Will baking soda and vinegar clean a fiberglass tub?

Baking soda and vinegar are commonly used household cleaners that many people rely on for cleaning various surfaces in their homes. Using a combination of baking soda and vinegar is often recommended as an effective and natural way to clean fiberglass tubs and remove stubborn dirt and stains. But will this homemade cleaner actually work to clean a fiberglass tub and get it sparkling clean?

What is fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a common material used to make bathtubs and showers. It is a composite material made from extremely fine fibers of glass that are woven together and then bonded with plastic resins. The end result is a strong, lightweight and durable material that has a smooth, glossy surface.

Compared to materials like acrylic, cast iron or porcelain, fiberglass tubs are relatively easy to repair, replace and install. However, the porous surface of fiberglass makes it more prone to staining, scratches and buildup of dirt, soap scum and hard water deposits.

Why baking soda and vinegar?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring powdery substance that has mild abrasive and alkaline properties. When mixed with an acidic ingredient like vinegar, it creates a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide bubbles. This reaction helps break down tough dirt and grease.

Vinegar contains acetic acid that helps dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum. Combining it with baking soda results in a fizzy, alkaline cleaner that is effective at degreasing and disinfecting surfaces.

Together, baking soda and vinegar provide a safe, non-toxic and economical cleaning solution for fiberglass tubs and other bathroom surfaces. They have the following advantages:

• Remove built-up grime, soap scum and hard water stains
• Have antibacterial and antifungal properties to inhibit mold and mildew
• Deodorize the tub by neutralizing stubborn odors
• Are more environmentally friendly than chemical cleaners
• Cost only pennies compared to commercial cleaners

How to clean a fiberglass tub with baking soda and vinegar

Cleaning a fiberglass tub using this dynamic duo is a simple process:

1. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the bottom and sides of the tub. Make sure to cover all areas with dirt and soap buildup.
2. Spray undiluted white vinegar over the baking soda so that it foams up.
3. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. The activated baking soda will start breaking down the grime.
4. Scrub the tub in circular motions using a soft cloth or brush.
5. Rinse the tub thoroughly with hot water to wash away the cleaning solution.
6. For scrubbing the soap scum off shower walls and doors, make a paste by mixing 1 part baking soda with 1 part vinegar. Spread the paste on affected areas and let sit briefly before scrubbing and rinsing.

Tips for cleaning fiberglass tubs

• Clean the tub regularly to prevent heavy buildup that gets harder to remove.
• Always do a test patch on an inconspicuous area first to check if the cleaner damages the finish.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from irritation.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the surface while scrubbing.
• Rinse tub thoroughly after cleaning to prevent residue buildup over time.
• Follow up with a non-abrasive tub polish to buff out water spots and restore shine.

The pros of using baking soda and vinegar

Here are some of the benefits of using baking soda and vinegar to clean fiberglass tubs:

Pros	Details
Non-toxic	Safe to use even in homes with pets and children, unlike harsh chemical cleaners
Readily available	Common ingredients that most households already have stocked
Inexpensive	Very affordable compared to commercial tub cleaners. A box of baking soda and vinegar bottle costs just a few dollars
Effective	Can tackle soap scum, hard water stains, mildew and grime
Easy to use	Simple process with no special equipment or scrubbing needed
Environmentally friendly	Naturally derived ingredients that are safe for septic systems

Potential cons of using this method

While baking soda and vinegar offer an easy, eco-friendly way to clean fiberglass tubs, there are some potential downsides:

Cons	Details
Elbow grease needed	May require scrubbing for tougher stains and buildup
Repeated applications	May need more than one treatment for stubborn gunk and rings
Not a disinfectant	Does not kill all mold, fungi and bacteria
Can scratch	If rubbed too hard, baking soda can scratch the tub surface
Requires rinsing	Needs to be thoroughly rinsed away or it will leave a hazy residue
Needs reapplication	Does not offer long-lasting anti-mildew protection

Effectiveness compared to commercial cleaners

Standard fiberglass tub cleaners available at supermarkets and hardware stores promise to quickly dissolve soap scum, hard water buildup, mildew stains and rings. Many contain strong chemicals and acids like hydrogen chloride that corrode deposits. While commercial cleaners may be more effective for tough stains, they have some disadvantages compared to baking soda and vinegar solution:

Cleaner Type	Baking Soda + Vinegar	Commercial Cleaners
Effectiveness	Good for light stains and soap scum	More effective on tough mineral buildup and mildew
Safety	Non-toxic and gentle on skin	Harsh chemicals require gloves and ventilation
Cost	Very economical	More expensive
Convenience	Requires some scrubbing and rinsing	Just spray, wait and wipe away
Eco-friendly	Natural ingredients, biodegradable	Some cleaners harm the environment

While commercial cleaners may offer greater convenience, baking soda and vinegar provide a cheaper, safer and more eco-friendly option in most cases. For tough stains, one option is to use a baking soda paste first, followed by a commercial cleaner for any remaining spots.

Tips for preventing fiberglass tub stains

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to keeping fiberglass tubs clean. Here are some helpful tips to prevent stains and buildup:

• Wipe down the tub after every use to prevent soap scum accumulation.
• Open windows during baths to allow moisture to escape and avoid mineral deposits.
• Attach a squeegee to the wall to make it easier to wipe water off smooth surfaces after use.
• Clean up spills right away before they have a chance to dry and set.
• Apply a tub protective coating every few months to repel grime.
• Consider bath mats, tub aprons and shower curtains that allow airflow and evaporation.
• Invest in a water softener if hard water stains are difficult to prevent.
• Keep bath products in sealed containers and avoid dumping additives directly in the tub.

When to call a professional

While DIY cleaners can tackle most fiberglass tub messes, there are some situations where calling in a professional may be advisable:

• Mildew stains cover over 50% of the tub surface or are very dark and stubborn.
• The tub has extensive etching or cloudy dull spots that cannot be buffed out.
• There are cracks or chips in the fiberglass that need structural repairs.
• Replacing the tub may be more cost-effective than dealing with recurring stains.
• The stains keep returning quickly despite thorough cleaning.
• You want to professionally resurface or re-gelcoat the tub to restore its appearance.
• Your health prevents you from doing the tough scrubbing required.

For extensive repairs, re-glazing, resurfacing or replacing the entire tub, it is wise to hire a contractor who specializes in fiberglass bathtub refinishing. They have the right tools, skills and experience.

Conclusion

Baking soda and vinegar provide an effective homemade cleaner for removing light stains, soap buildup and rings from fiberglass tubs. The baking soda scrubs away grime while vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and kills mold and bacteria.

When used properly, this classic combo can clean fiberglass as well as commercial cleaners – without the harsh chemicals. Apply a liberal amount, let it sit to work its magic, scrub with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly.

While it requires a bit more elbow grease than commercial cleaners, baking soda and vinegar offer a non-toxic, environmentally friendly and super affordable way to clean fiberglass tubs and keep them looking fresh.

Try this classic cleaning duo and see the results for yourself! Just remember to never mix vinegar and bleach – this combination creates toxic chlorine gas. Stick to vinegar or bleach, not both.

With some periodic cleaning using items already in your pantry, you can keep your fiberglass tub sparkling and stain-free for years to come!