How to wash in an acrylic bath. Choosing cleaning products for acrylic bathtubs: a comparative review. How to properly care for an acrylic bath: rules

Acrylic is a polymeric material (polymethyl methacrylate) used to make bathroom and shower equipment. If washed acrylic bath at home, using the usual means, methods for cast iron or metal products, it will quickly become unusable. For plumbing to last long years, had a decent appearance, she needs to provide proper care.

Acrylic bathtubs appeared on the market not so long ago, but managed to gain confidence and become a popular product. Products differ in many ways from enameled metal and cast iron products.

The coating requires careful treatment, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Subject to the conditions, plumbing will last for many years, retain whiteness, beauty. The rules of care, the process itself are so simple that if you regularly wash the product, then there will be no difficulties in the future.

The basic rule that will help to avoid the formation of red smudges of rust, stains, lime deposits is to wash the bathtub after each use with a soft soapy sponge, wiping it dry. You can eliminate the appearance of water stone, salt deposits by adding a little vinegar to the water when bathing. It will soften the water, prevent the formation of sediment.

For light soiling, you can use dish detergent, bar or liquid soap. After taking a shower, lather a washcloth, walk over the entire surface, rinse off the foam, and wipe the bath with a soft cloth.

Due to the busyness, workload of people, it happens that cleaning acrylic bathtubs goes to the bottom of the to-do list. The housewives notice that the plumbing is getting unkempt. To get rid of running pollution, you have to resort to the use of special tools or effective folk methods.

from water stone

There is an opinion that the acidic environment harms the acrylic coating. Bathtubs and sinks polymer material they are afraid of exposure to inorganic strong acids, and weak chemical compounds are used in the production of household chemicals for cleaning acrylic products. These acids include acetic and citric acids, which can be used to clean sanitary ware made of synthetic polymer material.

  • you can clean acrylic bathtubs from water stone with special household chemicals, with the exception of products containing chlorine, aggressive compounds, strong acids, acetone, ammonia, formaldehyde, gasoline. Common, familiar products used for washing cast-iron, enameled coatings cannot be used to clean acrylic. These include Whiteness, Santry, Pemolux, Domestos, Comet, Silit, Express gel;
  • cope with water stone, ammonia, vinegar will not harm the surface of plumbing. In 0.5 cups of water pour 6 tbsp. tablespoons of vinegar and 3 tbsp. spoons of ammonia. The components are mixed, the resulting composition processes places with sediment. The solution should be applied with a rag or sponge, left for a while to dissolve the stone. After the sediment is destroyed, problem areas should be rubbed with the hard side of the sponge, rinsed with water;
  • lemon with fine salt is an effective way to help scrub off salt stains and stains. Salt of the “Extra” variety is sprinkled on a slice of lemon and the surface with pollution is rubbed with this piece. The released juice can be left for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse the bath well with warm running water;
  • soda can help housewives in solving many household issues. If you sprinkle a little soda on a sponge dipped in vinegar, rub places with a water stone, you can achieve cleansing and resuming the appearance of plumbing.

From limescale

  • You can clean the surface of a small amount of calcium carbonate by spraying undiluted 9% vinegar on the problem area and leaving it for 10 minutes. After the time has elapsed, repeat the spraying a few more times. Then the contamination must be rubbed with a washcloth of medium hardness, rinse clean water;
  • an aqueous solution with the addition of lemon powder will remove salt deposits on the surface of an acrylic bath. A tablespoon of white crystals is dissolved in 250 ml of warm water, the problem area is treated with a sponge. In case of severe contamination, you can increase the concentration of the powder or soak a soft cotton cloth in a water-lemon solution, cover the place with sediment and leave for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, the coating should be rinsed well with warm water, wiped dry;
  • You can effectively clean a bath or shower with an acrylic surface using a steam cleaner. The universal device is convenient with the presence of various nozzles that allow you to remove dirt, salt deposits from hard-to-reach places. The steam flow copes with scale, stains, soap stains, rust;
  • limescale can be cleaned with lemon juice, rubbing the problem area with a slice of citrus, washing it off after 10-20 minutes with running water.

From yellowness

  • a mixture of table vinegar and hydrogen peroxide will help whiten. The components are mixed in a 3:1 ratio (where 3 parts of vinegar and 1 part of peroxide). A sponge is wetted in the resulting solution, the entire surface or only the problem area is treated with its soft side. The composition is left for 10-15 minutes, washed off with warm water;
  • if at night you fill the bath with warm water to the top, dissolve 1 pack of citric acid (100 g) and 0.5 liters of vinegar in it, put it until morning, after 8-10 hours the yellowed surface will shine with pristine whiteness. Acidified water is drained, and the bath is rinsed with running water;
  • a mixture of mustard and baking soda will help get rid of yellow spots, rust streaks. The components must be mixed in equal proportions, add a little warm water until a slurry is obtained. The composition is abundantly applied to the red spot, left overnight. In the morning, the dried layer of the composition must be moistened, rubbed with a sponge and washed off.

Overview of specialized cleaning products

Special household chemicals Description
Ravak Cleaner Detergent for cleaning acrylic bathtubs, trays, stained glass shower cubicles, corners, faucets, faucets, sinks, tiles. The composition of the product perfectly copes with greasy, soapy, lime deposits.
Tim Pro The tool quickly removes dirt, bad smell, forms a layer on the surface that protects against precipitation, dirt.
Acrylan Acrylan foam will help to wash off light dirt, persistent limescale, rust stains. After application, the product forms a barrier layer that prevents the adherence of dirt, soap residue, the formation of fungus, mold.
Ecover Ecological detergent containing citric acid. The liquid can be used to clean chrome faucets, tiles, porcelain, earthenware sinks, acrylic bathtubs and showers.
Lok from Amway (Loc from Amway) Cleaning universal liquid gently removes grease stains, stubborn dirt, limescale, soap film, and other dirt. Safe for treatment before bathing newborns, does not contain aggressive substances, chlorine and phosphates.
Mr Chister The tool is made on the basis of acrylic polymer, has an antibacterial property. Returns whiteness, shine. Prevents the appearance of fungus on the bottom, side walls of the bathtub, at joints sealed with silicone-based mounting sealant.
Sif (Cif) A universal creamy product with a pleasant smell will not harm the acrylic surface, it will quickly cope with various types of dirt.
Triton The liquid in a spray bottle is convenient for applying in hard-to-reach places in showers, bath corners. Easily cleans plumbing from stains, drips, rust and salt deposits. The product contains organic acids, antiseptic.
San Klin Household chemicals with a sprayer do not contain phosphates, acids, abrasives. Perfectly whitens the yellowed surface, removes raids, precipitation of various nature, rust and stains. Can be used on tiles, metal plumbing.

5 improvised means to remove contaminants in the bath

For cleaning, you can use improvised means that will not harm the smooth acrylic surface, and will effectively remove dirt.

Lemon acid

Citric acid and citrus juice do an excellent job with lime deposits, yellow spots, stains, and also restore shine to the product. Powder or juice is diluted in a small volume of water, applied to problem areas, aged for 10-20 minutes, washed off.

Vinegar

Vinegar acts like a lemon, often used by housewives in everyday life.

Soda

Baking soda contains small crystals that act as abrasives when cleaning. But acrylic surfaces should not be rubbed hard with soda to avoid scratches.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is used to remove simple stains. Apply a little paste from the tube to the places of contamination and effortlessly rub the stain until it is completely eliminated. Tooth powder can be used for the same purpose.

ammonia and peroxide

Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, mixed in a 1: 1 ratio, do an excellent job with salt deposits.

What can not be used so as not to harm the coating

To clean a delicate acrylic surface, it is not recommended to use household chemicals containing inorganic acids, formaldehyde, ammonia, chlorine and other aggressive substances. The use of metal scrapers and brushes with stiff bristles is unacceptable. Do not rub acrylic with abrasive powders. To remove traces of paint, other persistent stains, do not use solvents, acetone, white spirit, gasoline.

Over time, the appearance of yellowish streaks on their surface is inevitable. It's all about ordinary tap water. The impurities of chlorine and heavy metals contained in it have a detrimental effect even on high-tech chemicals. Therefore, the periodic elimination of yellowness will not only return a hygienic appearance, but also significantly increase the service life of plumbing.

