Just the thought of cleaning your tub can make your back hurt. However, cleaning your fiberglass tub doesn't have to be tough. Learn how to remove tough stains from fiberglass tubs with ease. Get clear instructions for how to remove rust, stains, and hard water from your fiberglass tub.
How to Remove Tough Stains From Fiberglass Tub
Lots of homes have fiberglass tubs. Why? Because they are light and affordable. However, when it comes to cleaning fiberglass tubs and sinks, you need a specific set of tools. To get you started, grab:
- Baking soda
- Dawn dish soap
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Borax
- Lemon juice
- Commercial rust remover (CLR, etc.)
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush/soft bristle brush
- Cup
Clean Fiberglass Tub With Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the easiest ways to weekly clean a dirty tub is using baking soda and vinegar. Whether you have mildew, stains, soap scum, or just need a good weekly cleaning, this method can quickly and easily wipe it all out.
- Wet the entire tub. (So, the baking soda sticks.)
- Sprinkle the tub with baking soda.
- Let that sit for a minute while creating a 1:1 solution of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the baking soda with the mixture.
- Get the baking soda good and saturated.
- After it stops fizzing, spread the mixture over every area of the tub using circular motions with a cloth.
- Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Longer if the stains are horribly built up.
- Fill a cup with water and rinse the tub.
Remove Tough Stains From Fiberglass Tub With Textured Bottom
If you have tough stains on the textured bottom on your tub, don't despair. There is a quick fix for that.
- Create a thickish paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
- Add a few drops of Dawn dish soap.
- Spread the paste onto the bottom of the tub.
- Let it sit for 30 or so minutes.
- Use a bristle brush or toothbrush and scrub in circular motions.
- The dirtier the texture is, the more elbow grease you need to add.
- Use the cup to rinse.
Vanquishing Hard Water Stains From Fiberglass Tub
Hard water stains on the sides of your tub and bottom can be difficult to clean. However, they are far from impossible. For hard water stains, grab a lemon or two and some borax.
- Wet the tub.
- Sprinkle the hard water stains with borax.
- Cut the lemons in half.
- Rub the lemon over the borax.
- Let it sit for an hour or two.
- Rinse with water.
- If any stain remains, sprinkle baking soda on a wet toothbrush.
- Add a drop of Dawn and scrub.
How to Remove Rust Stains From Fiberglass Tub
If borax, lemon, and white vinegar aren't working to get rid of the hard water and rust, you need to look for a commercial rust remover. These come by several names, but any rust and limescale remover safe for fiberglass works.
- Add the recommended amount of the commercial cleaner to the tub, per the instructions.
- Allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Rinse and dry.
Since commercial rust removers can hurt the skin, it's important to glove up before using them.
Prevention and General Cleaning Don'ts for Fiberglass
Fiberglass tubs and sinks are pretty versatile. However, you can do a few things to prevent soap scum and rust from forming. Additionally, a few cleaners should avoided. See this list to get all the details.
- After showering or bathing, wipe down the tub with your towel. This can help to avoid rust and soap scum build-up, especially for those with hard water.
- Always wear the proper protective equipment like gloves and old clothes when using chemicals for cleaning.
- To avoid scratching fiberglass, watch out when using steel wool or abrasive cleaners.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on any colored fiberglass since it can fade it.
- Make sure to rinse chemicals well.
Refinishing Fiberglass Tubs
If you have a tough stain you can't touch, it might be more than a stain. Sometimes the finish on a fiberglass tub gets damaged. When this happens, stains penetrate into the fiberglass and are nearly impossible to remove. In this instance, you might need to see a professional about refinishing your tub or consider getting a new tub.
Clean the Tough Stains off Fiberglass Tubs With Ease
Fiberglass tubs are durable. That makes them easy to clean. However, it's important to pay attention to the dos and don'ts of cleaning fiberglass to make sure you don't give yourself more work in the long run.
