Practical and durable acrylic bathtubs are often installed in modern apartments, but the polymer quickly loses its appearance with improper care. To maintain a sparkling whiteness and prevent cracks and scratches, you need to properly care for your acrylic bathtub.
Advantages
Caring for modern plumbing is different from the usual washing of cast-iron and metal bathtubs. With a careful attitude, acrylic products delight their owners for at least three decades. They compare favorably with old bulky bathtubs with lightness, a variety of models, a sparkling white coating, the ability to retain heat for a long time, corrosion resistance, and the absence of mold and fungus.
Care
Acrylic can be scratched while bathing pets. Metal buckets and basins, hard brushes and washcloths will damage the polished surface. The use of detergents with abrasives and chlorine also adversely affects the quality of the acrylic coating: it becomes dull, loses its attractive sheen.
Attempts to wash the bath with gels containing solvents and ammonia will result in damage to the top layer: at first it will become cloudy, and with frequent and prolonged contact with these substances it will deform.
The capricious polymer does not even tolerate soaking laundry. Powder, stain removers used in washing are harmful to a fragile snow-white bath. Microcracks resulting from improper operation and maintenance are not only unaesthetic, but also contribute to the further destruction of the bathtub coating. Plastic does not tolerate exposure to high temperatures.
Cleaning products
In order for the bathtub covered with acrylic to remain snow-white, it is necessary to clean it properly every day, not to neglect the prevention of pollution. The smooth surface of the polymer does not absorb dirt, so it is enough to wash it with a soft sponge with soap and rinse under running water. So that drops of water, drying, do not leave marks, you need to wipe the coating with a dry cloth. If there was no time for these simple actions, and yellowness and limescale still appeared on the surface of the bathtub, you should use products designed specifically for cleaning acrylic bathtubs. The quality of funds from well-known manufacturers is beyond doubt:
- "Ravak" - a line of products designed for cleaning, disinfection, elimination of especially strong pollution, restoration of the protection layer.
- "Acrilan", gently acting on the surface, removes soap and limescale, rust and mold, and also forms a protective film, giving extra shine.
- "Tim Profi" copes well even with old pollution, restores shine and radiance, fights unpleasant odors. In addition, it is necessary for the care of a hydromassage bath. In order for the mechanism to work for a long time, it must be cleaned in a timely and high-quality manner.
- Bass effectively cleans acrylic bathtubs and showers.
- Cif universal cream is also suitable for cleaning acrylic products. With it, you can get rid of yellow plaque, and rust, and lime deposits.
- "Acryl Polish" - a line of products for the care, repair and polishing of acrylic coatings.
- "Mr. Cleaner" is a wonderful budget option that not only copes with various kinds of pollution and effectively fights bacteria, but also protects the top layer of the bath from fungus. It coats the surface, thereby preventing dirt from accumulating on the acrylic. After applying "Mr. Chistera", the bath will remain snow-white for a long time and retain its shine.
- Bon Professional has similar properties. It also forms a special film that prevents dirt from settling on the tub.
Liquid detergents are applied with a soft sponge, sprays are sprayed onto the surface of the bath. After a certain period of time specified in the instructions for use (usually from 5 to 20 minutes), the product is washed off with water. Some gels and liquids for washing acrylic bathtubs can also be used to disinfect them (for example, Team Pro, Ravak Desinfectant). After filling the bath with water and adding a disinfectant, you need to wait about 10 minutes, then drain the water, rinse the bowl thoroughly.
For daily cleaning, ordinary dishwashing gel is quite suitable, and old limescale will have to be dealt with with the help of gels and creams specially designed for this purpose: Sanfor, Gel WC 5+, Ravak Turbocleaner.
Folk remedies
To wash an acrylic bath at home, some folk methods will help:
- An indispensable assistant in removing limescale is citric acid. The bath should be filled with hot water, add a couple of bags of this product. After a few hours, rinse the acrylic surface with running water, wipe with a soft cloth. Cleaning with citric acid should not be repeated often, 1-2 times a year is enough.
- To remove stains from acrylic, ordinary toothpaste with a whitening effect is able to.
- A mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide helps get rid of yellowness.
- A slurry of soda and water can clean off rusty spots. It is enough to apply it to the pollution, then gently rinse. Keep in mind that rubbing the surface of this polymer is strictly prohibited.
