Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? - Landlord Forum thread 240191

Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Bunny *M*A*G*I*C* on November 11, 2011 @18:19

The tub/shower enclosure is about 15 - 20 years old and isn't in too bad a shape, but needs to be sparkling.

I've tried elbow grease and Scrubbing Bubbles, I've tried hot water and a plastic scrubbie and Bon Ami, I've tried Magic Eraser--the nubbed, slip-resistant area on the bottom of the tub/shower is one issue, the other issue is the scummy layer along the sides of the tub, and then there are the 3 sides of the enclosure and a shower curtain.

My latest attempt was making a paste of Borax and water, using hot water to wet a small area (no sense in trying the entire area if I'm just gonna waste the Borax), applying the paste, covering the area with a paper towel that's been wet with hot water, and leaving it on for 15 minutes. It sorta worked on the tub sides but not on the nubby part on the tub bottom.

Right now, I'm "soaking" the bottom of the tub in hot water. Will try elbow grease again on the bottom using a plastic scrub brush. If that doesn't work, I'll use plain white vinegar and let that set on the bottom area in a saturated paper towel for 15 minutes.

Is there any product that might easily address these issues without poisoning my lungs or peeling the skin off my hands? And are there any products I can suggest for the "upkeep" of the tub/shower and surround once it's sparkling?

Thanks!
Bun

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Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Anonymous on November 11, 2011 @19:40	[ Reply ]

The best thing I have found is the Magic Eraser Bathroom one, not the normal magic eraser. I use this and use elbow grease with it. If you can't get it clean with that, then its not coming clean without major chemicals or without refinishing the tub.

Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Lisa (NY) on November 11, 2011 @20:04	[ Reply ]

If it's 15-20 years old, why don't you replace it by a new one ?

Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Anonymous on November 11, 2011 @20:06	[ Reply ]

Did you try ajax and a green scrubber and elbow grease? It's fiberglass - works just like a boat - get some rubbing compound and boat polish and a high speed polisher and go to town. If that doesn't work might be time to sand it and re-gel coat it or replace it, or live with it.

Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Anonymous on November 11, 2011 @20:07	[ Reply ]

PS - throw out the curtain and get a new one for $10. Also bleach might help.

Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Anna Mouse on November 11, 2011 @20:20	[ Reply ]

Have you tried Oxy Clean? OMgoodness it is my new favorite thing. I am not sure if they make anything for bathrooms but I would try. You need to allow the solution to sit longer than 15 minutes. If I didn't know about oxy clean I would say bleach.

Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Stephen1 (WA) on November 11, 2011 @20:45	[ Reply ]

My wife sprays the enclosure w/CLR spray, allows it sit overnight, then uses the Magic Eraser Soapscum eraser. That combination has removed a year's accumulation of soap scum.

Update on progress by Bunny MAGIC on November 11, 2011 @22:45	[ Reply ]

Thanks for all the suggestions--and yes, a new shower curtain is in order of course! :O) The tub/shower surround is still good to go and now that it's cleaner, it looks GOOD! The Borax paste did a little bit of good, but what really worked was the plain white vinegar! I heated it up in the microwave, placed paper towels over a few sections in the bottom of the tub, poured on the hot vinegar and let it set for about 20 minutes. Wow! Totally helped where I had the vinegar-soaked paper towels! The pebbled bottom felt slick, so I followed up with hot water, Bon Ami and a scrub brush. Sparkling and not slick!!! Juust waiting for some more suggestions on what I can suggest to use, to keep it sparkling!

Re: Update on progress

Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Doug (DC) on November 13, 2011 @11:53	[ Reply ]

I know that nail polish remover or anything with acetone in it will actually melt through the fiberglass. So... yeah, I guess you wouldn't want to use that.

Re: Cleaning a fiber glass tub/shower? by Monica Eddwards (Kentucky) on May 13, 2012 @11:01	[ Reply ]

Hi there! I'm glad your problem was solved. Just clean it constantly because as the stain attached to the facilities the longer the difficult to remove. But you also try to remodel or renovate your bathroom. You just have said that it was like 15-20 years old. You can install modern facilities like bathroom shower enclosures. as an alternative to shower curtain. I am not saying you follow what I say. It is just a suggestion to enhance the beauty of your bathroom.