cleaning materials such as sponges with a hard metal side or brushes.

Therefore, if you are interested in how to clean an acrylic bathtub from yellowing, you should probably use soft sponges and mild detergents. Now we are moving on to the best home methods to whiten an acrylic bathtub.

How to clean an acrylic bathtub from yellow plaque: home methods 

There are many different home methods for cleaning an acrylic bathtub. These methods do not require a special set of tools. Everything you need is at hand.

Vinegar

Vinegar is the best cleaner for any surface. It can be used to clean windows, rust, grease marks, and virtually every area in the house.

How to clean an acrylic bathtub from yellowing with vinegar:

• Prepare a bowl of warm water (1 liter) and add 100 ml of vinegar.
• Take a soft cloth or sponge and soak it with vinegar.
• Leave the soaked cloth on the yellowing area for 30-45 minutes.
• At the end, rinse with warm water.

This option is more or less economical and effective. But there is another way to use vinegar. You can take a full bath of warm water and pour in about 3 cups of vinegar. This will definitely remove the yellowness, but keep in mind that it is quite expensive, so it is not for everyone.

Juice from lemon

Lemon juice is also a great tool for fighting plaque. Citrus fruits have the unique ability to absorb odors and whiten the desired areas. That is why it is a great option for an acrylic bathtub. Step by step:

• Squeeze the juice of a whole lemon into a bowl.
• Take a cloth and immerse it completely in the liquid.
• Place the rag on the area where there is the most rust and sediment.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse with water.

After cleaning, a pleasant citrus smell will appear. Therefore, it will not only whiten, but also add a wonderful flavor.

Soda and hydrogen peroxide

A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can also be effective. How to clean an acrylic bathtub from yellowing with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide:

• Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
• Put this paste on the yellow spots on the bathtub.
• Let the paste sit for 15-30 minutes to penetrate and dissolve the yellowing.
• Then remove the paste from the bathtub surface.
• Rinse off any remaining paste with water.

And you’re done! So, in fact, it is possible to clean an acrylic bathtub from yellowing and you don’t have to call for cleaning. But there is one thing, cleaning will surely do the job safely for your health and the bathtub, and you can ruin the bathtub coating through your own negligence. Therefore, it is always better to call a professional cleaning service – we are ready to do the job in the best possible way at an affordable price.