- Table vinegar copes with many types of pollution. 1 liter of the product is poured into a bath filled with warm water. In the morning, it is thoroughly washed with a soft sponge, rinsed under running water and wiped dry.
- If a solid layer of limescale and water stone has formed on the surface of the bath, then a slurry of washing powder, water, 2 tablespoons of Whiteness and a tablespoon of vinegar will help remove it. Apply the composition for 20 minutes, then wash the surface with a soft cloth or sponge, pressing lightly. At the end of the cleaning, the area to be cleaned must be thoroughly rinsed under running water.
Cleaning after repair
Sometimes the need to wipe stains from plastic arises immediately after the installation of plumbing or after repairs in the bathroom. To wipe off the sealant, you need efficiency. Until it hardens, it can be removed with a rag and washed with a detergent. If the silicone layer has already hardened, it is better to give up trying to remove it with all sorts of solvents and acetone dangerous for acrylic.
Dried sealant must be removed mechanically very carefully: with a blade, clerical or construction knife.
Removing the primer from the polymer surface is also not easy, especially without the help of chemicals harmful to it, such as white spirit and acetone. One option is to try to remove the stain mechanically, after softening it. Hot water is poured into the bath, drained after a quarter of an hour. This procedure must be repeated several times. As a result, the primer softens a little, and you can try to rub it off with a blade or a clerical knife.
390 ViewsYou need to be extremely careful, as the risk of damaging the plastic is extremely high. Acrylic can lose its luster, become matte.
Acrylic bathtubs have a smooth and non-porous surface. They are distinguished by their beautiful appearance, which has led to their high popularity among consumers. But in the advantages of an acrylic bath, its main disadvantages also lie.
It is made of a composite material that does not tolerate external influences well. And in order to keep the product in its original form for many years, it is important to know how to clean the acrylic bath.
Main types of pollution
Before turning to the question of how to wash acrylic bathtubs at home, you should consider the common types of pollution that are specific to this particular material. During the operation of the product on the surface of the polymer coating appear:
Acrylic bathtubs have certain care requirements. To prevent scratches on its surface, do not put pots or other metal products inside the bowl, and do not wash pets in it.
Important! The bathroom needs to be cleaned daily. This approach helps to prevent the appearance of contaminants on the surface of the bowl and increase the service life of the product.
Before cleaning an acrylic bath, make sure that the detergents used are suitable for this material. The following are not recommended for product care:
Also, do not fill the bowl with too hot water. Because of it, the polymer is deformed.
Household chemicals for cleaning acrylic bathtubs
In the list it is desirable for each name a picture
There are many products on the market that can be used to wash an acrylic bath. The most popular and effective products include the following:
Each of these products does a good job of cleaning acrylic bathtubs. The difference between them is mainly only in the price and brand of the manufacturer.
Procedure for cleaning bathtubs
Before purchasing an acrylic bath cleaner, it is recommended to pay attention to its composition in order to avoid buying a product that does not meet the requirements described above.
Before processing the bowl, it should be washed with warm water. The cleaner is applied to contaminated areas and to a soft cloth. All manipulations are recommended to be carried out with rubber gloves. Household chemicals dry out the skin.
After applying the product to contaminated areas, they should be thoroughly wiped, trying to remove stains. Upon completion of the manipulations, the bathroom can not be used for an hour. In the future, it must also be rinsed with warm water and wiped dry with a soft cloth.
Other ways to clean an acrylic bath
Depending on the type of dirt, you can use other products that are easy enough to prepare at home.
To remove limescale from an acrylic bath, use a weak solution of citric acid or table vinegar (1.5 liters will be required). If the first remedy is used, the bowl should be filled with hot water. Next, add 50 grams of lemongrass to it and leave for several hours, during which the limescale will soften. Following this, the water is drained, and the remaining salts are removed with a soft cloth.
Rust can be removed from acrylic using apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or acid. The latter must first be diluted in water in a proportion of 20 grams per 1 glass of liquid. The resulting composition should be treated with contaminated areas and left for a few minutes. After the allotted time, the bath is rinsed with a strong pressure of water and wiped with a dry cloth.
If the dirt is deeply embedded in the acrylic, it can be removed with toothpaste. The agent must be applied to a rag and wipe the problem areas.
Rust removal
Soda is usually used to remove rust from the surface of an acrylic bath. Old stains are cleaned with salt.