Cleanliness in the bathroom

The desire to use household chemicals of recognizable brands often does not meet the expectations of consumers.

Moreover, such products contain the highest concentration of brutal chemical compounds, the incorrect use of which leads to irreversible damage to the top coat. A worthy candidate for commercial cleaning products are improvised household tools.

Available in every home, they are no worse than professionally managed with the problem of yellowish streaks on the surface of the bathtub and toilet bowl. The most popular ones that can quickly and perfectly eliminate yellowness are citric acid, baking soda and vinegar.

In other embodiments, the auxiliary component is ammonia.

Important! In order to avoid the brutal action of the components on the skin of the hands, when using both chemical and folk remedies you need to work with gloves.

Cleaning products

Baking soda is the most common cleaning agent. With a small degree of damage to the surface, with the help of a soft lip, it is useful to grind a sufficient amount of the substance and leave it for 50-60 minutes. Then wash off with warm water. In the case of old yellowish stains, ammonia is added to it. After mixing both components until a viscous mass is formed, the last one is applied to the yellowed area for 30 minutes. After the time has elapsed, the consistency is rinsed with water.

The soda effect will be noticeable after the first application. At the same time, damage to the enamel is completely excluded.

Vinegar fights the problem of yellowish streaks no less well. In addition to cleaning, he owns a massive antiseptic. property. All you need is to apply it on the surface of the plumbing and leave for 1 hour. The pungent smell inherent in it will evenly disappear after rinsing with water. In addition to vinegar, you can use pre-soaked paper towels.

So, having covered them with a bath or toilet, an hour after rinsing, the absence of pollution is guaranteed.

Citric acid can have a similar effect, which can be consumed in the following way. In the hot water previously collected in the bathroom, two 100 gram packs of citric acid are added. In this state, the solution is left overnight.

In the morning, the final step of the cleaning procedure is carried out in the usual way, namely with the help of sponges. It is better if there are several of them, since this substance actively dissolves fat.

In order for the bathroom and toilet to always remain clean and not subject to mechanical damage, certain rules should be followed:

  1. Even if the degree of pollution is powerful, only soft lips are used for plumbing. Hard brushes quickly damage the enamel, resulting in cracks.
  2. Do not allow sharp contrasting water temperatures. This has a detrimental effect on the enamel of plumbing.
  3. Avoid soaking laundry in the bathroom.

    Washing powders corrode any bathroom coating.

With any kind of pollution, it is purposeful to fight at the stage of their appearance. It is enough to pay due attention to cleaning plumbing once a week in order to forever forget about the dilemma of yellowish streaks.

Acrylic bath care: how to keep white and get rid of dirt

A snow-white acrylic bathtub is a cheap and extremely pretty option that virtually everyone looked at when planning a renovation.

Acrylic sanitary ware looks great, does not corrode, but requires constant and extremely careful maintenance.

If you follow all the tips for cleaning products from this, even the most affordable acrylic bathtub will last a long time, while maintaining its original appearance.

Experienced housewives who are familiar with this confirm the usual, albeit difficult, rule: if you wipe the bath with warm water and a soft cloth after each use, you can minimize the need for household chemicals.

But it is extremely difficult to maintain a bathtub in perfect condition; there is not always time and energy for everyday cleaning.

When caring for an acrylic bathroom, you should keep in mind a few basic rules:

  • acrylic is extremely sensitive to mechanical damage, the most common of which are scratches during cleaning. Therefore, the sponge that you use for cleaning must be devoid of the abrasive side. You can clean the bath only with a soft sponge or cloth. Modern acrylic sanitary ware is the least fragile, but some care must be taken;
  • bath made of extruded acrylic (the frame of similar plumbing fixtures is made of fiberglass, epoxy resins and others to give the bath rigidity) are more fragile than cast acrylic, they must be handled as carefully as possible (plus extruded acrylic compared to cast - a significantly lower price) ;
  • in an acrylic bathroom, you can’t soak clothes forever, this spoils the appearance of plumbing;
  • Not all household chemicals are safe for acrylic.

    Special cleaners can be extremely expensive. If you cannot take them all the time, use folk remedies or remedies with a mild chemical composition. To correctly choose how to clean an acrylic bath, carefully study the composition;

  • another prohibition is bathing pets, cleaning dishes and all objects with sharpened corners in the bathroom;
  • you should not go too far and clean with the use of household chemicals more often than once every two weeks, otherwise the surface will quickly lose its impeccable appearance due to frequent interaction with cleaning products.

All these inconveniences are an inevitable price to pay for impeccable whiteness, resistance to corrosion and other advantages of acrylic.

Therefore, before buying, scroll through the question of daily care in your head, if the acrylic bath is not properly cleaned, it will quickly lose its “presentation”.

As we have already noted, the sponge must be soft. With household chemicals suitable for acrylic, everything is a little more complicated:

  • Special cleaners have a label that says they are safe for acrylic sanitary ware. The minus of special household chemicals is the rather high cost. But in stores you can also look for relatively cheap domestic substitutes for imported products (300-500 rubles);
  • some all-purpose cleaners can be used for acrylic sanitary ware.

    But it is worth keeping in mind that the cleaning agent does not have to contain such brutal substances as alcohol, acetone, ammonia, acids. Chif, Bass and almost all the others have proven themselves well, they are easy to purchase in a nearby store;

  • a cheaper analogue is folk remedies. Slight stains can be removed with ordinary laundry or baby soap and a soft cloth, the candidate is washing powder, perfectly diluted in warm water. They also use lemon juice and wine vinegar - these remedies are excellent for yellowness;
  • another gentle procedure is to fill the bathroom with warm water, add a small amount of ordinary cleaning agent to it, then rinse and wipe the bathroom with a lip or a rag;
  • a more expensive, but effective way is to order professional steam treatment from time to time.

    It also allows you to disinfect the bath.

It is necessary to clean the bathroom often, once every two weeks, with a cleaning agent and, as necessary, without it. Also, once a year you need to disinfect the bath: draw water, add a special disinfectant suitable for acrylic, stir well and leave for 10-15 minutes. Then the surface of the bathroom must be treated with clean warm water and a soft cloth.

An alternative option is to add one and a half liters of citric acid (7%) to the collected bath, leave for 12 hours, then rinse well with warm water and wipe with a soft cloth. This method is unsurpassed in helping to maintain the attractive appearance of plumbing and against limescale due to very hard water.

A separate problem is how to clean an acrylic bathtub with hydromassage.

It is virtually insoluble if powerful pollution has already arisen. It is much more effective to apply preventive measures: before each bath, draw water, turn on the hydromassage for a couple of minutes. Once a month, the same function must be repeated, increasing the time of the hydromassage to 10-15 minutes and adding a cleaning agent to the water. Then the water is combined, and the "light" care procedure is repeated without the introduction of a cleaning agent.

This is a fairly effective way to prevent contamination of the thin tubes of the hydromassage system.

If you have a small child who perceives water procedures in an ordinary bath, the question arises: how to clean the acrylic bath before bathing the baby. Folk remedies are better suited for this - ordinary soap and warm water, if the plumbing is in good condition and does not require harsh reading.

Acrylic with sufficient care is completely safe for the baby.

There are several types of pollution that are difficult to cope with ordinary means. This is primarily rust, limescale, scratches and stubborn stains. The strategy for dealing with the cleanliness of the house depends on the type and severity of pollution.

  • How to clean an acrylic bathtub from rust is a difficult question. Rust stains are not actually removed from acrylic, so it's best to keep a close eye on the condition of the faucets. If rust nevertheless arose, the quickest way would be to carry out a severe repair - the stain is rubbed with soft sandpaper, then it is treated with a special or ordinary polish.

