How do you get stains out of acrylic or fiberglass tub?

Getting stains out of acrylic or fiberglass tubs can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and cleaning products, it is possible to restore your tub’s sparkling shine. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the best methods for removing all kinds of stubborn bathtub stains and discoloration.

What Causes Stains in Acrylic and Fiberglass Tubs?

Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are highly durable and long-lasting, but they are still prone to staining over time with regular use. Here are some of the most common culprits of bathtub stains:

• Soap scum – Residue from soap, shampoo, and body wash builds up on the tub’s surface.
• Hard water – Mineral deposits from hard water can leave limescale stains.
• Mold and mildew – Moisture that doesn’t dry fully allows mold and mildew to grow.
• Rust – Iron or other metal-based contaminants in the water supply can cause orange/brown rust stains.
• Hair products – Shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes can stain the tub.
• Bodily fluids – Things like blood or urine can stain if not cleaned up quickly.
• Cleaning products – Some harsh cleaners like bleach can discolor acrylic.

Over time, these staining agents build up and become more difficult to remove. That’s why it’s important to clean your tub regularly to prevent permanent staining.

Supplies Needed to Remove Acrylic and Fiberglass Tub Stains

Removing set-in stains from acrylic or fiberglass usually requires a combination of cleaning solutions and tools. Here are some recommended supplies to have on hand:

• Mild liquid dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Liquid bathroom cleaner or tub and tile spray
• Soft sponge or cloth
• Old toothbrush
• Plastic scrubbing pad
• Rubbing alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Protective gloves and eyewear

These basic household items provide a range of cleaning, disinfecting, scrubbing, and stain-fighting options for tackling bathtub stains without harsh chemicals.

How to Remove Common Bathtub Stains

Here are some tips for removing the most stubborn acrylic and fiberglass tub stains using the supplies listed above:

Soap Scum Removal

• Spray down the tub with a liquid bathroom cleaner and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Use a damp sponge and baking soda to gently scrub the soap scum stains.
• Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
• For extra stubborn buildup, wipe the area with white vinegar after scrubbing.

Hard Water Stain Removal

• Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar.
• Liberally spray the vinegar solution onto the hard water stains.
• Let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing with a plastic pad or old toothbrush.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.

Mold and Mildew Stain Removal

• Put on protective gloves and eyewear.
• Apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto the moldy areas and allow to bubble for 10 minutes.
• Scrub with a nylon scrubbing brush or Magic Eraser while rinsing with water.
• Spray leftover staining with diluted bleach and rinse thoroughly.
• Allow tub to dry fully to prevent mold recurrence.

Rust Stain Removal

• Wet the rusted area with water.
• Sprinkle on baking soda and rub it into the stain using a cloth or toothbrush.
• Squeeze lemon juice onto the stained surface and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Scrub with a nylon pad while rinsing thoroughly.
• Dry and reapply baking soda if stain remains. Rinse and dry tub completely.

Hair Product Stain Removal

• Apply rubbing alcohol directly onto the stained area.
• Let the alcohol sit for 2-3 minutes to break down the hair products.
• Scrub with an old toothbrush while rinsing with hot water.
• Dry with a clean cloth and repeat if necessary. Wash regularly to prevent buildup.

Organic Stain Removal (Blood, Urine, Dye)

• Wear protective gloves when handling organic stains.
• Blot up any excess staining material with paper towels.
• Apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain.
• Allow peroxide to bubble for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush.
• Rinse tub thoroughly with hot water and wipe dry.

Bleach Discoloration Removal

• Wipe tub surface with rubbing alcohol to help break down bleach stains.
• Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water and apply to discolored areas.
• Allow paste to sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Dry tub and buff surface with a microfiber cloth.

Tips for Preventing Future Bathtub Staining

Once you get your acrylic or fiberglass tub looking squeaky clean, you’ll want to take steps to prevent future staining. Here are some handy tub maintenance tips:

• Wipe down the tub after every use to prevent soap scum buildup.
• Rinse soap and shampoo out of washcloths/loofahs to avoid residue transfer.
• Open shower doors/curtains after use to allow moisture to evaporate.
• Clean your tub at least weekly with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner.
• Consider re-caulking around the tub to prevent moisture seeping under.
• Use a squeegee after showering to keep mineral deposits at bay.
• Install a water softener system if dealing with severe hard water.
• Ventilate the bathroom well to inhibit mold growth.

Establishing good tub cleaning habits is the best way to avoid a buildup of stubborn stains. With regular maintenance cleaning, you can keep your acrylic or fiberglass bathtub looking like new for years.