To remove rust from the surface of an acrylic bath, you need to take a teaspoon of soap and dilute it in water (it will take about half a glass). 2-3 tablespoons of soda are added to the resulting solution. The agent is applied to the rust and left for 30 minutes. After that, it must be washed off with running water.
If the stain has just appeared, it is easy to remove it with soda gruel. When preparing this remedy, it is important to ensure that there are no large particles left in it.
Scratch Removal
If during the care and operation of an acrylic bathtub, scratches up to one millimeter deep appeared on its surface, then a piece of felt is used to remove them. It is enough to rub the problem area for a few minutes to get rid of the defect.
You can remove deep scratches with liquid acrylic. The material is applied to the damaged area and left to dry completely. Next, the surface of the bath is polished with felt.
How to clean an acrylic whirlpool tub
Bathtubs with hydromassage function are equipped with many nozzles, which often form mold or fungus. To avoid such consequences, it is recommended to wash the bowl regularly.
To do this, the tank is filled with warm water so that it completely covers the nozzles. Then hot air is supplied. 50 ml of a product that is used to clean dishwashers and a glass of vinegar to disinfect the bath are poured into the water. At the end, hydromassage is started for no more than 15 minutes.
At the end of the procedure, the tank should be refilled with clean water and the whirlpool should be turned on again, due to which the remnants of detergents and soaps are removed from the nozzles.
Acrylic bathtubs must be rinsed every day. Once every two weeks, it is recommended to treat it with a detergent. And every six months, you need to disinfect acrylic surfaces.
2018-09-26Acrylic bathtubs are gaining popularity every day. This is due to ease of use, hygiene, lack of corrosion on their surface. But since this material is whimsical, the question arises of how to clean an acrylic bath at home.
Advantages and disadvantages of an acrylic bath
Acrylic bath has the following advantages:
- Light weight. A standard bath has an average weight of 30 kg. It is easy to transport, lift and install by yourself.
- Ease of installation. There is no need to purchase special legs, as is the case with other bathtubs. Included with the product is a frame that can be adjusted based on the provided parameters.
- Large model range. Acrylic is the most plastic compared to other materials. Therefore, bathtubs can have a variety of shapes: from simple to curly. This is a godsend for designers seeking to surprise with unusual shapes, as well as for lovers of non-standard solutions in interior design.
- Easy maintenance and repair. To clean the bath from dirt, it is enough to use dishwashing gel or liquid soap. Despite this, it is recommended to buy special products for cleaning acrylic surfaces. If small scratches appear, clean the surface with sandpaper. If there are large cracks, you should contact a specialist who will restore the surface with liquid acrylic.
- The ability to maintain temperature. Water cools more slowly, and the acrylic surface does not give off cold, unlike cast iron or metal.
- Non-slip coating. The surface of such a bath is smooth, but not slippery. In this regard, the risk of falling is greatly reduced.
- material hygiene. Acrylic does not contribute to the development of fungus, decay and reproduction of pathogens.
- Comfortable addition. The owner of an acrylic product can buy special nozzles for massage and other relaxation devices.
The disadvantages of these products include low strength, susceptibility to damage and scratches, high cost. The latter is determined by the use of complex technologies for the manufacture of acrylic products.
Taking care of an acrylic bath is not so difficult if you do it regularly and correctly. Such a surface prevents the accumulation of dirt and stains on it. But if there are small cracks, plaque, grease and dirt will accumulate in them.
Falling and hitting various objects on the bath should be avoided, as this may violate the integrity of its surface.
The container must be washed regularly: after each use with liquid detergents or shampoo. To avoid the formation of plaque from water on the surface, it is necessary to wipe the bathtub dry every time.
The danger for acrylic is exposure to high temperatures. Do not allow boiling water to fall on the acrylic surface. Care should be taken to ensure that items such as tongs, curling irons, etc. do not come into contact with the acrylic.
Prevention and disinfection
High-quality acrylic can last 30 years without losing its original appearance, but only if used properly. It is not recommended to perform the following actions in such a bathroom:
- soak and wash linen and outerwear;
- bathe animals without a special rug;
- wash the bath with alkali, acid, abrasive substances;
- put basins and other objects in it.
- water is taken into the container;
- dilute the product in water in a ratio of 1:10 and pour into a container with water;
- leave for 10 minutes, periodically stirring the solution;
- wash off with water using a sponge.