    The function should be carried out as carefully as possible, otherwise there is a risk of only aggravating the situation;

  • another problem - how to clean the acrylic bath from limescale. It is necessary to apply a special agent to the surface of the plumbing for 20 minutes (folk methods and cheap all-suitable substitutes will most likely not be very effective), then rinse well with warm water;
  • small scratches, formed due to improper care or for other reasons, can be rubbed out in the same way as rust or powerful stains;
  • if the condition of the plumbing requires severe cleaning (there are deep scratches or stubborn stains on the surface that cannot be removed by ordinary methods), the development of filling the damage with watery acrylic or acrylic inserts is used.

    The color must be extremely accurately matched to the color of the plumbing, and - purchased in a special market, working with watery acrylic is not particularly difficult.

Caring for acrylic is not the most common task even for a completely neat housewife. But almost everyone thinks that the perfect plumbing look that this gives is worth all the effort. The main rule, which you should tune in to even before equipping the bathroom: cleaning must be constant, and the household chemicals used should be treated as carefully as possible.

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How and how to wash an acrylic bath

Acrylic bathtubs have a number of advantages, thanks to which they have taken a strong position in the sanitary ware market.

They are long-lasting, lightweight, retain heat well and, with proper care, have a beautiful and discreet spring appearance. But it is extremely affectionate, therefore it is possible to clean an acrylic bathtub far from any means. How to clean an acrylic bath so that it lasts a long time and looks like new? This question should be asked immediately after the purchase, without waiting until the plumbing turns yellow and covered with rusty stains.

Read this article for us:

Household chemicals and acrylic

When choosing products for cleaning the bath, you must carefully familiarize yourself with their composition.

  • Abrasive (small solid particles found in powders);
  • Chlorine;
  • Acetone;
  • Ammonia;
  • Formaldehydes.

All these components scratch or corrode acrylic. And in small scratches and pores dirt and bacteria constantly accumulate. Naturally, you can reduce the harm to "no", but this requires a complete polishing of the bath, which requires a lot of time and effort.

If you are unsure whether a cleaning agent will work, use it on small plot. A small area can be quickly polished with ordinary felt, microfiber or special wax.

Most sanitary wares have special markings that you can use to find out if they are suitable for acrylic bathtubs.

Almost all well-known manufacturers produce a special series of gentle cleaning gels or sprays. Such an assortment will not only remove old rust spots or limestone deposits, but also cope with bacteria.

In the instructions for use, some manufacturers also list detergents and cleaning products that are recommended for home bathroom care. Pay attention to the full name of the cleaner. For example, Sif contains chlorine, and Sif-cream is a product that should be used to wash an acrylic bath.

Daily cleaning

It is not necessary to clean the acrylic bath from yellowness, plaque or mold, if after each use it is washed with warm water and a soft sponge.

You can lather the bath after bathing with dishwashing detergent (making sure in advance that there are no contraindications), shampoo or watery soap.

It is imperative to wash off the foam only with warm water, since extremely hot and cool can have a bad effect on integrity.

After you “wash” the bath, it is necessary to dry it thoroughly by wiping and polishing it with a soft rag or felt.

Mechanical damage: scratches, cracks, holes

Small scratches (no deeper than a millimeter) can be removed immediately by polishing with felt or small sandpaper. As for the deepest cracks, it is worth using watery acrylic, after which it is polished with the same felt.

This is one of the advantages of acrylic bathtubs - scratches can be removed extremely quickly and without a trace. And it is recommended to do this as soon as possible, because dirt begins to accumulate in the cracks, which is difficult to remove. Some cleaning products are poorly washed out and can remain in cracks, which in turn can lead to irritation on the skin after another aqua procedure, therefore, before washing an acrylic bath with a strong agent, it is worth polishing the most noticeable cracks. Rinse off the cleaner with plenty of warm water.

Periodically, as a preventive measure, you can completely polish the bath with a special wax. This procedure will not only help get rid of scratches, but also give the acrylic shine. But before the procedure, it is necessary to go over especially noticeable scratches with a small sandpaper. Do not overdo it, as acrylic is extremely easy to wipe almost through. Such damage is also not a problem in the presence of watery acrylic: the outer side is temporarily closed with electrical tape or tape, and the recess is evenly filled with acrylic.

Stubborn dirt: rust, limescale

Some types of pollution are difficult to avoid. For example, rust spots are caused by a leaky faucet or a leaking pipe, while limescale is a common occurrence in apartments with hard water. But all stains can be removed either with the help of special cleaning products, or folk methods. For example, the consistency of lemon juice and vinegar in proportions of 1 to 1 will perfectly be able to clean the acrylic bath from limescale and stubborn rust.

It is enough to wipe the stain with a soft sponge soaked in the substance.

This consistency is good not only for topical application. She will easily return the whiteness to the bath after the “soaking” procedure: for 12 hours, the bath filled with water with the addition of a glass of vinegar and lemon juice is left to bleach. Such a "bleach" is painstakingly washed off with warm or cold water and polish the surface with a rag. In some recipes, it is recommended to increase the dose of vinegar to 0.5 liters, but the method using such a consistency is considered quite solid, therefore it is better to start with the smallest doses and refine it by other means.

It is better to use this method of cleaning no more than 1 time in six months.

If for some reason there is no ability to fill the bath with water, then you can bleach it with ordinary napkins, previously soaked in vinegar. Put them on the entire surface of the bath and leave for 30 minutes, then remove the residue and wash with warm water.

How to clean an acrylic bath from various contaminants?

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Acrylic bathtubs are now on sale more often than products made of cast iron or steel.

Light weight and relatively low cost make them popular among buyers. But at the same time, acrylic is quite capricious, requiring painstaking and careful care.

Standard pollution

Modern acrylic has dirt-repellent qualities. But in the process of active exploitation by households, sooner or later, the bathroom “acquires” stains, its appearance and hygiene deteriorate significantly. Therefore, many housewives are thinking about the question of how to clean an acrylic bath at home?

The most common contamination for such products are as follows:

Forbidden tricks

Before you start cleaning similar products, it is important to understand what cannot be used in such work. Unnecessary include subsequent means and improvised

  • abrasive detergents are powders containing crystals. They can scratch the sensitive surface, which will spoil not only the appearance of the product, but will become a breeding ground for microbes that can easily get into microcracks.

    In addition, the shine will leave the acrylic surface, it will become dull and ugly. Abrasives are not only purchased funds, but also henchmen. For example, baking soda or citric acid undiluted in water, tooth powder, etc.;

  • chlorine or products containing it. Under its action, the acrylic surface may darken and swell, due to the destruction of the polymer structure, pores will appear on it. The same applies to substances such as ammonia, acetone and various formaldehydes;
  • hard brushes, lips, washcloths. An impeccable candidate for similar items is a soft cloth;
  • very hot water. It is no less terrible for an acrylic surface than acetone or a solvent.

    Under the influence of high temperatures, the surface of the bath can be deformed.

Methods for certain types of pollution

Before using one or another means for removing various kinds of pollution (purchased or folk), you need to test it on a site hidden from prying eyes. So it will be possible to preserve the appearance of the product, for that option, if the cleaning composition is too aggressive.

How to wash an acrylic bath if there is no ability to purchase purchased cleaners?

The most common and universal remedy is ordinary menthol toothpaste. The composition is applied to dirty areas with a soft toothbrush and gently rubbed into the surface. After that, wash off with clean water.

Rust

Rusty stains from the surface of acrylic can be removed by several folk methods. For example:


Important! Any abrasive should be applied to the acrylic surface very carefully. Otherwise, you will have to solve another problem: how to remove scratches from the surface of the bath.

Yellowness

You can clean the acrylic bath from yellowish spots with products that are sold in household chemical stores.

They are designed specifically for acrylic coatings. For example, "Acrilan" or "Tim-Profi". These compositions can bring even very neglected plumbing products to their original form. Among other things, such products will disinfect the surface. But don't overuse them. Highly highest efficiency is associated with a huge variety of chemical compounds and substances in these products that harm not only the acrylic surface, but also the health of family members.

Therefore, it is enough to use them for general cleaning of the bath (1-2 times a month).

An acrylic bath from yellowness can be washed using folk methods and available components that are used by almost all housewives. These include:

1. Table salt and wine vinegar. You need to act as follows:

  • in a glass container, mix wine vinegar and salt in a ratio of 2: 1;
  • heat the purchased solution in the microwave to a temperature of 70 degrees;
  • moisten a soft cloth in water and wipe dirty places;
  • leave for 30 minutes.