When to Call for Professional Bathtub Refinishing

For extremely stubborn, set-in stains or damage that won’t scrub out, you may need to call in a professional bathtub refinishing service. Here are some signs it’s time to let the experts tackle your stained or damaged tub:

• The tub has permanent dull spots or etched areas that won’t buff out.
• There are cracks, chips, or deep gouges in the tub surface.
• You notice signs of damage around the drain or fittings.
• DIY efforts have failed to fully remove stains after multiple attempts.
• The tub surface feels rough or porous.
• You want to change the tub color entirely.

Professional reglazing can give your worn-out acrylic or fiberglass bathtub a brand new, factory-fresh finish. The process involves lightly sanding down the tub surface, applying new acrylic enamel coating, and curing it to harden. This resurfaces the tub to restore its glossy, smooth look and prevent further staining. Most bathtub refinishing jobs cost $400-$1000 depending on the tub size, location, and the amount of damage that needs repairing.

DIY Bathtub Refinishing Kits

If you don’t want to hire a professional, another option is to use a do-it-yourself refinishing kit. These kits come with acrylic enamel resurfacing liquid along with all the tools and supplies needed to recoat your tub at home. Here are the steps for using a DIY bathtub refinishing kit:

1. Fully clean and dry the tub then roughen surface with included sandpaper.
2. Wipe tub with denatured alcohol to remove residue.
3. Apply acrylic bonding agent and let dry fully.
4. Pour acrylic enamel into tray and use included roller to apply 2-3 even coats.
5. Wait 6 hours between coats for proper drying and curing.
6. Let cure for 24 hours before use. Avoid abrasive cleaners on resurfaced tub.

DIY kits can save you money compared to hiring out, but the process is labor intensive. You also need to be comfortable using chemical bonding agents. Follow all safety precautions when attempting to refinish a bathtub yourself. But if done properly, a refinishing kit can give you professional quality results.

The Cost of Bathtub Resurfacing

Here is a comparison of estimated costs for professional vs. DIY bathtub refinishing:

Method	Cost
Professional refinishing service	$400 – $1000+ depending on tub size and damage
DIY refinishing kit	$70 – $200 for supplies and materials

As shown, DIY bathtub refinishing can provide huge cost savings compared to hiring out. But professional reglazing services do all the challenging work for you and have specialized equipment that allows them to refinish tubs quicker than a first-timer could.

How Long Does Bathtub Refinishing Last?

On average, a professional bathtub reglazing or DIY refinishing job can last 5-10 years with proper care and maintenance. Here are some factors that influence longevity:

• Surface prep – Sanding provides better adhesion.
• Coats applied – More coats add durability.
• Curing time – Proper drying prevents chipping.
• Usage frequency – Heavy use wears down finish faster.
• Cleaning habits – Harsh cleaners shorten life.
• DIY vs. professional – Pros have more experience.

Refraining from using abrasive scrubbers or chemicals helps preserve the glossy acrylic finish. With gentle cleaning, you can enjoy a freshly resurfaced bathtub free of stains for years before needing to reapply a new coat.

Signs It’s Time to Redo Bathtub Refinishing

Even with proper prep and application, an acrylic tub refinishing job will eventually show signs of wear. Watch for these clues that it’s time to have your tub reglazed:

• Visible scratches, chips, or cracks in finish
• Areas feeling rough to the touch
• Noticeable loss of glossy sheen
• New stains/discoloration appearing
• Worn out caulking around edges

Tub refinishing can be redone multiple times if needed. Simply scrub away any old flaking finish, lightly sand and wipe clean, then reapply new acrylic enamel coats. This provides a fresh start without the cost of full tub replacement.

Precautions When Refinishing an Old Bathtub

Before attempting to refinish a vintage acrylic or cast iron enameled tub, take note of these safety precautions:

• Check for lead paint – Older coats may contain lead.
• Test for asbestos – Asbestos insulation may be present.
• Wear PPE – Protect yourself from chemical fumes.
• No chemical stripping – Can damage vintage tubs.
• Hand sand only – Power tools gouge cast iron.
• Use compatible materials – Ensure proper adhesion.
• Read all instructions – Follow steps closely.

It’s possible to refinish antique tubs safely, but special care must be taken. Consult with a professional to assess your vintage tub before attempting refinishing.

Conclusion

Removing stains and restoring the gleaming finish of an acrylic or fiberglass bathtub is very doable with the right techniques and cleaning solutions. Mild abrasives, scrubbing, and powerful stain-fighters like hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can tackle even set-in stains like mold, soap scum, and hard water deposits.

Regular maintenance cleaning is key to preventing permanent tub stains. But when discoloration and damage occur, refinishing the tub by applying fresh acrylic enamel coating can make it look brand new again. Hiring a pro or using a DIY kit both produce long-lasting results. Just be sure to prep the surface properly and allow adequate drying time. With the methods outlined above, you can banish stains and enjoy a pristine bathtub surface for years before needing to re-glaze.