The enemies of acrylic are cleaning products, which contain concentrates of acids, alkalis and other aggressive substances. They can provoke the appearance of scratches and cracks, paint the surface in a different shade, make it uneven. Products recommended for cleaning acrylic:
- "Acrilan". This product creates a thick foam that is used to remove rust stains and plaque. The foam is applied to the sponge for 10 minutes, after which it is washed off with running water. The product forms an invisible protective film on the acrylic surface, which prevents dirt from settling.
- "Sif", Bass. These are the best products for delicate cleaning of the surface of plumbing, including bathtubs. The composition of these products does not contain aggressive components that have a negative effect on the acrylic surface. After them, the coating becomes white and shiny, if there are no old spots on it.
- "Cinderella". During the use of the aerosol, a mask should be worn to protect the respiratory organs from getting into them with a chemical agent. Among other things, the product has an unpleasant odor. It should be washed off with a sponge 10 minutes after application.
- "Chister". Contains acrylic polymer. It creates a thin protective film on the surface, which prevents the accumulation of dirt, bacteria and fungi. Wash it off 5 minutes after application.
- Team Pro. Delicately removes various types of dirt and unpleasant odors, protecting the surface from the accumulation of dirt.
- Bon professional. It is applied to the fabric with which the coating is treated. After application, wait 2-3 minutes and then rinse. The agent creates a protective film on the surface.
"Domestos" can be used as a cleaning agent for acrylic bathtubs, despite the fact that it contains hydrochloric acid. It copes well with rust spots and limescale. You must be careful and adhere to the following rules:
- The sponge is wetted with the agent, and then the bath is wiped with it.
- The product is kept for no longer than 1 minute, after which it is washed off with plenty of water.
- The coating is wiped with a dry cloth.
Folk remedies for cleansing the bathroom are affordable and safe. To clean the bath at home, you can use baking soda, citric acid, etc.
Detergents
To remove various types of contaminants from the surface of acrylic products, it is not necessary to use detergents. Cleaning acrylic bathtubs at home is not difficult. To remove yellow plaque, you can use the following tools:
- Mix in equal proportions hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Apply the solution to a soft cloth and rub the coating with it.
- Mix 1:1 vinegar and lemon juice, apply to a sponge and treat the surface.
- Dilute the bleaching powder with water to a mushy state and apply to the stain. Leave the product to dry completely, then rinse and wipe the coating dry.
Citric acid solution
To clean the coating, you should fill the bath with warm water and add 10 g of citric acid to it. Water should be left for at least 2 hours (maximum - 12). After this time, it is necessary to drain the water, and wash the coating and wipe it with a napkin.
It is an effective stain and plaque remover, but you need to be careful and act quickly with it, because it has a high acidity and low pH. If there are scratches on the surface, then the use of apple cider vinegar should be discarded.
It is necessary to moisten a soft cloth in the solution and apply it to the problem area, directing a jet of water there. After that, the surface should be washed with warm water.
Soda
Using baking soda, you can wash off corrosion and plaque. The agent is soaked to the state of slurry and applied to the coating. After 2-3 minutes, wash off with warm water.
Toothpaste
Stains of various origins can be removed with toothpaste applied to a sponge. She should rub the stain, slightly pressing the sponge on its surface.
To remove rust on an acrylic bath, it is filled to the brim with water, the temperature of which should not exceed + 30 ° C. Then the juice of 1 lemon or table vinegar (50 ml) is added to the water, left for 12 hours, making sure that the water remains warm. After that, the liquid can be drained and rinsed with cool water to remove acid, and then wipe the container with a dry cloth.
This procedure should be carried out no more than 2 times a year.
To clean the coating from yellow plaque, you must use the following advice:
- Take washing or cleaning powder and dilute it with water to a mushy state.
- Add 1 tbsp. l. vinegar and 2 tbsp. l. whiteness.
- Treat the coating with the resulting substance using a rubber or plastic spatula.
- The agent is left for 15 minutes, after which the coating is wiped with a soft sponge and the mixture is washed off with cold water.
- Wipe with a dry cloth.
Toothpaste helps to get rid of limescale and stains.
How to remove scratches?
It is recommended to use special coating restoration kits, which can be bought at a plumbing store. To cover up any kind of damage, you will need: a spatula, liquid acrylic or epoxy putty for an acrylic surface. The coating around the defect is processed with fine sandpaper, then grease is removed from the surface. A ball of epoxy putty is applied to the problem area and smoothed out with a spatula. Drying time - 24 hours.
The place must be sanded using a small emery and polished with a special compound.
