How Do You Remove Dirt and Stains From a Plastic Bathtub?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 09, 2020

A non-scratching cleanser can be used to remove surface dirt stains from a plastic bathtub according to expert contractor Bob Villa. Plastic bathtubs are easily scratched, so removing stains is not always simple. For deep set-in stains, chlorine bleach works well.

Plastic is a common material in portable or folding bathtubs. Baby and pet bathtubs are also often made of plastic. Usually, ordinary household bathroom cleaners do a good job of removing dirt and grime. However, for a more natural alternative, there are a few options.

For heavy grime, common table salt and baking soda are both scratch-free scrubbers. Sprinkle them directly on the tub’s surface or onto a plastic scrubbing sponge, and scrub in a circular motion.
For set-in stains, try sprinkling baking soda on the area, then spray with a half-and-half solution of white vinegar and water. Allow it to stand for approximately 15 minutes. The chemical reaction will loosen and remove the stain. It can usually be rinsed right off, but a little scrubbing may be necessary.
Lemon juice is a natural alternative for bleaching out stains. Pour some on a cloth and place it over the stain or simply mix it with regular table salt and scrub it into the surface. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for tough stains.
For hard water stains, place a paper towel soaked in full-strength white vinegar on the stain for one to two hours. Scrub the stain away with a baking soda and vinegar paste, and rinse clean.