Do not overexpose the solution, otherwise it will damage the surface.

2. Citric acid. Dissolve 20 grams of lemon in one glass of water. The resulting composition is moderately distributed over the surface of the product with a rag and kept for 30-40 minutes. After that, wash with warm water. The bath after such a procedure will acquire an initial white color.

limescale

Limescale on an acrylic bath will remove citric acid or table vinegar. The bath must be filled to the top with warm water (35-40 degrees).

Pour in 0.5 liters of table vinegar or pour 50 grams of lemon. Leave for 12 hours, after which drain the water and wash the bath with clean water.


It is better not to use these two remedies at the same time. Vinegar can react with baking soda and corrode the surface.

See also: how to clean the shower head from limescale?

How to wash an acrylic bath?

AT modern apartments often practical and durable acrylic bathtubs are installed, but the polymer quickly loses its appearance with improper care. To maintain a sparkling whiteness and prevent cracks and scratches, it is necessary to properly care for an acrylic bath.

Advantages

Caring for modern plumbing differs from the usual washing of metal and iron bathtubs.

With a careful attitude, acrylic products amuse their owners for at least 3 10 years. They favorably differ from the old massive baths in their lightness, variety of models, sparkling whiteness of the coating, the ability to retain heat for a long time, resistance to corrosion, and the absence of mold and fungus.

Care

Acrylic can be scratched while bathing pets. Iron buckets and basins, hard brushes and washcloths will damage the polished surface. The use of detergents with abrasives and chlorine also negatively affects the quality of the acrylic coating: it becomes matte, loses its pretty shine.

Attempts to wash the bath with gels containing solvents and ammonia will result in damage to the top layer: at first it will become cloudy, and with frequent and prolonged contact with these substances it will deform.

The capricious polymer does not even tolerate soaking laundry. Powder, stain removers used in washing are harmful to a fragile white bath.

Microcracks resulting from improper operation and maintenance are not only unaesthetic, but also contribute to the upcoming destruction of the bath coating. Plastic does not tolerate high temperatures.

Cleaning products

In order for the acrylic-covered bathtub to remain white, you need to properly clean it every day, do not neglect the prevention of pollution. The smooth surface of the polymer does not absorb dirt, so it is enough to wash it with a soft sponge with soap and rinse under running water. So that drops of water, drying, do not leave marks, it is necessary to wipe the coating with a dry cloth. If there was no time for these ordinary actions, and yellowness and limescale still appeared on the surface of the bathtub, it is worth using products designed specifically for cleaning acrylic bathtubs.

The quality of funds from recognizable manufacturers is beyond doubt:

  • "Ravak" - a line of products designed for cleaning, disinfection, elimination of especially powerful pollution, restoration of the protection layer.
  • "Acrilan", gently acting on the surface, removes soap and limescale, rust and mold, and also forms protective film giving extra shine.
  • "Tim Profi" unsurpassedly copes even with chronic pollution, restores radiance and radiance, fights nasty odors. In addition, it is needed to care for a bath with a hydromassage. In order for the mechanism to work for a long time, it must be cleaned on time and perfectly.
  • Bass is great for cleaning acrylic bathtubs and showers.
  • Cif universal cream is also suitable for cleaning acrylic products.

    With it, you can get rid of yellowish plaque, rust, and lime deposits.

  • "Acryl Polish" - a line of products for the care, repair and polishing of acrylic coatings.
  • "Mr. Cleaner" is an excellent economical option that not only copes with various kinds of pollution and fights germs perfectly, but also protects the top layer of the bath from fungus. It coats the surface, thereby preventing dirt from accumulating on the acrylic. After the introduction of "Mr. Chistera", the bathtub remains white forever and retains its own luster.
  • Bon Professional has similar qualities.

    It also forms a special film that prevents dirt from settling on the tub.

Liquid detergents are applied with a soft sponge, sprays are sprayed over the surface of the bath. After a certain period of time specified in the instructions for use (usually from 5 to 20 minutes), the agent is washed off with water. Some gels and waters for washing acrylic bathtubs can also be used to disinfect them (for example, Team Pro, Ravak Desinfectant). After filling the bath with water and adding a disinfectant, you must wait about 10 minutes, then drain the water, thoroughly wash the bowl.

For everyday cleaning, ordinary dishwashing gel is also completely suitable, and old limescale will have to be managed with the help of gels and creams specially designed for this purpose: Sanfor, Gel WC 5+, Ravak Turbocleaner.

Folk remedies

To wash an acrylic bath at home, some folk methods will help:

  • An indispensable assistant in the removal of limescale is citric acid.

    The bath needs to be filled hot water, add a couple of sachets of this tool. After a few hours, the acrylic surface should be washed with running water, wiped with a soft cloth. Cleaning with citric acid should not be repeated often, rather 1-2 times a year.

  • An ordinary toothpaste with a whitening effect can remove stains from acrylic.
  • A mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide helps get rid of yellowness.
  • A slurry of soda and water can clean off rusty spots. It is enough to apply it on pollution, then gently rinse. Keep in mind that rubbing the surface of this polymer is strictly prohibited.
  • Table vinegar copes with almost all types of pollution.

    1 liter of the product is poured into a bath filled with warm water. During the day, it is painstakingly washed with a soft sponge, rinsed under running water and wiped dry.

  • If a decent layer of limescale and water stone has formed on the surface of the bath, then a slurry of washing powder, water, 2 tablespoons of Whiteness and a tablespoon of vinegar will help remove it. Apply the composition for 20 minutes, then wash the surface with a soft cloth or sponge, gently pressing.

    At the end of the cleaning, the area to be cleaned must be thoroughly washed under running water.

Cleaning after repair

Sometimes the need to wipe stains from plastic arises specifically after the installation of plumbing or after repairs in the bathroom. To wipe off the sealant, you need efficiency. Until it hardens, it can be removed with a rag and washed with a detergent. If the silicone layer has already hardened, it is better to give up trying to remove it with various solvents and acetone, unsafe for acrylic.

Dried sealant must be very carefully removed mechanically: with a blade, clerical or construction knife.

It is also not easy to remove the primer from the polymer surface, especially without the help of chemical agents harmful to it, such as white spirit and acetone.

One option is to try to remove the stain mechanically, after softening it. Hot water is poured into the bath, after a quarter of an hour it is combined. This function must be repeated several times. As a result, the primer softens a little, and you can try to wipe it off with a blade or a clerical knife.

You need to be very careful, as the risk of destroying plastic is very high. Acrylic can lose its own luster, become matte.

Cleaning chemicals

Tool name

Mode of application

The method of implementation depends on the mixture of the agent. It can be in the form of a cream, spray and paste. The spray should be sprayed on the surface of the bath, and the cream and paste should be spread on problem areas.

It is necessary to throw the product for the amount of time indicated in the annotation, after which rinse it off with a huge amount of water and wipe the surface dry. Such a tool to clean the bath is extremely effective.

Apply foam to the problem area and leave for a while, then wash well with warm water and wipe dry. Do not let the product dry and do not mix it with other products.

Acrylan perfectly fights all types of plaque and mold formation, and also helps to prevent their reappearance.

The agent is sprayed onto the bath and washed off with a huge amount of water after the time indicated on the package has elapsed.

Apply the product to the surface, leave for seven minutes, then rinse it off with plenty of water.

When using, it is better to wear rubber gloves and a face mask, as the product has a rather pungent odor.

This product must be applied to the problem area and after the time indicated on the package, washed with water. It perfectly fights with soap stains, deposits and corrosion, and also prevents their reappearance.

Spray or spread on the acrylic coating, leave for the time indicated on the package.

Then rinse well with running water.

Team Pro

Apply to the surface of the bath, after the amount of time indicated on the package, thoroughly rinse with water. The product actively fights nasty odors, helps restore the radiance of the bath and prevent further pollution.

The list of household chemicals indicated in this table is far from final, because on this moment there are 10s various means for acrylic bathtubs.

You can find for yourself which one suits you best, but before that, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the folk methods for cleaning acrylic bathtubs.

