How can you remove stains from fiberglass bathtubs?

Fiberglass bathtubs

Hard water mineral deposits: Occasionally remove with products specifically designed to remove such deposits that state on label they are safe for fiberglass; these are usually mild acids such as "Lime-Away" which contains some phosphoric acid but is safe for consumer use; rubber gloves should be worn when applying, and label instructions followed exactly.

Tough stains such as tar, adhesives, oil paints, etc: Moisten clean cloth with a solvent such as acetone (nail polish remover) or paint thinner and rub stained area lightly until stain disappears. Use the minimum amount of solvent needed. Do not let solvent go down drain or touch any plastic items. Wipe off with clean cloth dampened in water. Be very careful using solvents. Do not use around heat or flame, do not smoke, keep container capped, have plenty of ventilation!
NOTE: Some "stains" may in fact be a chemical reaction between oxidizing agents in cleaning chemicals, and oils from your skin and other products (e.g., suntan oil, lotion, etc.). The chemical reaction creates a polymer that chemically bonds to fiberglass, often filling up the spaces between the bumps that form the non-skid surface. Solvents will exacerbate this problem, and abrasives will remove the non-skid surface. Thus, if you have this problem, and other products fail, try "Tub-Rite", available online at www.tub-rite.com. It will not harm the fiberglass, is safe to handle, does not require ventilation, and is biodegradable.


Here are more tips from FAQ Farmers:

• Try rubbing one of the cleaners recommended for regular cleaning on stained area; leave on about an hour; rinse.

• For heavy soap scum buildup: Occasionally use a mild abrasive, such as "Bon Ami" or "Soft Scrub"; do not use them for regular cleaning.

• Lysol Basin Tub & Tile spray. Just spray it on, wait about 2 or 3 minutes, wipe off, works GREAT on my fiberglass shower stall.

• Just did this and it works!! Had a very old, very stained bathtub. Hadn't been really cleaned thoroughly in over 20 years. I had given up in getting it spotless until I tried 20 Mule Team Borax let stains soak in warm water, then follow up with applications of one of the calcium, lime, rust stain removers. I had to treat this tub several times with these potions, but the clincher was purchasing a 3M product called contour surface stripping pad. It's like a plastic sandapaper. It will not scratch surface, but is much tougher than even your most abrasive sponge. It can be purchased at any home improvement store in the paint department. With a lot of elbow grease and these techniques, this tub looks absolutely brand new. It's amazing!!

• Yes,you can remove stains from an fiberglass bathtubs. I clean all kinds of bathrooms,and kinds of tubs all day long.I use Clorox-Clean-up and just a little Bon-Ami Cleaner. Spray clorox-clean-up,let it soak a little while and go back,put just alittle Bon-Ami on a scrubb-pad,and scrubb away,please remember turn air-vent on or open window while cleaning.Rinse very well.Hope this helps you and others out.I have a cleaning bus.and LaundryBus.I have done this for19yrs.Ive learned alot and still learning new things every day.just43

First answer by anonymous. Last edit by Cleanlady. Contributor trust: 45 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 228 [recommend question]

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