When using liquid acrylic, it is necessary to cover the defect with it, then stick polyethylene on this place and leave it in this form for 2 days.
What not to do and how not to clean an acrylic bath?
Many owners of such bathtubs are wondering how to clean the acrylic coating. The following are prohibited for use:
- abrasive powders;
- aggressive chemical solutions (alcohol, acids, alkalis, etc.);
- products containing chlorine;
- organic solvents, including acetone;
- ammonia, ammonia;
- formaldehydes.
Clean the surface only with soft materials. Do not use brushes, sponges with a hard surface, scrapers and even microfiber. The most suitable option is cotton fabric.
Cleaning an acrylic bathtub is a pretty serious undertaking. It must be approached responsibly. It is important to know that not every remedy is equally suitable for this.
Acrylic bathtubs always look beautiful and that is why they are so popular. They are lightweight and come in many different shapes and sizes so they fit in any bath. This is a great alternative for replacing cast iron containers.
Those who use acrylic bathtubs often do not know how to properly care for them. In fact, this issue requires a careful approach, because not every tool can clean such plumbing, otherwise it can simply be ruined.
Why acrylic is good: advantages
Often the owners of acrylic bathtubs are interested in how to properly clean them, because such plumbing is capricious and does not tolerate careless handling. In fact, acrylic is very easy to care for, unlike other materials.
The ease of cleaning can be attributed to several properties of the polymer:
- Little porosity. Acrylic has extremely small pores, if any, and therefore the dirt is not absorbed, but remains on the surface. So, you can simply clean the plumbing every day with a cloth and soap and it will never lose its appearance.
- Smoothness. Due to the fact that acrylic is smooth, harmful organisms cannot penetrate the material. So no abrasives are required to clean the surface.
- By the way, manufacturers often talk about the self-cleaning effect. This does not mean that the surface is cleaned by itself. Just due to the smoothness of pollution are repelled. So you have to clean it less often. Most often cleaning is possible with plain water and soap.
What are the contaminants in acrylic bathtubs?
Since polymers have become very popular not so long ago, the question of cleaning acrylic bathtubs at home has become very relevant. Acrylic products are great at repelling dirt, but with heavy use, they leave a mark that makes the look worse and also makes cleaning more difficult. As a rule, you can find the following types of pollution:
- Yellowness. Over time, acrylic does not turn yellow, but this does not mean that this does not happen. To eliminate such contamination, you need to rinse the bowl with special products and install water filters, because the problem lies precisely in the fact that the water is very dirty.
- limescale. This defect can be observed when water with a high content of metal salts is used. Citric acid is ideal for its elimination.
- colored spots. Multi-colored stains can appear on the bathroom due to different dyes. The surface of the bathtub is quite smooth and this does not allow the pigment to be absorbed too much, and therefore any product will cope with such stains.
To prevent your plumbing from getting too dirty, make it a rule to take care of it regularly. So try to always wipe the bath dry after washing.
What products should not be used to clean an acrylic bath?
Please note that you can not clean the acrylic bath by any means. If you do not want it to lose its appearance, then remember that it is absolutely impossible to use:
- Bleach. Do not try to clean the surface with a cleaner containing chlorine. Instead of a beautiful surface, you end up with a cloudy color that will ruin the plumbing. If the treatment is carried out again, then small pores will begin to form, where dirt will always get.
- Washing powder and abrasive products. The abrasive scratches the surface and is destructive for acrylic. After processing, scratches and damage can appear, which, of course, can be hidden by polishing and grouting, but only the curved appearance of the bathroom makes this process difficult.
- Ammonia. If you use ammonia solutions, then the acrylic surface will gradually collapse and lose its glossy sheen.
- Acetone, gasoline and thinner. All these products are strictly prohibited for acrylic surfaces. She becomes cloudy and loses her attractiveness. If the solvent is used regularly, then you risk destroying the surface.
- Formaldehydes. Today, formaldehyde is generally not used in household chores, but it is still important to know that they are not compatible with acrylic.
How to properly care for an acrylic bath: rules
- If you do not wash the bath on time, then this will inevitably lead to the formation of strong pollution. To avoid this, try to wipe the bath with a sponge and soap after each wash.
- By the way, if you rinse the bath with hot water, it will shine even more. Most importantly, forget about hard brushes and washcloths, otherwise you will damage the bath.