Acrylic bathtubs

Containers from this are made by extrusion and casting. In the first case, fiberglass and epoxy resin are added for structural rigidity, and such a bathtub is installed without fail on an iron or water-resistant wood frame.

Cast bathtubs can be placed immediately on legs, so that they are significantly the hardest and strongest.

This strength gives resistance to mechanical damage, therefore it is much easier to clean such a container, because there is no need to constantly be afraid of damaging it.

Maintenance of an acrylic bathtub is simplified by the fact that additives are included in the manufacture to prevent the growth of fungus, microbes and mold on the surface. Acrylic is also not subject to any kind of corrosion.

How to wash an acrylic bath? Most of the dirt can be simply washed off the surface of the bath with ordinary water and a sponge without the use of cleaning agents.

Since it scratches quite easily, the products used for cleaning should not be abrasive, i.e.

How often to wash?

The more often you clean your acrylic bathtub, the better. After all, it is even easier to wash off small stains often than to try to clean and wipe off deeply stubborn stains later. After each use, it is recommended to rinse the bath with water and a mild detergent, for example, watery soap, and then wipe it dry with a rag or an old towel.

It is recommended to clean the bath at home with the most active substances every 2-3 weeks. The agent must be applied to the entire surface, let it stand for some time, and then carefully rinse off.

So that yellowness does not appear on the bathtub from constantly dripping water, you need to monitor the serviceability of the taps and repair them just right.

If the surface has already turned yellow, then the rust should be cleaned with special products designed to remove it.

Removal of deposits

If tap water is quite hard, then deposits often appear on the acrylic bath - the so-called aqua stone. To remove it, you can use the proper cleaning products or the simplest folk methods - for example, at times make a weak acid solution.

  1. Fill the tub with water at room temperature.
  2. Add 1-2 liters of a weak solution of vinegar or citric acid and stir it thoroughly.
  3. Leave for 12 hours.
  4. Drain the water, rinse the tub thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

If you need to disinfect the bath at home, then the procedure is no different, you just need to add disinfectants.

What means to use?

Acrylic bath care is best done with the use of mild detergents, such as those used for washing dishes.

Liquid and ordinary soaps are also excellent. To clean the bath, you can rinse out an old bottle of finished shampoo or shower gel, because they traditionally still have a lot of money left on the walls. Such mild compositions can be left on the surface of the bath forever without the slightest risk of damage.

How to clean an acrylic bath if it has faded and turned yellow? To restore her radiance, after washing, she is lubricated with polishing compounds.

Powders like "Pemolux", "Biolan" and Comet, which are cleaned specifically due to mechanical friction, are not recommended.

Then the question arises: is it safe to clean an acrylic bathtub? The action of watery and pasty products is more based on the chemical removal of contaminants, therefore they can be used without the risk of destroying the surface. But traditionally they contain substances that are quite brutal for the skin, causing irritation and allergies, so it is better to clean the bathtub with rubber gloves.

So, how to wash an acrylic bath if preference is given to factory products?

  1. Bass is a liquid cleaner used to clean bathtubs and showers at home.
  2. Cif is a universal product for all surfaces in the bathroom.
  3. "Acrilan" - as the name implies, this is a special tool for acrylic bathtubs and other similar surfaces. It is produced in the form of foam and copes unsurpassedly with mechanical, chemical and bio pollution and yellowness.

What means definitely should not be cleaned:

  • abrasive substances;
  • hard metal brushes;
  • means with a huge amount of ammonia, bleach, acetone or formaldehyde.

What is acrylic

Knowing the features will help you choose the right tools.

Acrylic is a hard plastic, formerly used in the manufacture of dentures, and now also used in the manufacture of sanitary ware. The first standards of such baths were expensive, therefore a number of improvements were carried out, which made the cheapest, and the standards of them affordable. To date, two types of acrylic bathtubs are produced:

  1. extruded.
  2. Cast.

The difference between them lies in the formation of the frame, but the care is similar, since the surface is in any case made of the same one. It is important to know what can be used to clean such bathtubs, and what should never be done.

How not to clean an acrylic bath

It is not permissible to clean an acrylic bathtub with powdered substances, as over time they will become a prerequisite for tarnishing.

Abrasive compositions are also inapplicable - always use watery products without alcohol, acetone and ammonia (these components will harm the structure of acrylic, which will lead to cracks and scuffs). Standards with formic acid and formaldehyde are also prohibited.

You cannot clean an acrylic bathtub with hard metal and plastic brushes, even if you choose the right product, but using the wrong cleaning tools will simply ruin the outer surface of the bathtub.

Only soft fabrics are allowed.

Chemical cleaning

clean acrylic bathtub with use modern means won't be too hard. Manufacturing companies provide a wide range of commercial formulations that are perfectly suitable for acrylic. Before the product is released for sale, it is constantly tested in practice, because its use will help keep the bathtub clean and retain its original appearance. In this case, the cleaning process takes not enough time and effort.

Among the more popular compositions are:

  • Acrylan;
  • Silit;
  • Sarma;
  • Acrylic-No;
  • Star Acrylat.

These gels should not be immediately poured onto the bath, first on a soft cloth, and only later on the surface.

Gently wipe off dirt with a tissue and leave for 5 minutes. After that, rinse well with water and be sure to wipe with a dry cloth.

It is possible to use universal means, for example, from the company Ravak. They are also intended for acrylic plumbing items, while they are able to fight not only with common species dirt, but also rust or limescale. If you did not find these compositions on sale, choose the rest, but only those suitable for acrylic.

Cleaning folk remedies

Methods proven in practice by housewives will also help to clean the acrylic bath.

At home, it is easy to find citric acid, vinegar, laundry soap and other products that can be perfectly used in cleaning acrylic surfaces. Let's look at them in more detail in the fight against different types pollution.

How to get rid of yellowish spots

Remove yellowness simply with folk remedies, for example, using bleaching compounds.

  1. Lemon juice or acid are natural remedies that have the property of safely bleaching various. Squeeze lemon juice or dilute the acid powder in water (until completely dissolved) and apply to the yellowed areas of the acrylic bath. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water.
  2. Vinegar - this product is effective, but you can only clean an acrylic bath with it in a diluted form.

    Always use aqueous solutions with vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Application is carried out in the same way as in the case of lemon juice. In addition to the bleaching effect, vinegar has antiseptic properties.

  3. Toothpaste whitening is also excellent, cleans the yellowness. Squeeze a small amount onto a tissue and gently spread it over problem areas. After 10 minutes, you can wash off the composition.

How to get rid of rust

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent corrosion remover for acrylic baths.

It must be applied to rusty marks with a cloth and left for 10-15 minutes, then washed off with a soapy substance.

You should not use whiteness or bleach, as you can spoil the integrity of the acrylic or its luster.

If hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice could not dissolve corrosive stains, then it is better to use special industrial products. Homemade recipes can only remove the freshest rust marks, and old ones are best dealt with differently. In addition, experts say that it is easier to prevent rust on acrylic than to try to wipe it off later.

How to get rid of limescale

Baking soda, vinegar, and bleach are great for removing hard water build-up on an acrylic bath.

First, make a paste of baking soda and water, rub the surface of the tub with it. While the composition is in action, make a solution of vinegar, water and bleach (all components in one part). An acetic bleaching agent is applied to the soda layer, after which you need to leave the solution for half an hour. Finally, just rinse everything with water and dry the surface with a dry cloth.

You can also moisten napkins or sheets with vinegar and water. Strongly without twisting them, cover them with a bath and leave for half an hour. During this time, the composition will act, due to which the limescale will simply be washed off with the usual washing method.

A solution of soda and soap removes non-old plaque - combine 200 gr.

the first component and 100 gr. grated soap or 100 ml watery. In the first case, you need to add a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply the solution to the wet surface of the acrylic bath and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off with plain water.

VIDEO TO HELP:

Acrylic and acrylic coated bathtubs are popular among buyers. They are lightweight, practical, versatile in form and function. However, the care of such plumbing has its own characteristics, so the question of how to properly clean an acrylic bathtub is always relevant.

