How To Whiten Acrylic Bathtub? – Ultimate Guide

Understanding how to whiten acrylic bathtub is golden. In this guide, I’ll talk about how you can whiten acrylic bathtubs and many more!

✅ Read more as I present a step-by-step guide on whitening acrylic bathtubs.

Yes, it is possible to whiten an acrylic bathtub. You can do so by using a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to scrub the tub, by using a commercial tub and tile cleaner, and by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

You can also whiten an acrylic bathtub by using bleach and water solution.

Can You Whiten Acrylic Bathtub?

Of course, you can. Acrylic bathtubs can turn yellow or discolor over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and various cleaning products.

It is possible to restore the original white color of an acrylic bathtub by using a specially formulated acrylic bathtub refinishing product. 

These products contain chemicals that work to remove the yellowing or discoloration and restore the surface of the acrylic bathtub to its original white color. 

It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using these products to avoid damaging the tub.

In addition to using a refinishing product, it is also important to properly clean and maintain the acrylic bathtub to prevent further discoloration and keep it looking its best.

So, Why Do People Whiten Acrylic Bathtubs?

There are several reasons why people might want to whiten their acrylic bathtubs:

To Remove Stains

Acrylic bathtubs can become stained over time by using soaps, shampoos, and other products.

Whitening the bathtub can help to remove these stains and restore the original color of the tub.

To Improve the Appearance of the Bathroom

A yellowed or discolored acrylic bathtub can make the entire bathroom look dirty and unappealing.

👍 Whitening the bathtub can improve the overall appearance of the bathroom.

To Increase the Value of the Home

A clean and well-maintained bathroom can be a major selling point if you plan to sell your home.

✅ Whitening the acrylic bathtub can help to increase the value of your home.

To Improve Hygiene

An acrylic bathtub that is stained or discolored can be more challenging to keep clean and may harbor bacteria and other germs.

Tip: Whitening the bathtub can help to improve hygiene and reduce the risk of infections.

How To Whiten Acrylic Bathtub

There are several steps you can follow to whiten an acrylic bathtub:

Thoroughly Clean the Bathtub

Clean the bathtub thoroughly to remove any dirt, soap scum, or other debris that may be present on the surface.

Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the tub.

Sand the Surface of the Bathtub

Sand the bathtub’s surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any surface imperfections or roughness.

Wipe the tub down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Apply Acrylic Finishing Product

Apply a layer of an acrylic bathtub refinishing product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

✅ These products are specially formulated to restore the original color and finish of the acrylic bathtub.

Allow the refinishing product to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply a second coat of the refinishing product, if necessary, to restore the bathtub’s color.

To avoid damaging the tub, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using an acrylic bathtub refinishing product is crucial.

In addition, it is essential to properly clean and maintain the acrylic bathtub to prevent further discoloration and keep it looking its best.

Tip: Allow the refinishing product to cure completely before using the bathtub again.

Other Methods To Whiten Acrylic Bathtubs

Here are other methods to whiten your acrylic bathtubs:

Use of Baking Soda

Use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to scrub the tub.

Mix equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste, and then use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub the tub with the paste.

Rinse thoroughly with water.

Use of Commercial Tub Cleaner

Use a commercial tub and tile cleaner. There are many products on the market specifically designed for cleaning bathtubs. Follow the instructions on the product label.

A Mixture of Baking Soda & Vinegar

Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to form a paste, and then use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub the tub with the paste.

Rinse thoroughly with water.

Use of Bleach Solution

Use a bleach and water solution.

Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water, and then use a sponge or scrub brush to scrub the tub with the solution. Rinse thoroughly with water.

It’s important to use caution when using bleach, as it can be harsh and potentially damaging to the acrylic surface.

Tip: Be sure to use gloves and open a window for ventilation when working with bleach.

What Happens When You Don’t Whiten Acrylic Bathtubs?

If you don’t whiten an acrylic bathtub, it may become yellow or brown over time due to exposure to water and other substances.

✅ This can make the tub look dirty or dingy and may also affect the overall appearance of your bathroom.

To keep your acrylic bathtub looking clean and white, you should regularly clean and whiten it using a special cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.

Note: This will help remove any dirt, grime, or discoloration that may have built up on the tub's surface.

How Can You Retain the Whiteness of Acrylic Bathtubs After Whitening?

There are a few things you can do to help preserve the whiteness of your acrylic bathtub after whitening it:

Clean Your Bathtub Regularly

Regularly cleaning your bathtub will help to remove dirt, grime, and other substances that can cause discoloration.

Use a mild detergent or a special cleaner designed for acrylic bathtubs to keep them looking clean and white.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Some chemicals, such as bleach and abrasive cleaners, can damage the surface of an acrylic bathtub and cause it to be yellow or brown over time.

✅ Instead, opt for gentle cleaners that are specifically designed for use on acrylic surfaces.

Dry Your Bathtub Thoroughly After Use

Water left on an acrylic bathtub’s surface can cause discoloration over time.

Be sure to dry your bathtub thoroughly to prevent this from happening after each use.

Use a Bath Mat

A bath mat can help protect your acrylic bathtub’s surface from water and other substances that may cause discoloration.

Use a Protective Coat

Applying a protective coat to your acrylic bathtub’s surface can help preserve its whiteness and prevent discoloration.

Look for a product specifically designed for use on acrylic surfaces.

How Often Should I Whiten Acrylic Bathtubs?

It is optional to whiten acrylic bathtubs from time to time.

Acrylic bathtubs are durable and easy to clean, and they generally do not require any special maintenance. 

If you notice that your acrylic bathtub has become discolored or stained, you can try cleaning it with mild detergent and water or with a commercial bathroom cleaner. 

If this does not work, try using a mild abrasive cleaner or a paste made of baking soda and water to scrub away any stains or discoloration gently.

It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on acrylic bathtubs, as these can damage the surface and cause it to become dull or discolored.

If you are unsure about how to clean your acrylic bathtub, you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional for advice.

Note: Be sure to rinse the bathtub thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residue.

How To Whiten a Yellowed Acrylic Bathtub

There are several ways to whiten a yellowed acrylic bathtub. 

Here are a few options:

• Use a mixture of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the mixture to the yellowed areas and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse with water and dry the tub thoroughly.
• Use a commercial bathtub cleaner designed to remove stains and discoloration. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
• Try a paste made from baking soda and water. Rub the paste onto the yellowed areas and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing it off.
• Use a pumice stone to scrub the yellowed areas gently. This may take some elbow grease, but it can effectively remove stains.

Regardless of your chosen method, be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area before applying the cleaner to the entire tub.

Note: This will help ensure that the cleaner does not damage the acrylic.

Does Constant Whitening of Acrylic Bathtubs Cause Damages?

Constant whitening of acrylic bathtubs may cause some damage over time.

Acrylic is a relatively soft and porous material, and the chemicals in whitening agents can potentially weaken it or cause discoloration.

Additionally, some whiteners’ abrasive nature can scratch the acrylic’s surface.

If you wish to whiten your acrylic bathtub, it is important to use a product specifically designed for acrylic surfaces and follow the instructions carefully.

It may also be helpful to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the tub before applying it to the entire surface.

It is generally best to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives on acrylic surfaces, as these can cause damage.

If your bathtub is visibly dirty or discolored, try cleaning it with a gentler cleaner first rather than immediately reaching for a whitener.

Conclusion

I’m sure you now understand how to whiten acrylic bathtub.

However, if you need a different method than the methods explained above, you may need to use a more heavy-duty cleaner.

Heavy-duty cleaners include a gel toilet bowl cleaner or an oxalic acid product. 

These products can be harsh, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear protective gloves.