- Before applying any of the funds, try to spread it a little in an inconspicuous place, and wait a bit. If no changes are visible, then you can safely start cleaning. Be careful about the disinfection process, because without it, harmful microbes begin to form in the pipes.
- Do not forget that chlorinated solutions are prohibited for use. Chlorine may also be present in special products, but only additional elements gently reduce its effect.
- If you want the bathroom enamel to shine, then rub the acrylic in a circular motion with a soft cloth. Pre-moisten it with a polish with a wax base.
How often to clean an acrylic bath?
It is recommended to wipe down the acrylic bathtub after each use. We recommend that you follow this rule, because it is easier to remove small dirt than stubborn dirt. This can be done with soap and a soft sponge, and after rinsing, wipe dry with a cloth.
As for the use of active substances, then use them once every couple of weeks. Apply the product all over the surface, leave for a while, and then rinse well.
To prevent the formation of yellowness, control the condition of the plumbing. If the faucets start to leak, repair them as soon as possible. If it so happened that the bath turned yellow, then you can remove it with special means.
What products can be used to clean an acrylic bath?
Acrylic is one of the subspecies of plastic and it has excellent performance characteristics. Like steel bathtubs, the material cannot rust and flake, and even the dirtiest water is not afraid of it.
However, household chemicals are not acceptable for polymers, and third-party products should never be used at all. How then to remove pollution? Here it is necessary to choose such substances that will not react with acrylic. These include citric acid and vinegar.
But first you need to make a solution out of them, and not use it as is.
- Acetic solution. To make a simple but good solution, fill a tub two-thirds full with water and pour in 9% vinegar. For purification, 0.5 liters will be required. Mix everything well and leave it for 12 hours.
- Lemon acid. The same cooking algorithm is used, but just keep in mind that the granules may not dissolve and settle on the bottom. They will not give any reaction and will lie like that. To avoid, first dilute the powder and only then add it.
Today you can find good products on store shelves. They are effective in the fight against rust or limescale. Let's talk about them.
The most gentle of all are soap and dishwashing detergent. You can clean the bathroom with shampoo or shower gel. If you have run out of one of the funds, then it is enough to rinse the bottle and wash it with what the walls of the bathroom will turn out to be. Such products do not harm the top layer and act gently.
If your bath has lost its color and turned yellow, then simple soap will not work. To do this, you need to use polishing agents.
Do not use powders such as Pemolux, Biolan or Comet. First of all, they contain abrasives, and they also need to be rubbed. So it is better to use liquid products or pastes. They will not damage surfaces. It is only necessary to work with them with gloves, as the composition is often aggressive.
If you decide to use such tools, then the best among them are Bass, Cif and Acrylan. The latter is specifically designed for acrylic bathtubs.
Can an acrylic bathtub be cleaned with Domestos?
Yes, no doubt, it is quite possible to use Domestos, but it has its own nuances and a competent approach to this matter will provide an excellent result. The product contains hydrochloric acid, and it copes very well with limescale and rust.
It will easily remove all the dirt from the bathroom and not harm the surface. This is a modern cleaning agent that has become popular due to its effectiveness. More specifically, it has the following advantages:
- High reliability and safety
- low cost
- Removal of plaque and dirt
- Gentle on the surface
Can I clean my acrylic bathtub with Sanox?
This tool is more affordable than Domestos and has similar properties. However, it still whitens surfaces well, making it more widely used. The rules of use are almost the same as for Domestos.
After application, it must be left for a while for the effect to be effective. To date, Sanoks is of several types:
- Spray
Gel and foam must be applied to the entire surface, and the spray must be sprayed. It is desirable that the spraying is carried out 10 cm from the surface.
How to remove the defects of the acrylic bath?
Acrylic coating is not only subject to pollution. It may occasionally show scratches and other defects. In a way, acrylic is unique because it scratches easily, but at the same time, it is also easy to remove damage.
To remove small damage up to 0.5 mm, use felt. It is great for polishing surfaces. If the scratches are deep, then they can only be removed with a special tool - liquid acrylic.
You don't even have to go to the master. You can buy a repair kit that includes a spatula and a tube of product. It is applied to the defect site and rubbed with a spatula. When the product hardens, you can process it with felt.
Liquid acrylic allows you to eliminate even a large hole made through. Tape it on the outside with tape and apply acrylic to the cavity.
