How to clean fiberglass tub/shower enclosure

Question

I just purchased a home and need some advice on how to remove water stains, dirty feet stains and other build up on tub area. I prefer something not too toxic to preserve finish.

Linda · Answer

There are a couple of commercial cleaning products you could try; One is 'Awesome Cleaner.' It is sold for $1 at Dollar Tree stores. I have found that it removes black streaks from boats and outdoor aluminum better than cleaners costing up to $25. Just get a good scrub brush, some Awesome and have at it. Be sure to rinse thoroughly when finished. Another great product for cleaning fiberglass showers is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bathroom product. I hope one of these works for you!

Dee · Answer

I clean homes for a living, and I swear by this: Vinegar & Dawn. Heat 1 cup of vinegar in the microwave ( a great time to clean your microwave). Add 1 cup of ORIGINAL blue Dawn dish soap, stirring gently to mix. When cool enough, funnel into a spray bottle. Run the hot water in the shower for a few minutes. Spray with vin/Dawn mixture liberally. After allowing to set for approx. 10 min, clean with Mr. Clean eraser or a 'scrubby' sponge or green pad. Repeat if necessary. No harmful chemicals, and I swear it works better than any commercial product.

Gerald Mccarty · Answer

I like a product call Krud Kutter as it can remove stains, mildew and is biodegradable and very low VOC, so I don't have to wear any safety equipment. I even found a version of this product to clean my deck that had not been cleaned in 15 years and now it looks brand new.

Shari · Answer

Like Linda, I also use the Mr. Clean magic eraser sponges on my tubs and tile...and for lots of other things, as well. They easily clean off soap scum and dirt. I have even been successful at removing those orangey-brown iron stains from well water with magic erasers when nothing else seemed to work, not even bleach. 
 I tried the vinegar/Dawn mixture Dee mentioned one time--one time and never again! The *recipe* I used only called for either 1 or 2 tablespoons of Dawn and I found it waaaay too soapy and it required rinsing, rinsing and more rinsing, so I can't even imagine how soapy it would be with 1 whole cup of Dawn. The magic eraser requires little to no rinsing and seems to be non-abrasive. 
 Enjoy your new home!

Barb Thomas · Answer

Holloway House Wax Remover -- I used to use this on fiberglass shower floors when I cleaned houses for fun and profit, since the stains are actually imbedded skin oils and dirt (yukky to think about). It was designed, of course, for stripping wax from lino floors...and that really dates me, doesn't it?

Mila S · Answer

One thing I discovered is to use used fabric softener sheets to remove soap scum. I just rub the walls etc. when I am taking a shower.

Kitty · Answer

Wd40

TateTwo · Answer

When we moved out of our apartment, we cleaned the shower with soft scrub and a car buffer. No kidding. It saved a lot of scrubbing

Casey · Answer

I use dawn dish soap. It removes body oils and soap scum. Zep also makes a cleaner that works well you can get at Home Depot

Brenda · Answer

When we had our tub refinished, I couldn't use harsh cleaners, plus they tended to make me sick.  On Pinterest, through One Good Thing by Jillee, I think,  I found a recipe for using 2 cup vinegar and 2 cup dish soap ( they used blue Dawn) to clean it.  I use LOC, which is a concentrated organic soap, so I use 2 cup vinegar, 2 cup water and about 1/8 cup soap. Heat up the vinegar, mix in the water and soap, use a brush to put it on the walls and floor, wait  about 10 minutes, then wash off with a wet rag.  really works well, cleaned ground in dirt and hard water spots and soap scum.  I've been using this for years now.

Ann · Answer

I had great luck cleaning the bottom of a tub in a rental property by using a Magic Eraser. The tub was horrible and required a lot of elbow grease, but it came clean!

Pathann · Answer

baking soda or powdered borax on a damp sponge.....will not scratch or hurt the finish....be careful with acidic vinegar or bleach, or some bath cleaners that say not to use on fiberglass. It you are sure that is what it is. We built our house, has an acrylic tub/shower in one bath - fiberglass shower in the other. Some commercial cleaners, or daily cleaners, are not recommended to use on both.
I always start with the least abrasive - baking soda or borax -

Lorna Stone · Answer

BEST AND EASIEST WAY TO MAINTAIN A FIBERGLASS /ACRYLIC BATH TUB IS A PRODUCT CALLED GEL-GLOSS. I GOT MINE AT HOME DEPOT. WORD OF CAUTION - DO NOT PUT IT ON THE FLOOR OF THE TUB AS IT WILL BE SLIPPERY

Doris Kendrick Culverhouse · Answer

I am going to try the dawn... I have been using a soap scum cleaner that does not work so well. and it takes my breath away.

Swan Road Designs · Answer

We had a similar problem and solved it surprisingly quickly and easily using a commercial product I bought at Sam's Club. It is a liquid called 'ProForce Bathroom & Tile Cleaner with Bleach.' I haven't found anything it won't take care of. We cleaned a fiberglass shower enclosure with it and, since then, have followed up using Clean Shower after each use. As a precaution, once per month, I clean the shower with Kaboom spray shower cleaner. The whole thing looks like brand new and it's over 20 years old.

The only down side I've found to ProForce is that our Sam's has stopped carrying the stuff in their store, which means I have to order it from them online and pay shipping. However, for as well and as easily as it cleans, that's worth paying. I will NEVER be without the stuff, especially since I've discovered how well it cleans other things. Algae, mold and mildew absolutely HATE this stuff.

One cautionary note, though, if you do get this and use it, it WILL remove the color from any cloth or clothing it gets on. The label says 'with bleach' and it means it!

Kaye Watkins · Answer

CLR or white vinegar... it' not too hard

Sheri Hepworth · Answer

Baking soda. I'm a housekeeper and this works on fiberglass tubs I clean.

Kim310260 · Answer

Equal parts Dawn and white vinegar. I use probably 6 oz of each. Pour it in the tub, don't forget to use the stopper. Generally let it sit for and hour or so then rinse with hot water. Use it on the walls as well (use spray bottle) it is amazing!

Mar834221 · Answer

I found the quickest easiest way - 2 things work together and are non-toxic and non-fumes.  Spray the shower with 'Always' from the dollar store and let it set for a few minutes, then use a 'magic eraser' and all the soap buildup film immediately disappears.  Rinse and enjoy the shine!

PJ Nies · Answer

Used dryer sheets! Gets hard water stains and built up dirt off in a snap!

Sally · Answer

Vinegar and Baking Soda..works great, even for ring around the toilet bowl...try it.

Wet & Forget · Answer

If you don't prefer the smell of vinegar or bleach, we would suggest giving our Wet & Forget Weekly Shower cleaner a try. It doesn't require any scrubbing or wiping. It cleans and prevents the build-up of soap scum, grime, oils, mold and mildew stains. We have tons of reviews on Amazon. Hope this helps!

Biancawebb · Answer

Magic eraser

Felicia Eidt · Answer

Sally, I was wondering is that white or apple cider vinegar

Linda · Answer

Baking soda, castile soap (liquid) and lemon essential oil. ..make a paste of 1st 2 and add the oil to your degree of smell

Lisa Lane · Answer

anything combined with magic eraser and clean it often. I rinse with a Rinseroo and it makes the whole shower cleaning thing a breeze!

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here' a post that might help https://chascrazycreations.com/clean-bathroom-natural-products/

How to clean fiberglass tub/shower enclosure

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