Have you ever noticed your plastic bathtub developing a yellowish, murky color? Are you wondering how to get your plastic bathtub white again? Despite our best efforts to keep it clean with regular scrubbing and taking care of it properly, discoloration is an inevitable problem many faces.
If your tub has reached this point, don’t worry! Over time, wear and tear from consistent use can leave plastic tubs looking yellowed or dull.
The good news is that there are several ways to restore your plastic bathtub back to its original bright-white color. In this blog post, we will explore the different approaches you can take to get your tub white again without having to purchase a new one.
Read on for tips on how to clean and how to get a plastic bathtub white again to restore the original brightness of your favorite fixture. Let’s get started!
What Causes Plastic Bathtubs to Go Yellowish?
1. Sweating
Before we dive into how to get a plastic bathtub white again, let’s explore some of the causes of yellow discoloration. Over time, detergents and cleaners can cause deposits to accumulate on the surface of your tub.
Additionally, sweat from showering can also contribute to residues that will eventually lead to yellowing. Excessive humidity in the bathroom is also known to cause plastic bathtub yellowing.
2. Minerals in the Water
Hard water contains minerals that can react with the surface of your tub, contributing to yellow discoloration. If you live in a place with hard water, you might find yourself dealing with this issue more often than others.
3. Sun Exposure and High Temperatures
Another common cause of yellowing is direct sun exposure and high temperatures. Plastic tubs can be sensitive to UV rays, so it’s important that you avoid leaving your bathtub in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Required Items for Cleaning Your Tub
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most common household items used for cleaning and deodorizing surfaces. It’s also perfect for getting your plastic bathtub white again due to its mild abrasive properties – just mix a few tablespoons with water to create a paste, then use it to scrub away any residue or discoloration.
2. White Vinegar
White vinegar is also great for cleaning plastic bathtubs. It’s a natural disinfectant that can help soften hard-to-remove residues and will make your tub sparkle again. Just add a few cups of white vinegar to hot water, then use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the surface.
3. Bleach
Bleach is one of the most effective ways to get a plastic bathtub white again. Just mix one part bleach and three parts water, then use a cloth or sponge to scrub away any discoloration. Be sure to wear gloves when using this solution, as it can be quite harsh on the skin!
10 Ways How to Get a Plastic Bathtub White Again
1. Use a Scrub Brush
The first step to getting your plastic bathtub white again is to use a scrub brush with some dish soap and warm water. This will help loosen up any dirt or residue that may have built up on the surface of the tub over time.
2. Try Baking Soda
The second step is to create a mixture of baking soda and water. Spread this paste over the surface of your tub, then use a scrub brush to gently scrub away any residue or discoloration. This method is great for getting rid of built-up soap scum and mildew.
3. Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can help restore the original whiteness of your plastic bathtub. Just add some white vinegar to hot water, then use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any residue. This method is especially useful if your tub has developed hard-to-remove rust stains.
4. Try Bleach
If baking soda and vinegar don’t seem to be doing the trick, you may want to try bleach. Just mix one part bleach with three parts water in a bucket, then use a sponge or cloth to scrub away any discoloration. Be sure to wear gloves when using this solution!
5. Use Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is another great ingredient for restoring the whiteness of your plastic bathtub. Just mix it with some water to create a paste, then apply this mixture to any areas that are discolored. Use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub away residue.
6. Try Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural cleaner that can help restore the original brightness of your tub. Just mix it with some water and apply it to any discolored areas, then use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any residue.
7. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective cleaner that can help get your plastic bathtub white again. Just mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water, then use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away any residue.
8. Use a Pumice Stone
If you’re dealing with hard-to-remove rust stains, a pumice stone can be used to gently remove them. Just dampen the area and use the stone to scrub away any discoloration.
9. Use Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another great option for restoring the whiteness of your tub. Just apply some toothpaste to any discolored areas, then use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away residue.
10. Use Steel Wool
Steel wool can be used to remove rust stains from plastic bathtubs. Just dampen the area and use a soft steel wool pad to scrub away any discoloration. Be sure to wear gloves when using this method!
Following these simple steps can help you get your plastic bathtub white again without having to buy a new one. With the right cleaning supplies and techniques, you can restore the original brightness of your favorite fixture in no time!
8 Maintenance Tips for Keeping a Plastic Bathtub White Again
1. Clean the tub frequently with a mild detergent to remove dirt, body oils, and soap residue. A soft sponge or cloth is best for cleaning plastic surfaces. Avoid abrasive products as they may scratch the surface of the tub.
2. Rinse away all soap residue from the surface of the bathtub, and dry with a soft cloth. Rinsing and drying help prevent soap buildup. Also, this prevents water spots from forming.
3. To remove stubborn stains such as mineral deposits, mold, or mildew, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stained area of the tub and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
4. Remove rust stains by rubbing them with a paste made of baking soda and water. Removing rust stains quickly is key, as they can damage and discolor the surface of the tub if left untreated.
5. Don’t let hair dyes, permanent markers, or nail polish remover sit on a plastic bathtub for too long; this can cause serious staining and discoloration. Clean spills up immediately with a damp cloth to help prevent damage.
6. Avoid using or storing harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia, near the bathtub. These chemicals can cause discoloration and other damage to plastic surfaces.
7. Keep temperature changes to a minimum by avoiding hot baths and showers directly after cold ones – this helps prevent the cracking of the plastic material over time. Keeping lukewarm temperatures when taking a bath or shower is best.
8. Invest in a quality plastic restoring product such as gel gloss and use it to keep the surface of the tub looking like new. Gel gloss helps protect the tub from future staining and discoloration. Be sure to follow all instructions on the package for best results. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your plastic bathtub looking white and sparkling clean.
Conclusion
It is understandable that over time, plastic bathtubs can discolor, become stained or simply just get dirty. As a result, the overall visual appeal of the bathtub might suffer. Fortunately, it doesn’t take too much effort to clean the bathroom and get it looking like new again.
With the help of these different techniques on how to get a plastic bathtub white again outlined here, you can easily bring back the vibrant white color of your plastic bathtub in no time.
Now all you need to do is keep your plastic bathtub nice and clean so that it remains a sparkly and beautiful addition to your bathroom for years to come! Remember to wipe and rinse down your tub after every use, and this should do a great job in preventing future dirt build-up from occurring.
That way, you won’t have to think about how difficult it can be to get a plastic bathtub white again – instead, you can just enjoy all the hard work you put into making it look brand new and sparkly once more!
