Clean Fiberglass Bathroom Surfaces

Fiberglass is often used in new bathroom installations, like bathtubs and shower stalls. It is lighter than porcelain and easier to install because it does not require caulking or grout. Unfortunately, it is also more fragile and easy to scratch. If you find that your fiberglass shower stall or bathtub has accumulated soap scum and mildew, you need to remove it without the use of common abrasive cleaners or sponges. Read on to find out how to clean fiberglass bathroom surfaces.

Steps

  1. Open all the windows in your bathroom to create a well-ventilated cleaning area.
  2. Remove tough or dark stains with nail polish remover or paint thinner. This is useful for oil-based stains, adhesives, iodine and tar.
    • Wear rubber gloves while working with turpentine or nail polish remover.
    • Soak a soft, white cloth in the nail polish remover. Gently rub the stains until they are removed.
    • Remove the excess nail polish remover or turpentine with a wet cloth that you can dispose of in the garbage. It should not be rinsed down the drain.
  3. Mix a solution of baking soda and warm water. Add enough water to make a paste.
    • You can also use mild detergents or bathroom cleaners, if you do not have baking soda. These include: hand dish washing soap, liquid laundry detergents and all purpose cleaners.
  4. Wet the surfaces of the tub or stall, if they are not wet already.
  5. Rub the paste all over the surfaces of the stall or tub with a soft sponge. Use a nylon brush to get into crevices or seams.
    • If you use a brush, make sure it is made with nylon, polyester or polyethylene. Also, make sure it is characterized as a non-abrasive brush on the packaging.
  6. Scrub the surfaces thoroughly.
  7. Rinse well, making sure that no residue from a cleaning agent remains.
  8. Dry the area with soft cloths.



Tips

  • Open the window or turn on a fan when your bathroom surfaces are drying, to avoid mildew growth.
  • Keep a squeegee or a towel by the shower and dry the surfaces after each use. This will help to prevent fiberglass mildew and hard water stains.

Warnings

  • Do not use scouring pads or abrasive brushes when cleaning fiberglass; it will scratch the surface.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaning agents, like bleach, on fiberglass bathroom surfaces.
  • Do not expose turpentine or nail polish remover to heat or flame.

Things You'll Need

  • Nail polish remover or turpentine
  • Soft cloths
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Non-abrasive nylon, polyester or polyethylene brush
  • Non-abrasive sponge
  • All-purpose cleaner, hand dish washing soap or liquid detergent (optional)
  • Squeegee
  • Rubber gloves

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Sources and Citations

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