Got stubborn mineral deposits or rust stains on plastic items?

You might be wondering if CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover) is the solution you need.

The short answer is yes, you can use CLR on certain types of plastic - but there are a few important steps to follow to avoid damage.

In this post, I’ll go over what type of plastics you can use CLR on and how to use it safely.

Does CLR Damage Plastic?

CLR is usually safe to use on hard, non-porous plastics.

This includes things like acrylic, fiberglass, and most kinds of PVC. These plastics can handle the cleaning power of CLR without a problem.

However, if you’re working with softer, porous plastics - items like soft plastic bottles or certain types of rubber - things could go south. The CLR can seep into these types of plastics, and might discolor it or even cause some structural damage.

Our recommendation - Hard plastics? Usually fine. Soft plastics? Maybe not.

How To Use CLR On Plastic

Now that you know its OK to use CLR on plastic, let's take a look at how to use it step by step:

#1 Find Out The Type Of Plastic You Have

First things first: Take a minute to figure out what kind of plastic you're dealing with. If you're not sure, check the product or item for any markings or labels that might tell you what it’s made of.

If you can’t find anything, a quick online search of the brand or product can often help.

Acrylic, fiberglass, and PVC tend to be safe, but soft plastics like some rubbers or thin, flexible plastics can be a different story.

This step might seem small, but it's really the most important one.

If you skip it and use CLR on the wrong type of plastic, you might be looking at some unintended damage. So take your time here!

#2 Dilute The CLR

CLR is a powerful cleaner, and while it's great at tackling stains and mineral buildup, you don’t need to go all in with the full-strength solution.

For most plastics, it’s a good idea to dilute CLR with water before applying it to the surface.

A 50/50 mix of CLR and water should be plenty strong to get the job done without overwhelming the plastic.

Diluting it also helps ensure the plastic won’t absorb too much of the cleaner. That’s important, especially if you're working with something that's a little more delicate.

#3 Test In An Inconspicuous Area

Once you've got your CLR mixture ready, the next step is a test. Don’t just go full-force on the whole surface just yet! Always test CLR in an inconspicuous area first.

This could be a small corner or edge of the plastic.

You want to make sure the cleaner won’t cause discoloration, fading, or other unwanted damage.

If the cleaner leaves a mark, or you notice a change in texture or color, stop immediately and try something else. This simple test can save a lot of frustration.

#4 Apply CLR For A Short Time

If the test goes well, you’re ready to move forward.

Apply the diluted CLR solution to the plastic using a cloth or sponge.

Be gentle—you don’t need to scrub aggressively.

Just let the solution sit on the plastic for a short time, around one to two minutes. You want to give it enough time to work, but not so long that it risks causing damage.

If you leave it on too long, the CLR might begin to break down the plastic or leave marks. I know it’s tempting to let the cleaner sit longer if you have some stubborn spots, but it's better to err on the side of caution.

After a short wait, gently wipe the cleaner off.

#5 Rinse Thoroughly And Dry

Once the CLR has had time to work its magic, it’s time to rinse it off.

This part is crucial—CLR is a strong cleaner, and if any residue is left on the plastic, it could cause damage over time. So, give it a thorough rinse with clean water.

Use a cloth to wipe down the area and make sure there's no cleaner left behind.

After rinsing, dry the plastic off with a soft cloth or towel. You don’t want water spots to form, and drying it off will prevent any streaking.

Plus, you'll be able to inspect the surface more easily for any signs of damage or discoloration.

Bottom Line

In the end, CLR is great for cleaning certain types of plastic.

But remember, it’s generally safe for hard, non-porous plastics like acrylic, fiberglass, and PVC—but steer clear of using it on soft or porous plastics.

Always dilute the cleaner, do a test run, and keep the application time short. After you rinse and dry, you should be good to go!

FAQs

Will CLR Damage PVC Pipes?

CLR is generally safe to use on PVC pipes and shouldn’t cause any major issues.

That said, if you use it too often or leave it on for too long, it could weaken the plastic over time. To be safe, don’t let it sit for long, and rinse everything thoroughly with water when you’re done.

Can You Use CLR on Plastic Shower Heads?

Yes, CLR works great on plastic shower heads to clean off mineral buildup.

Just make sure to dilute it with water (50/50 mix is ideal) before using. Only leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off well with clean water.

It’s a good idea to test it on a small, hidden spot first, just to make sure it doesn’t discolor or damage the plastic.

Can You Use CLR On Plastic? (Explained)