Acrylic polymer was originally used in dentistry. But due to its strength, low thermal conductivity and antibacterial properties, it soon began to be successfully used in a wide variety of industries.

Among positive qualities acrylic sanitary ware

  • Lightness and strength. The standard model weighs no more than 30 kg, which is significantly less than that of the cast iron model. At the same time, they are durable, this is facilitated by a rigid frame, which is used in the design. Maximum weight (load) - 400-500 kg.
  • Variation in the execution of models. Sizes, colors, shapes - according to the number of proposals for the specified parameters, acrylic bathtubs deservedly occupy the first place.
  • Low thermal conductivity. The model with acrylic coating perfectly retains heat and is pleasant to the touch.
  • Appearance. If such a bathroom is properly and regularly looked after, it will retain its original color and glossy shine for a long time.
  • Useful additional features. For example, you can choose a bath with hydromassage.
  • Noise isolation. When faced with an acrylic coating, water does not make a lot of noise, as is the case with a steel and cast iron bath.
  • Ease of installation. The metal frame is easy to install and adjust.

Minuses acrylic bathtubs:

  • Fragility, flexibility. You can't drop in such a bathroom heavy objects, and also put iron buckets, basins, etc. to avoid chips and scratches. Also, improper installation of the frame over time will lead to a curvature of the bathroom.
  • Temperature stability. This is typical for budget models that are covered with a thin layer of polymer.
  • At a sufficiently high cost, they limited period of use.
  • And the main disadvantage : When using conventional plumbing chemicals and cleaning powders, the acrylic coating dulls, scratches and becomes clogged with dirt. Therefore, special household chemicals are intended for acrylic.

Substances that destroy acrylic

  • Powders and cleaners containing abrasive particles. This also applies to dry soda. They provoke the appearance of micro-scratches, which make the surface matte and prone to contamination.
  • Chlorine containing products. They destroy the upper protective layer, as a result of which acrylic plumbing tarnishes, loses its characteristic glossy sheen. In whirlpool tubs, bleach can damage rubber and plastic parts.
  • Acetone and similar solvents. They destroy the structure of the polymer that makes up acrylic. If the contact is long, the bath is deformed.
  • ammonia, formaldehyde. They give a similar effect as solvents.
  • Concentrated alcohols, alkalis and acids, as well as the means in which they are included. Exposure to these caustic chemicals gradually destroys the acrylic, leading to the formation of small cracks.
  • Metal brushes and scrapers, hard sponges and rags- a taboo for such plumbing.
  • Boiling water. High temperatures can cause the bathtub to warp, so use water no higher than 70 degrees.

Folk remedies

  • Dishwashing liquid, shower gel, liquid soap although they do not act on old deposits and plaque, they are suitable for daily preventive care.
  • Toothpaste with whitening effect. It is convenient to apply this method to local pollution. The paste is applied to the stain and rubbed, then washed off with water.
  • It is impossible to clean an acrylic bathtub with dry soda. But it is allowed to use a paste made from soda, soap and water. Pour the baking soda powder into the soapy water and knead the paste.
  • Lemon acid. It will remove limescale and whiten the surface. Procedure: dial hot water, fall asleep lemon - 1 pack. Wait 2 hours, drain the solution and rinse with water. This method can be used no more than 1 time in 6 months.
  • For heavy pollution fit vinegar. Procedure: draw warm water into the bathroom and pour a bottle of 9% acetic acid. After 12 hours, drain the solution into the sewer and rinse the bath.

professional tools

If folk methods did not help, you can use special cleaning products. Among the popular:

  • cif. This cleaning cream can be used not only for acrylic bathtubs, but also for other sanitary ware. Effectively and gently removes different types pollution.
  • "Acrilan". Produced in the form of foam, which is applied to the pollution for 10 minutes. Then it must be washed off and wiped dry. The foam must not be mixed with other products and allowed to dry on acrylic.
  • Bass. It is presented in the form of a spray, which is convenient to spray. After use, it must be washed off.
  • "Cinderella". Fast acting, strong fragrance. It should be applied with rubber gloves. The result of cleaning will be noticeable in a few minutes. According to the instructions, it is recommended to wait 7 minutes, and then rinse with plenty of water and wipe dry.
  • Another special detergent Ravak. Available as a spray or paste by the manufacturer of acrylic bathtubs.
  • "Chister", "Team-Profi" - These special tools are used in the same way. They are applied to the surface, wait for the time indicated in the instructions, then washed off and wiped dry.

Carefully! The bath will be able to clean white "Pemolux", "Sanoks", "Domestos". But they contain aggressive hydrochloric acid, which destroys the protective coating. Immediately after cleaning, the bath will become snow-white, but then the dirt will stick to it many times faster. Therefore, such means cannot be used.

How to get rid of various types of pollution

How to clean an acrylic bathtub depends on the type of dirt that has appeared on it. Typical - water stone, limescale, rust.

Water stone and limescale

Water stone or limescale will form on the bowl if tap water contains a lot of metals in the composition. If the water is just like that, then it is better not to allow the stratification of the stone. To do this, after each use, wash the bath with warm water. If the bath is still yellowed, then you can deal with pollution like this:

  • Fill the bathroom with water at a temperature of 25-30 degrees. The water level is such that sediments are completely under it.
  • Pour in half a bottle of vinegar and add 1 package of citric acid.
  • Stir and leave overnight, if possible, then for 12 hours.
  • Drain and rinse off the remaining solution, wipe dry.
  • If this procedure did not help, then the acrylic bathtub should be cleaned from yellowness with special products recommended by the manufacturer.

Rust

It will work to clean the acrylic bathtub from rust, but you need to do it correctly. Rust adheres strongly to inexpensive acrylic bathtubs that are only coated with polymer. The appearance of yellow rust spots is the result of using unfiltered tap water and faulty plumbing.

Advice! After each use of the bath, it should be washed with water and wiped dry. If rusty streaks still appear, you should fight them.

Lemon acid. Dissolve 1 package of citric acid with 200 ml of water, stir until the acid crystals dissolve. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to contaminated areas. Wash off with warm water.

Ammonium chloride and peroxide. From rust stains, you can very carefully use a mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. These components must be mixed in equal parts, wet the sponge and rub the dirt. The result will be noticeable immediately.

Disinfection

Many models of acrylic bathtubs have an antibacterial coating, so they do not suffer from mold and fungi. But prevention will not be superfluous, especially if there are small children.

Important! For disinfection, you can use only special substances for acrylic, safe for coating.

Regardless of the medium, the disinfection process is as follows:

  • Pour warm water into the bath.
  • Add the required amount of disinfectant.
  • Leave for 15 minutes, then drain.
  • Wash off the remnants of the product.
  • Wipe dry.

The frequency of such treatment depends on the type of product chosen, but it is recommended to carry it out at least 1-2 times a year.

Features of cleaning bathtubs with hydromassage

The whirlpool bath is equipped with special nozzles that connect with circulation pump. It is he who creates the pressure of water, which, under strong pressure, exits through the nozzles in a given direction. Moisture must not accumulate in the nozzles, as this leads to the growth of mold and the multiplication of microorganisms.
The process of cleaning such a bath is as follows:

  1. The bowl is filled with hot water, the level is 5-7 cm higher than the nozzles.
  2. The water circulation is turned on.
  3. 50 ml of liquid is poured into the bath, which is used to clean dishwashers.
  4. The hydromassage mode is activated for 15 minutes.
  5. It remains to drain the water and start the hydromassage mode with clean water. This will help clean the injectors.

Removing scratches from an acrylic bath

Caring for an acrylic bath includes timely removal of scratches. This should be done as soon as you notice a defect, since even a small damage can lead to the destruction of the entire product.

liquid acrylic

Acrylic restoration kits can be purchased at a plumbing store. Individual manufacturers sell an acrylic bath along with such sets. The kit includes:

  1. Epoxy putty.
  2. liquid acrylic.
  3. Putty knife.

Such restoration can save even very deep scratches. The kit components are toxic and must be handled with care.

