What To Clean An Acrylic Tub With (8 Great Cleaners)
Acrylic tubs are a great addition to any bathroom – they’re sleek, comfortable, and easy to maintain. But let’s be honest: keeping them clean can be a bit of a chore.
The good news is, there are plenty of easy, effective ways to keep your acrylic tub sparkling clean.
In this post, I’ll show you what to clean an acrylic tub with. And trust me, you don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy cleaners.
#1 Dish Soap And Warm Water
You can’t go wrong with dish soap and warm water. It’s gentle on acrylic but still does the job.
This method is perfect for regular, everyday cleaning when you just need to wipe away a bit of grime and soap scum. It’s the perfect go-to for a quick and easy clean.
Here’s what you do: fill a bucket or bowl with warm water, add a few drops of dish soap, and mix it up until it’s nice and bubbly. Grab a soft cloth or sponge and gently scrub the surface of your tub.
Focus on spots that might need a little extra attention, like around the drain or on the sides where water tends to collect.
Don’t forget to rinse it all off with clean water to avoid any soap residue.
Also Read: What NOT To Use On Acrylic Tubs
#2 Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a natural cleaner that works wonders on acrylic tubs. This is perfect for those spots that dish soap just can’t handle.
To make the paste, mix a small amount of baking soda with water until you get a thick, spreadable consistency. Once you’ve got your paste, apply it directly to the problem areas on your tub. Let it sit for a bit – 10-15 minutes should do the trick.
After that, grab a soft cloth or sponge and scrub away.
The baking soda will gently scrub away the stains without scratching up the surface of your acrylic tub.
Rinse it off with warm water, and you’re all set.
#3 White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is another great cleaning agent that’s safe to use on acrylic. It’s cheap, effective, and you probably already have it in your kitchen.
To use vinegar, mix it with water in a spray bottle. A 1:1 ratio works well.
Spray the solution on the surface of your tub, especially in areas where soap scum and hard water build-up tend to accumulate. Let it sit for a few minutes to let the vinegar do its thing.
Once you’ve given it some time to work, grab a soft sponge or cloth and scrub the tub. You’ll be amazed at how easily the grime comes off.
Afterward, rinse everything off with clean water, and you’re good to go.
Also Read: Floor Cleaners That Smell Good
#4 Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda
You can also clean an acrylic tub with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
This combination can handle pretty much anything that’s set into your tub.
To make this mix, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stains. Then, pour a little hydrogen peroxide over it – just enough to dampen the baking soda. You’ll see it start to bubble and fizz, which means it’s working!
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the magic to happen.
After it’s had time to sit, use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away the residue. The stains should come off easily.
Once you’re done, rinse everything off with clean water.
#5 Magic Eraser (Melamine Foam)
If you haven’t tried a Magic Eraser yet, you’re missing out. These little sponges work wonders on acrylic tubs. They’re super effective at removing scuff marks, soap residue, and even crayon scribbles from your kids.
The foam works by gently buffing away dirt and stains without scratching the surface.
It’s perfect for those marks that you can’t quite get rid of with a regular cleaner.
All you have to do is wet the Magic Eraser, squeeze out the excess water, and gently scrub the surface of your tub. The eraser will do the hard work for you.
Just be careful not to scrub too hard, as the Magic Eraser can sometimes leave streaks if you apply too much pressure.
Always follow up with a quick rinse to remove any residue.
Also Read: Can I Use A Magic Eraser On Leather?
#6 Lemon Juice And Water
Want your bathroom to smell amazing while you clean? Try lemon juice!
Mix equal parts fresh lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spray it on, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe away. The citric acid in lemons works similarly to vinegar but with a much nicer smell.
This solution is perfect for light cleaning and keeping your tub fresh between deeper cleans. Plus, the bright lemon scent is so uplifting—it makes cleaning feel less like a chore.
I keep a bottle premixed in my bathroom cabinet. It's great for quick touch-ups when company's coming over on short notice!
#7 Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser
If you’re looking for something a little more heavy-duty, Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser is a great choice.
This product is designed to tackle tough stains without damaging delicate surfaces like acrylic. It’s safe to use on tubs, and it really gets the job done when other cleaners fall short.
To use it, apply a small amount of the cleaner to a damp sponge or cloth. Gently scrub the surface of your tub, paying extra attention to areas with stubborn stains or soap scum.
The cleaner is effective but gentle, so you don’t have to worry about scratching your acrylic.
It's a bit pricier than DIY solutions but worth keeping on hand for those occasional deep cleans.
#8 Commercial Acrylic-Safe Cleaners
If you’re not into DIY cleaning solutions, there are plenty of commercial acrylic-safe cleaners available.
These are specially formulated to clean acrylic surfaces without damaging them, so they’re a safe bet if you want something ready-made. They’re also usually designed to clean things like soap scum and hard water stains, which are common in tubs.
But when you choose a cleaner, make sure it’s specifically labeled for use on acrylic.
Some cleaners can be too harsh and may cause discoloration or damage to the surface.
Bottom Line
Cleaning an acrylic tub doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive products to get the job done. Most of the supplies you need are probably already sitting in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet.
And hey, if you’re feeling lazy, there’s no shame in grabbing a commercial cleaner made for acrylic tubs.
Whatever method you choose, just remember to take your time and use gentle tools to avoid damaging the surface.