Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub

By sb1234 from PA

Archives: Request: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Archived on 06/30/2009 I have a fiberglass bathtub with the walls and shelves attached. I can't seem to get black mold spots out of the grout attaching the tub to the walls no matter how hard I scrub. Do I have to re-do the grout? Any advice regarding effective store-bought or homemade fiberglass-safe cleaners would be much appreciated. I have a heck of a time getting the fiberglass clean, the dirt seems to stick to it like glue and scrubbing is useless. It's very frustrating. Thanks so much for your help. By AnnahFM from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Feedback: RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Try spraying with bleach. (04/14/2009) By vguy RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Bleach is good at killing mold. I would put a little bleach in some water and clean it with that. It still won't look clean, but it should kill the mold. There is a product called Polyblend Grout Renew. It is a colorant, has mildew preventer in it and is also a sealer, and the bottle says it is stain resistant. I got it at Home Depot in the flooring department, it comes in different colors. I wanted to do the grout in my bathroom, ceramic tile floor, wall and around the tub, but they didn't have the exact color to match any of the grout, so I just bought the nearest color to it. You apply it with an old toothbrush and while still wet, you wipe over it with a dry rag. This stuff covered all of the grout which is now a uniform color and made it all look like new, and it actually is stain resistant. I did it about 6 mos. ago and it still looks like I just did it. It is made by Custom Building Products in Seal Beach, California. (04/14/2009) By Anonymous RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I bet it isn't Grout but is Caulking instead. Either way, you can use straight bleach to clean caulk or grout. Just pour or spray it on, shut the bathroom door, and leave the bleach to sit for about 20 minutes or so. If it's caulk and not grout, sometimes mold will get into caulking. If it is caulk, it's very easy to re-caulk. They sell a bathroom caulk that resists mold. All you have to do is scrape the rubbery caulk out then re-caulk. Ask at the hardware store, there is lots of cool tips & tools to help caulk a neat line. (04/14/2009) By Cyinda RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I use Tilex. If that doesn't work, it's under the caulk and should be removed and reapplied. As far as cleaning a fiberglass tub. I have two products that I use on mine. Bar Keeper's Friend. It's a cleanser like Comet or Ajax and melts away the crud like you wouldn't believe. The second is the Mr. Clean Eraser. Wonderful, wonderful, they will scrub out the remainder of the crud. Blessings! (04/16/2009) By Sheryllynn44 RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Try using Scrubbing Bubbles. I clean houses and I swear by this product. (04/17/2009) By busdrivr RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I also would use a magic eraser on the grout and /or scrub with an old toothbrush dipped in spic n span with water. The fiberglass is frustrating. I once tried a magic eraser on my shower (out of desperation) and now rust stains are so embedded. I think that the eraser sort of micro-scratched the surface. So, try CLR or something like it. Use a scrubby with circular motions dipped in borax or softscrub. I feel your pain! (04/17/2009) By captarlo RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I will add a PS to my post below, Polyblend Grout Renew works with both grout and caulk. (04/18/2009) By Anonymous Report Spam or Abuse Request: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Archived on 04/14/2009 How do you clean a fiberglass bathtub and sink? By church1040 from Dubuque IA Feedback: RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Baking soda & vinegar, good luck. (04/01/2009) By kffrmw88 RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I use Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (they now come in generic brands too - works the same, but cheaper). Wet the sponge, squeeze out the water and scrub that crud right off the tub. Works like a charm and believe me, I had tried everything before someone told me about these little beauties. Good luck! (04/08/2009) By Sheryllynn44 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Archived on 04/01/2009 We have a fiberglass shower and bathtub installed in our home. The bathtub's still in very good condition. It looks dull because of the soap buildup. I have tried cleaning it with Bon Ami, polishing cleanser which is recommended for fiberglass. And I have tried using Simply Green liquid cleaner. No matter how hard I scrub, I can't remove the dull soap scum. What product can I buy to remove the