Recovery steps:

  1. Treat the scratch with sandpaper.
  2. Degrease and apply putty.
  3. Dry. This will take about 24 hours depending on the type of putty.
  4. Apply liquid acrylic with a brush and cover with polyethylene. Remove the film after 2 days.
  5. Processing with fine sandpaper.
  6. Polishing.

All actions are carried out very carefully so as not to damage the entire acrylic surface of the bowl.

Camouflage pencil

A special camouflage pencil will help to hide damage on acrylic. It does not contain toxic components, but it perfectly fills the scratch and restores the primary appearance of the surface. This method can be called emergency, because it gives maximum efficiency if applied immediately after the formation of a scratch.

enamel paint

Another option for masking scratches is to use enamel paint. The process looks like this:

  1. Treat the scratch with sandpaper. Then remove the dust and wipe with alcohol to degrease the surface.
  2. Use a brush to apply paint to the scratch.
  3. Dry. This will take about 24 hours.

This method works well with shallow scratches. If the damage is deep, then pastes and putties cannot be dispensed with.

In order for the acrylic bath to last longer, you should follow the rules for caring for it. Among the main ones:
1. Rinse with warm water after each use, dry with a towel.
2. Use special delicate sponges for washing.
3. Do not drop heavy objects into the bathroom, but place metal containers on a rubber mat.
4. Do not wash pets in such a bathroom.
5. Conduct regular disinfection - at least once every 6 months.
6. Use restoration kits for restoration.
7. Do not take water with a temperature above 70 degrees.

Cleaning an acrylic bathtub is a pretty serious undertaking. It must be approached responsibly. It is important to know that not every remedy is equally suitable for this.

Acrylic bathtubs always look beautiful and that is why they are so popular. They are lightweight and come in many different shapes and sizes so they fit in any bath. This is a great alternative for replacing cast iron containers.

Those who use acrylic bathtubs often do not know how to properly care for them. In fact, this issue requires a careful approach, because not every tool can clean such plumbing, otherwise it can simply be ruined.

Why acrylic is good: advantages



Often the owners of acrylic bathtubs are interested in how to properly clean them, because such plumbing is capricious and does not tolerate careless handling. In fact, acrylic is very easy to care for, unlike other materials.

The ease of cleaning can be attributed to several properties of the polymer:

  • Little porosity. Acrylic has extremely small pores, if any, and therefore the dirt is not absorbed, but remains on the surface. So, you can simply clean the plumbing every day with a cloth and soap and it will never lose its appearance.
  • Smoothness. Due to the fact that acrylic is smooth, harmful organisms cannot penetrate the material. So no abrasives are required to clean the surface.
  • By the way, manufacturers often talk about the self-cleaning effect. This does not mean that the surface is cleaned by itself. Just due to the smoothness of pollution are repelled. So you have to clean it less often. Most often cleaning is possible with plain water and soap.

What are the contaminants in acrylic bathtubs?



Since polymers have become very popular not so long ago, it has become very topical issue about cleaning acrylic bathtubs at home. Acrylic products are excellent at repelling dirt, but with intensive use, an imprint remains, which makes appearance worse, and also makes cleansing more difficult. As a rule, you can find the following types of pollution:

  • Yellowness. Over time, acrylic does not turn yellow, but this does not mean that this does not happen. To eliminate such contamination, you need to rinse the bowl with special products and install water filters, because the problem lies precisely in the fact that the water is very dirty.
  • limescale. This defect can be observed when water with a high content of metal salts is used. Citric acid is ideal for its elimination.
  • colored spots. Multi-colored stains can appear on the bathroom due to different dyes. The surface of the bathtub is quite smooth and this does not allow the pigment to be absorbed too much, and therefore any product will cope with such stains.

To prevent your plumbing from getting too dirty, make it a rule to take care of it regularly. So try to always wipe the bath dry after washing.

What products should not be used to clean an acrylic bath?



Please note that you can not clean the acrylic bath by any means. If you do not want it to lose its appearance, then remember that it is absolutely impossible to use:

  • Bleach. Do not try to clean the surface with a cleaner containing chlorine. Instead of a beautiful surface, you end up with a cloudy color that will ruin the plumbing. If the treatment is carried out again, then small pores will begin to form, where dirt will always get.
  • Washing powder and abrasives. The abrasive scratches the surface and is destructive for acrylic. After processing, scratches and damage can appear, which, of course, can be hidden by polishing and grouting, but only the curved appearance of the bathroom makes this process difficult.
  • Ammonia. If you use ammonia solutions, then the acrylic surface will gradually collapse and lose its glossy sheen.
  • Acetone, gasoline and thinner. All these products are strictly prohibited for acrylic surfaces. She becomes cloudy and loses her attractiveness. If the solvent is used regularly, then you risk destroying the surface.
  • Formaldehydes. Today, formaldehyde is generally not used in household chores, but it is still important to know that they are not compatible with acrylic.

How to properly care for an acrylic bath: rules



  • If you do not wash the bath on time, then this will inevitably lead to the formation of strong pollution. To avoid this, try to wipe the bath with a sponge and soap after each wash.
  • By the way, if you rinse the bath with hot water, it will shine even more. Most importantly, forget about hard brushes and washcloths, otherwise you will damage the bath.
  • Before applying any of the funds, try to spread it a little in an inconspicuous place, and wait a bit. If no changes are visible, then you can safely start cleaning. Be careful about the disinfection process, because without it, harmful microbes begin to form in the pipes.
  • Do not forget that chlorinated solutions are prohibited for use. Chlorine may also be present in special products, but only additional elements gently reduce its effect.
  • If you want the bathroom enamel to shine, then rub the acrylic in a circular motion with a soft cloth. Pre-moisten it with a polish with a wax base.

How often to clean an acrylic bath?

It is recommended to wipe down the acrylic bathtub after each use. We recommend that you follow this rule, because it is easier to remove small dirt than stubborn dirt. This can be done with soap and a soft sponge, and after rinsing, wipe dry with a cloth.

As for the use of active substances, then use them once every couple of weeks. Apply the product all over the surface, leave for a while, and then rinse well.

To prevent the formation of yellowness, control the condition of the plumbing. If the faucets start to leak, repair them as soon as possible. If it so happened that the bath turned yellow, then you can remove it with special means.

What products can be used to clean an acrylic bath?



Acrylic is one of the subspecies of plastic and has excellent performance characteristics. Like steel bathtubs, the material cannot rust and flake, and even the dirtiest water is not afraid of it.

However, not suitable for polymers household chemicals, and third-party tools should not be used at all. How then to remove pollution? Here it is necessary to choose such substances that will not react with acrylic. These include citric acid and vinegar.

But first you need to make a solution out of them, and not use it as is.

  • Acetic solution. To make a simple but good solution, fill a tub two-thirds full with water and pour in 9% vinegar. For purification, 0.5 liters will be required. Mix everything well and leave it for 12 hours.
  • Lemon acid. The same cooking algorithm is used, but just keep in mind that the granules may not dissolve and settle on the bottom. They will not give any reaction and will lie like that. To avoid, first dilute the powder and only then add it.

Today you can find good products on store shelves. They are effective in the fight against rust or limescale. Let's talk about them.

The most gentle of all are soap and dishwashing detergent. You can clean the bathroom with shampoo or shower gel. If you have run out of one of the funds, then it is enough to rinse the bottle and wash it with what the walls of the bathroom will turn out to be. Such products do not harm the top layer and act gently.

If your bath has lost its color and turned yellow, then simple soap will not work. To do this, you need to use polishing agents.

Do not use powders such as Pemolux, Biolan or Comet. First of all, they contain abrasives, and they also need to be rubbed. So it is better to use liquid products or pastes. They will not damage surfaces. It is only necessary to work with them with gloves, as the composition is often aggressive.

If you decide to use such tools, then the best among them are Bass, Cif and Acrylan. The latter is specifically designed for acrylic bathtubs.

Can an acrylic bathtub be cleaned with Domestos?



Yes, no doubt, it is quite possible to use Domestos, but it has its own nuances and a competent approach to this matter will provide an excellent result. The product contains hydrochloric acid, and it copes very well with limescale and rust.

