How to Restore a Plastic Bathtub to Its Original White Shine

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How to Make a Plastic Bathtub White Again

Your bathtub is one of the most used fixtures in your home, and it can quickly become dingy and discolored. If your plastic bathtub is looking a little worse for wear, don’t despair! There are a few simple steps you can take to restore its white shine.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different methods for cleaning and whitening a plastic bathtub, as well as some tips for preventing future damage. So whether your bathtub is covered in hard water stains, soap scum, or mildew, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll cover:

  • The different methods for cleaning and whitening a plastic bathtub
  • How to prevent future damage
  • Tips for choosing the right cleaning products

So read on to learn how to make your plastic bathtub white again!

Step Materials Instructions
1 1 cup of bleach Pour the bleach into a bucket and fill it with enough water to cover the bathtub.
2 1 cup of baking soda Add the baking soda to the bucket and stir until it is dissolved.
3 Sponge Dip a sponge into the solution and scrub the bathtub until it is clean.
4 Rinse Rinse the bathtub thoroughly with water to remove all of the bleach and baking soda.
5 Dry Wipe the bathtub dry with a towel.

Causes of Yellowing

There are a few reasons why your plastic bathtub may be yellowing. The most common cause is hard water. Hard water contains minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can build up on the surface of your bathtub and cause it to turn yellow. Another possible cause of yellowing is the use of harsh cleaning products. Some cleaning products can contain chemicals that can damage the finish of your bathtub and cause it to yellow. Finally, exposure to sunlight can also cause your bathtub to yellow. The sun’s UV rays can break down the plastic in your bathtub, causing it to fade and turn yellow.

How to Clean a Plastic Bathtub

There are a few different ways to clean a plastic bathtub. The best method for you will depend on the severity of the yellowing and the type of cleaning products you have available.

Mild Yellowing

If your bathtub is only slightly yellowed, you can probably clean it with a mild detergent and water. Simply mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and wring it out. Wipe down the entire surface of the bathtub, paying special attention to any areas that are heavily yellowed. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a towel.

Moderate Yellowing

If your bathtub is moderately yellowed, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. A good option is a commercial bathtub cleaner that contains bleach. Follow the directions on the product label to use the cleaner. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using bleach. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a towel.

Severe Yellowing

If your bathtub is severely yellowed, you may need to use a more aggressive cleaning method. One option is to use a commercial bathtub cleaner that contains acid. Follow the directions on the product label to use the cleaner. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using acid. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a towel.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to prevent your bathtub from yellowing is to keep it clean. Rinse the bathtub after each use and wash it regularly with a mild detergent and water. You can also use a commercial bathtub cleaner to help prevent yellowing.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid using harsh cleaning products on your plastic bathtub. These products can damage the finish and cause the bathtub to yellow.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaning pads or scouring powders on your plastic bathtub. These products can scratch the finish and make the bathtub more susceptible to yellowing.
  • Do not leave your bathtub wet for long periods of time. This can allow the minerals in hard water to build up on the surface of the bathtub and cause it to yellow.
  • If you have a sunroom or other area where your bathtub is exposed to direct sunlight, consider covering it when it is not in use. This will help to protect the finish from the sun’s UV rays.

How to Whiten a Plastic Bathtub

If your plastic bathtub has become yellowed or dingy, there are a few simple steps you can take to whiten it again.

1. Clean the bathtub thoroughly.

The first step to whitening a plastic bathtub is to clean it thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime, and soap scum that may be discoloring the tub. You can use a commercial bathroom cleaner or a homemade cleaner made with vinegar and baking soda. Be sure to rinse the bathtub thoroughly after cleaning it.

2. Apply a whitening agent.

Once the bathtub is clean, you can apply a whitening agent. There are a number of different whitening agents available on the market, but some of the most popular include:

  • Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent that can whiten plastic. To use hydrogen peroxide, simply pour it into a spray bottle and spray it onto the bathtub. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for several minutes, then rinse it off with water.
  • White vinegar: White vinegar is another effective whitening agent. To use white vinegar, simply pour it into a spray bottle and spray it onto the bathtub. Let the vinegar sit for several minutes, then rinse it off with water.
  • Baking soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help to remove dirt and grime from the bathtub. To use baking soda, simply sprinkle it onto the bathtub and scrub it with a brush. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly after scrubbing.

3. Polish the bathtub.

After applying a whitening agent, you can polish the bathtub to give it a shiny finish. You can use a commercial bathtub polish or a homemade polish made with olive oil and lemon juice. Be sure to rinse the bathtub thoroughly after polishing it.

4. Protect the bathtub.

Once you have whitened the bathtub, you can protect it from future yellowing by applying a sealant. A sealant will create a barrier between the bathtub and the water, preventing the water from penetrating the plastic and causing it to yellow. You can find sealants specifically designed for bathtubs at most hardware stores.

Tips for Whitening a Plastic Bathtub

  • Be sure to follow the directions on the product label when using a whitening agent.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands when using a whitening agent.
  • Test a small area of the bathtub before applying a whitening agent to the entire tub. This will help you to avoid damaging the tub.
  • Rinse the bathtub thoroughly after using a whitening agent.
  • Polish the bathtub to give it a shiny finish.
  • Apply a sealant to protect the bathtub from future yellowing.

Preventing Yellowing

The best way to prevent your plastic bathtub from yellowing is to take steps to protect it from the elements. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep the bathtub clean. Dirt, grime, and soap scum can all contribute to yellowing.
  • Use a mild detergent to clean the bathtub. Harsh chemicals can damage the plastic and cause it to yellow.
  • Rinse the bathtub thoroughly after cleaning it.
  • Dry the bathtub completely after cleaning it. Moisture can cause the plastic to warp and yellow.
  • Apply a sealant to the bathtub. A sealant will create a barrier between the bathtub and the water, preventing the water from penetrating the plastic and causing it to yellow.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your plastic bathtub white and looking its best.

How do I clean a plastic bathtub?

To clean a plastic bathtub, you will need:

  • A bucket
  • A sponge
  • A mild detergent
  • Warm water

1. Fill the bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent.
2. Dip the sponge into the soapy water and wring it out.
3. Scrub the bathtub with the sponge, paying attention to any areas that are especially dirty.
4. Rinse the bathtub with clean water.
5. Dry the bathtub with a towel.

How do I remove stains from a plastic bathtub?

To remove stains from a plastic bathtub, you will need:

  • A magic eraser
  • A bucket
  • A mild detergent
  • Warm water

1. Dip the magic eraser into the soapy water and wring it out.
2. Scrub the stains with the magic eraser, being careful not to scratch the bathtub.
3. Rinse the bathtub with clean water.
4. Dry the bathtub with a towel.

How do I prevent my plastic bathtub from getting stained?

To prevent your plastic bathtub from getting stained, you can:

  • Use a bathtub liner.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals on the bathtub.
  • Rinse the bathtub after each use.
  • Dry the bathtub after each use.

What are some other tips for cleaning a plastic bathtub?

Here are some other tips for cleaning a plastic bathtub:

  • Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the bathtub.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the bathtub.
  • Rinse the bathtub thoroughly after cleaning.
  • Dry the bathtub completely after cleaning.

By following these tips, you can keep your plastic bathtub looking white and clean for years to come.

there are a few simple steps you can take to make your plastic bathtub white again. First, remove any dirt or grime with a mild detergent and water. Then, use a bleach solution to kill any bacteria or mold. Finally, rinse the bathtub thoroughly and dry it with a towel. By following these steps, you can restore your bathtub to its former glory and enjoy a sparkling clean shower every day.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.