How to Clean a New Fiberglass Bathtub

Proper cleaning can keep a fiberglass tub looking white and new.

To keep your new fiberglass bathtub looking new for years to come, clean it properly. Daily maintenance includes wiping down the sides of the tub with a water-dampened cloth to remove all soap residue after each use, which helps prevent soap scum and bath tub rings, as well as drying the tub with a towel to prevent water spots and mildew from forming. In addition to daily maintenance, weekly cleaning should be done. Cleaning can be done with different mild cleaning agents.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid soap
• Sponge
• Soft cloth
• All-purpose cleaner or bathroom cleaner
• Baking soda
• Cleaning bucket

Instructions

Liquid Soap

1. Apply a quarter-size amount of liquid dish soap or liquid laundry soap to a water-dampened sponge.

2. Rub the undiluted soap directly into the new fiberglass bathtub. Rinse the sponge and apply more soap as needed.

3. Dampen the sponge in cool running water. Wipe away the soap residue. If needed, turn on the bath water and use that water to rinse the soap from the tub. If the shower is in the same area as the sponge and has a detachable shower head, use that.

All-Purpose Household Cleaner or Bathroom Cleaners

1. Spray the tub with an all-purpose household cleaner or a bathroom cleaner.

2. Allow the cleaner to work into the tub for five minutes.

3. Dampen a sponge with cool water and wipe away the cleaner.

Baking Soda

1. Add 2 tbsp of baking soda per cup of warm water in a cleaning bucket. Swirl the bucket until all of the baking soda is dissolved.

2. Dip a sponge into the bucket and scrub the fiberglass bathtub with the sponge.

3. Rinse the tub to remove all baking soda residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use abrasive scrubbers, such as stiff-bristled brushes or steel wool on a fiberglass bathtub. It can scratch the tub.

References

• Don Vandervort's Home Tips: How to Clean a Fiberglass Bathtub
• Ask The Builder: Acrylic, Fiberglass Tub Care and Maintenance