soap so it at least looks clean and somewhat new? I will thank you for your suggestions. Marge from NY Answers: RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub My parents also have a fiberglass tub and have found a product that just works wonderfully! It's called Barkeeper's Friend--it's awesome. Takes away a lot of the scrubbing, we use to do on it! If your tub is really bad, try using that and a Black and Decker Scumbuster. Good Luck! RoxyLea (09/19/2007) By RoxyLea RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub "The Works"! I get it at Dollar Tree and it will melt anything off of fiberglass with minimal scrubbing. I used one of the Mr. Clean long-handled scrubbers and the pad for tubs. Works perfectly. I even used The Works to kill iron staining from my sister's shower. They thought I was a magician! It's really good stuff and cheap at Dollar Tree. Granny (09/21/2007) By Granny Marcia By MCW RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I love Windex type cleaners for cleaning any type of sink or tub. Its the greatest for removing soap scum, as it has ammonia. (Its makes diamonds sparkle) It doesn't leave water spots on your faucets. I hope you haven't worn off the finish on your tub by scrubbing it. Have you tried just plain baking soda? I had a stain in my cast iron tub that I couldn't remove. A friend suggested I try plain old baking soda. It worked better than cleanser! Best of luck. (09/23/2007) By Carol in PA RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I too, have a fiberglass tub. One thing that helps immensely is a water softener if you have hard water. It makes it much much easier to clean all sinks, the toilet, and the tub. I also only have to use half the soap or detergent in the dishwasher and washing machine and my skin is much less itchy in the winter. (09/24/2007) By Lynn RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Mr. Clean Eraser is my favorite newest addition to a cleaning arsenal for hard surfaces, without damaging the surface I am cleaning. It uses plain water and elbow grease. Once the soap scum, stain, or ground in floor dirt is erased, seal the area. Linoleum floors I seal with Beacon Wax, Veneer counter top and Fiberglass tub/shower stall with "Gel Coat". Windows dry with window chamois. Mr. Clean Eraser removes Kool Aid stains from white counter tops. I was sold. Wouldn't want to live without one in the house ever again. 3/30/08 (03/30/2008) RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub You won't believe this but it works. My fiberglass tub sparkles like new: Here is what I used (in this order) Strypeeze (Savogran Co.) Mineral Spirits No 7 Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound (Cyclo Industries) No 7 White Polishing Compund (also by Cyclo industries) Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #6 Professional Cleaner Wax Wear gloves. Follow the directions on the labels. It takes a lot of elbow grease to do the initial cleaning. Use Foaming Scrubbing Bubbles to clean the tub after you bathe. Spray it on and wipe it down. Every 6 months - 1 year re-apply a coat of Mirror Glaze to continue to protect the surface. (06/04/2008) By Susan RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Top Job liquid cleanser works great on my new shower enclosure and fiberglass tub. I use a plastic scrubbie that is sold in the dish soap section used for washing dishes. It is so quick. You can start scrubbing as soon as you spray. It looks like new every time (06/23/2008) By Gloria RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I have used everything on the market. I recently used Zap Fiberglass Restorer, and it took my tub and surround back to brand new. You can only find it on line I haven't been able to find it in stores. (08/28/2008) RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I found that 3M products work well. I went to their website and found Color/Gloss Restorer. It claims to revive dull gelcoat surfaces. And it does!! I just used it on our fiberglass tub and it works great. I am now going to apply 3M Marine Finesse-It II Finishing Material to give it a wet look shine. It then recommends using the 3M Marine Ultra Performance Paste Wax. I do have some but am not sure I will use that. Will see how tired I am when I get to that step. (10/25/2008) By Val Report Spam or Abuse Request: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Archived on 09/19/2007 I have a fiberglass tub (or as I call it, a plastic tub) and I can not get it white. I have cleaned it with all the cleaners they have to offer and it still will not come clean. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks, Melissa from New York Answers: RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I have had great success using equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Start with 1/2 cup. The baking soda acts as a gentle cleanser, while the vinegar is a good overall all cleaner. Best of all, it is easy, environmentally friendly and very inexpensive to use! (06/02/2003) By NCOZADD RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Here's an older question similar to this one: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000735.tip.html There are lots of good answers here so check it out. It sounds as if the surface of your tub may be damaged. There may be no way to get it clean no matter how much you scrub and I'm sure you do scrub. You could try a product like "Zap" that claims to restore fiberglass. I haven't used it myself so I don't know how well it works. You could try using very fine 000 steel wool (this is super fine, don't use regular steel wool as it will scratch) or baking soda (rub it in good) and see if that will remove the stains. The cleaning products may have damaged it more rather than helping. You may need to have your fiberglass tub refinished or restored. No matter how much you clean, once the surface is rough, it will not look shiny and will absorb dirt. Fiberglass tubs need to be cleaned with care so that you don't rough up or scratch the surface. It is possible to do it yourself but you will need to study up on fiberglass resins, preparing the surface, how to apply them, etc. If it is your only bathing area it could be inconvenient and you'll need good ventilation. All in all it might be easier either to live with it, hire a professional or get a new tub. http://www.refinishingonline.com/fiberglass_repairs.htm (06/10/2003) By Susan RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Hope these recipes are helpful in cleaning your fiberglass tub. We have a 75-year-old cast iron tub so I can't attest to the effectiveness of these fiberglass cleaners. FIBERGLASS CLEANER 1/2 C. vinegar 1/4 C. baking soda 1 C. clear ammonia 1 gal. warm water Mix well. Wear rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area. FIBERGLASS SCOURING CLEANSER 1/2 C. soap flakes 1 1/2 C. hot water 2 tsp. borax 2 to 5 tsp. whiting In a large plastic bowl, mix soap flakes and borax into water until dissolved. Add whiting gradually, checking the consistency and degree of abrasiveness after each teaspoon. Pour mixture into a squeeze-top container. Squeeze some of the cleanser onto a sponge and then wipe down the fixture. Rinse and dry. FIBERGLASS TUB FLOOR CLEANER This is to be used only on the irregular bottom surface of the tub - not on the smooth surfaces. 3 C. baking soda 1 C. borax Fine drywall sandpaper Mix baking soda and borax together. Work the cleanser in with the drywall sandpaper and then rinse well. GOOD LUCK! (06/16/2003) By FlaKathy RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Clean with a soft scrub or what I use is called "Best Bet". It can be bought through a professional janitorial company called "All Vac Janitorial". You need to rub, the product in and let it set, dwell about 5 - 10 minutes and rinse it off. after the tub is cleaned you can do routine cleaning with "fiberglass magic". You can buy that at Menards. This product will shine and keep the water marks away. another "polish" you can use only on a shower surround, where you will not be standing to slip on is after it's cleaned or a small routine cleaning again is to use pledge furniture polish. It'll look like brand new again! (07/28/2003) By Kimmd RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub We used to own a fourplex that had very old bathubs from when it was originally built in 1963! We had one that was Pepto Bismol pink, one that was baby blue, etc. ha ha They were all stained horrendously from years of use. We bought a bathtub paint that we repainted the tubs with. You can get it at Home Depot for like $12 a box. Those tubs looked BRAND NEW! Nobody could believe it! The downside it that it is a toxic smelling paint. You must have ventilation and air out the room for several days. It was well worth it for us, but we had empty apartments as we did it. If you have a second bathroom to use, it may be worth it for you as well. (05/07/2004) By Tawnda RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub My 11 yr old fiberglass tub needed HELP! I bought CLR in the yellow trigger-spray bottle from TARGET. Sprayed on, waited 5 minutes, and gently scrubbed with a mesh covered sponge..WOW! I need sunglasses! Try it! (08/13/2004) By Kathilee RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I had the same exact problem! We have very hard water and the bottom of my tub was a nasty, dingy gray! I bought some Bar Keeper's Friend and I used that. Follow the instructions on the can. It's a powder. You wet the tub down and then I sprinkle it on and use a scrub brush. It took every bit of the gray out and it's sparkling white again! I use that and then rinse it good. After that I spray my entire tub and shower down with Clorox Clean Up and wipe it down with that to make sure the germs have all been killed. (12/29/2005) By