It will easily remove all the dirt from the bathroom and not harm the surface. This is a modern cleaning agent that has become popular due to its effectiveness. More specifically, it has the following advantages:

  • High reliability and safety
  • low cost
  • Removal of plaque and dirt
  • Gentle on the surface

Can I clean my acrylic bathtub with Sanox?



This tool is more affordable than Domestos and has similar properties. However, it still whitens surfaces well, making it more widely used. The rules of use are almost the same as for Domestos.

After application, it must be left for a while for the effect to be effective. To date, Sanoks is of several types:

  • Spray

Gel and foam must be applied to the entire surface, and the spray must be sprayed. It is desirable that the spraying is carried out 10 cm from the surface.

How to remove the defects of the acrylic bath?

Acrylic coating is not only subject to pollution. It may occasionally show scratches and other defects. In a way, acrylic is unique because it scratches easily, but at the same time, it is also easy to remove damage.

To remove small damage up to 0.5 mm, use felt. It is great for polishing surfaces. If the scratches are deep, then they can only be removed with a special tool - liquid acrylic.

You don't even have to go to the master. You can buy a repair kit that includes a spatula and a tube of product. It is applied to the defect site and rubbed with a spatula. When the product hardens, you can process it with felt.

Liquid acrylic allows you to eliminate even a large hole made through. Tape it on the outside with tape and apply acrylic to the cavity.

Some defects and stains are very strong, and therefore the use of any means will not help. AT this case only special inserts will help out. Don't forget that acrylic doesn't like very high temperatures. Boiling water will not harm him, but the ashes from a cigarette can leave an imprint.

How to prevent dirt and damage on an acrylic bath: preventive measures



Most effective method To prevent serious contamination is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. It is better to use it wisely, so that later you do not suffer with cleaning. There are only 4 simple rules that you need to follow and plumbing will last a long time:

  • Wipe the tub dry after each use
  • Try not to use very hot water
  • Rinse the tub with a sponge and soap after use
  • Do not frequently use disinfectants. Enough to do it a couple of times a week

Always remember that improper cleaning of the bathroom can ruin expensive plumbing. So think before you use any means.

Video: How to wash and clean an acrylic bath?

Cast iron baths are gradually being replaced by acrylic products. The latter are much lighter than metal, have a variety of shapes. Polymer containers are easier to manufacture, less material-intensive. The cost is comparable to traditional plumbing and tends to be cheaper.

But, unlike the enamel coating cast iron bath, acrylic has other technical specifications. This affects the care and methods - how to wash an acrylic bath at home.

Acrylic is a mixture of copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic acids embedded in the structure of a synthetic fabric. Another, less well-known name is Plexiglas.

Properties:

  • Thermoplasticity - softens when heated above 90~100°C.
  • plastic in normal conditions, bends easily.
  • The density of acrylic (1180~1190 kg/m³) is half that of ordinary window glass.
  • Small thermal conductivity, within 0.2~0.3Vt/(m*K).
  • More impact resistant than cast iron, the latter has increased brittleness.
  • Low mechanical strength and surface hardness (no more than 180 ~ 190 N / mm²), - scratches are easily applied.

Advantages of acrylic bathtubs

The properties of the polymer affected the consumer qualities of the wash tank:

  1. The full-size product is light in weight (up to 40~50 kg) compared to a cast iron bath.
  2. Inner surface:
  • smooth, dense without pores and caverns;
  • has gloss;
  • high resistance to ultraviolet;
  • warm to the touch;
  • the walls of the bath dampen the sound.
  1. Acrylic racks:
  • to the effects of water;
  • does not react with most organic and inorganic solvents;
  • neutral to various detergent compositions;
  • dielectric;
  • not affected by biological factors - mold, fungus, does not rot;
  • easily processed, polished.

The properties of the material of the acrylic bathtub made it possible to develop a number of methods for the care and cleaning of the product.

Cleaning

The origin of pollution occurs for various reasons:

  • the formation of a dirty red coating due to smudges from the tap (acrylic itself does not contain iron and does not rust);
  • deposition of salt and limestone formations due to water hardness;
  • commonplace clay-sand mud from washing dirty shoes, pets after a walk, cleaning entrance mats;
  • oil, grease stains remaining during the repair of plumbing or from dirty hands;
  • surface staining with industrial or low-quality clothing dyes;
  • darkening of the surface due to the use of aggressive chemicals;
  • deposits of residues of plaster, putty mortars or paint;
  • sedimentation of dirt in microcracks formed as a result of careless handling of the plumbing fixture.

Depending on the type of contamination, you can clean the acrylic bath using simple methods or using special liquid compositions.

Washing

The simplest and affordable way for cleansing and prevention:

  • an acrylic bath is rinsed with warm water to soak old and dried dirt stains;
  • a soft (!) sponge is applied with a layer of soap or an acrylic bath cleaner;
  • after 10~20 minutes, the surface is wiped and rinsed with a stream of water.

The method allows you to remove all surface layers. Instead of soap, you can use household chemicals - liquid solutions of detergents for dishes, plastic (windows, doors), floors.

IMPORTANT! A non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth must be used. Keep the hard side of the sponge inside your hands.

ADVICE. Mud from sand, clay, finishing materials should be soaked for 30~40 minutes. Next, rinse with strong water pressure from the shower hose. Remove residues with a sponge, without applying excessive force. This will prevent the formation of scratches on the surface of the acrylic bath.

Application of chemistry

Application of special detergent with an alkaline or acid indicator is justified for cleaning an acrylic bath from limescale or rust smudges:

  1. Cleansing gel. Supplied in plastic packaging. The label must indicate the purpose of the liquid product.
  2. Citric acid is one of the folk remedies that can be used to wash acrylic products. Dilute the powder according to the manufacturer's prescription. Apply the solution with a rag to the place of contamination. Leave for about 5~10 minutes (the result is visible visually), wash off with soapy water and clean water. An option is to use lemon juice (this is a more gentle method).
  3. Vinegar. A table variety should be used, but not a concentrated acid (essence). The surface is moistened for 5~10 minutes. Next, wipe with a soapy sponge and rinse with clean water.
  4. Baking soda. I use the product in the form of gruel, exposure 15 ~ 20 minutes. Surface flush with clean water.
  5. Perhydrol (hydrogen peroxide). Chemical activity is based on the release of atomic oxygen interacting with rust components.
  6. Alcohol. It is better to use (if possible) the medical option. Dissolves oils and fats of organic origin (sweating or from food).

IMPORTANT! Can it be washed with whiteness? - a question from the owners. Categorically - it is impossible! The composition includes, which reacts with the chemical elements of acrylic. The result is a darkening of the surface, loss of properties.

ADVICE. It is incomparably easier to wash an acrylic bathtub immediately after use than to remove dirt afterwards.

Prevention

Care of acrylic products should be periodic, including preventive measures:

  1. To avoid the formation of smudges of rust or lime-salt deposits will help a closed tap and the serviceability of the water supply system.
  2. Scratches are a prerequisite for surface contamination. Simple rules will help to exclude education:
  • you can wash acrylic bathtubs only with products with a soft structure, without the inclusion of abrasive substances and hard elements;
  • use plastic buckets, basins;
  • lay a rubber (polyurethane, plastic) mat when washing pets - this will avoid damaging the acrylic with claws;
  • put stools with metal legs in the bath;
  • the polishing operation will help restore the smoothness of the surface (GOI paste, liquid furniture products);
  • when cleaning acrylic products, substances that can damage the quality characteristics of the bath should not be used.
  1. Soak heavily soiled items, especially with the presence of industrial oils, in a separate container. After washing and rinsing, it is necessary to rinse the bath itself. A similar surface refreshing procedure should be performed when draining wastewater from a washing machine.
  2. Give up the habit of washing shoes in the bath - dirt is an abrasive. Under the pressure of water, the suspension leaves scratches over time - it works as a hydro-grinding substrate.
  3. Clean contaminated painting tools in a separate bucket. Remove liquid through the toilet.

The rhetorical problem - how to clean an acrylic bath, must be solved based on the type of pollution, the timing of formation. It is important to choose the right cleaning agent and method of application. Even better, do not postpone the process for a long time, clean up the dirt immediately after using the bath.