Robin RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I have fiberglass tubs also and they are really tough to clean! Also, at age 75 I have problems getting down on my knees to reach the corners. The best way I've found thus far is to have a little water in the tub and make a paste with dishwasher detergent (powder form). Then I scrub with an old straw broom. Still calls for some "elbow grease", but I can work from a standing position and the results are satisfactory. Beth (12/30/2005) By Beth RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I thought we had the same problem with our newly installed tub too. Scrub away to no avail. Complained to the company who inspected the tub & they told me that "sometimes" the fiberglass that is sprayed on during manufacturing does not go on evenly and may leave areas when dried showing grey areas & may leave the tub looking dirty. Since they didn't want to cover the costs of labor to reinstall a new built in...We got the tub for FREE! How's that for being thrifty? This maybe your problem too, that is if the tub isn't too old... (12/30/2005) By Streatch RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I have a newer tub, about 10 or 11 years old now, and it still looks like new. I can tell you what I have used to keep it that way, but am not sure if it will restore it. The things I have used are what I have used on our fiberglass boats to make them look shiny and new, while protecting them from salt water, scum, etc. Try "GEL-GLOSS." It is a one step cleaner and polish for fiberglass, marble, or acrylic that cleans, seals, and shines. It comes in a 16 oz. can. It is made by TR Industries, 11022 Vulcan St., South Gate, CA 90280. I have also learned how to keep from having to use the above product. I use liquid Spic and Span and a sponge that has a soft scrubbing cloth on one side. I say soft because it shouldn't be one that's used for scrubbing burnt food from pans as it might scratch the surface. Monthly I use liquid Spic and Span full strength, rub the tub/shower down to remove scum, and only use the scrubber side if the minerals, rings, or soap scum, etc. seem to be hard to remove. When done, I turn on the hot water and spray the tub and shower walls down, wipe down with a soft rag or squeegee and it shines like a new penny! Good luck! (12/31/2005) By Thissie RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub Try using Greased Lightning - Multi-purpose cleaner (sold at Walmart among other places) and a scrubber that will not scratch your fiberglass. Our water is terrible here and discolors our tub and shower. I spray on, wait a little bit and usually spray again and use scrubbing pad to clean tub and/or shower, but it works. If I did not get it the first time, I try again. Please allow plenty of ventilation. Good Luck--Crystal of South Carolina (01/02/2006) By cr8zecrafher RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub BAR KEEPER'S FRIEND! This is the best cleaner. It cleans fiberglass, glass, stainless steel, copper, brass, tile,porcelain, even plastic! Removes rust! A must in every household! It comes in a gold can with blue/white writing. This product has been around since 1882!!! It comes in a liquid and powder form. I prefer the powder. Mix like a paste. For stubborn spots apply with a toothbrush(always) and go do another task come back in 20 to 30 mins and you will be amazed at the effort you put into cleaning. I especially like the results in my fiberglass tubs, porcelain sinks/stainless steel faucets, stovetops and scuffs from shoes on my lino from guests shoes. Try it you'll love it! Check out their website: www.barkeepersfriend.com or call 800-433-5818. I get it from my Savemart grocery store for $2.09. But I've seen it at Bedbath&Beyond for a little more. Happy cleaning! Jennifer CA (01/03/2006) By Jennifer,CA Hey Sitti Try salt and lemons. My husband thought I was nuts when I asked him to pick them up at the supermarket, but it works. Cut the lemon in half, use a TON of salt (you need enough to make a thick paste) and scrub away. The lemon is optional, it will work with just salt and a cloth, but the lemon juice does seem to help and the fibrous innards do some scrubbing and hold some of the salt paste in place. Our shower/tub had the same problem yours did, but a one-time application of the salt and lemon (it does take a little elbow grease) can get it clean enough that you can use the no-effort cleaners for a long period after that. (01/18/2006) By Niki RE: Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub I feel your pain. We have well water with high iron content and we use "The Works". It's the best solution we have found. Our toilets have never been so white! We found it at Dollar General for a dollar and bought about 10 so we wouldn't run out for a while. They make several different types for differing surfaces. Good luck! (07/05/2007) By DBE Report Spam or Abuse