Some defects and stains are very strong, and therefore the use of any means will not help. In this case, only special inserts will help out. Don't forget that acrylic doesn't like very high temperatures. Boiling water will not harm him, but the ashes from a cigarette can leave an imprint.
How to prevent dirt and damage on an acrylic bath: preventive measures
The most effective way to prevent serious contamination is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. It is better to use it wisely, so that later you do not suffer with cleaning. There are only 4 simple rules that you need to follow and plumbing will last a long time:
- Wipe the tub dry after each use
- Try not to use very hot water
- Rinse the tub with a sponge and soap after use
- Do not frequently use disinfectants. Enough to do it a couple of times a week
Always remember that improper cleaning of the bathroom can ruin expensive plumbing. So think before you use any means.
Video: How to wash and clean an acrylic bath?
Acrylic and acrylic coated bathtubs are popular among buyers. They are lightweight, practical, versatile in form and function. However, the care of such plumbing has its own characteristics, so the question of how to properly clean an acrylic bathtub is always relevant.
Acrylic polymer was originally used in dentistry. But due to its strength, low thermal conductivity and antibacterial properties, it soon began to be successfully used in a wide variety of industries.
Among positive qualities acrylic sanitary ware
- Lightness and strength. The standard model weighs no more than 30 kg, which is significantly less than that of the cast iron model. At the same time, they are durable, this is facilitated by a rigid frame, which is used in the design. Maximum weight (load) - 400-500 kg.
- Variation in the execution of models. Sizes, colors, shapes - according to the number of proposals for the specified parameters, acrylic bathtubs deservedly occupy the first place.
- Low thermal conductivity. The model with acrylic coating perfectly retains heat and is pleasant to the touch.
- Appearance. If such a bathroom is properly and regularly looked after, it will retain its original color and glossy shine for a long time.
- Useful additional features. For example, you can choose a bath with hydromassage.
- Noise isolation. When faced with an acrylic coating, water does not make a lot of noise, as is the case with a steel and cast iron bath.
- Ease of installation. The metal frame is easy to install and adjust.
Minuses acrylic bathtubs:
- Fragility, flexibility. In such a bathroom, you can not drop heavy objects, as well as put iron buckets, basins, etc. in order to avoid chips and scratches. Also, improper installation of the frame over time will lead to a curvature of the bathroom.
- Temperature stability. This is typical for budget models that are covered with a thin layer of polymer.
- At a sufficiently high cost, they limited period of use.
- And the main disadvantage : When using conventional plumbing chemicals and cleaning powders, the acrylic coating dulls, scratches and becomes clogged with dirt. Therefore, special household chemicals are intended for acrylic.
Substances that destroy acrylic
- Powders and detergents containing abrasive particles. This also applies to dry soda. They provoke the appearance of micro-scratches, which make the surface matte and prone to contamination.
- Chlorine containing products. They destroy the upper protective layer, as a result of which acrylic plumbing tarnishes, loses its characteristic glossy sheen. In whirlpool tubs, bleach can damage rubber and plastic parts.
- Acetone and similar solvents. They destroy the structure of the polymer that makes up acrylic. If the contact is long, the bath is deformed.
- ammonia, formaldehyde. They give a similar effect as solvents.
- Concentrated alcohols, alkalis and acids, as well as the means in which they are included. Exposure to these caustic chemicals gradually destroys the acrylic, leading to the formation of small cracks.
- Metal brushes and scrapers, hard sponges and rags- a taboo for such plumbing.
- Boiling water. High temperatures can cause the bathtub to warp, so use water no higher than 70 degrees.
Folk remedies
- Dishwashing liquid, shower gel, liquid soap although they do not act on old deposits and plaque, they are suitable for daily preventive care.
- Toothpaste with whitening effect. It is convenient to apply this method to local pollution. The paste is applied to the stain and rubbed, then washed off with water.
- It is impossible to clean an acrylic bathtub with dry soda. But it is allowed to use a paste made from soda, soap and water. Pour the baking soda powder into the soapy water and knead the paste.
- Lemon acid. It will remove limescale and whiten the surface. Procedure: draw hot water, pour lemon - 1 pack. Wait 2 hours, drain the solution and rinse with water. This method can be used no more than 1 time in 6 months.
- Suitable for stubborn dirt vinegar. Procedure: draw warm water into the bathroom and pour a bottle of 9% acetic acid. After 12 hours, drain the solution into the sewer and rinse the bath.
professional tools
If folk methods did not help, you can use special cleaning products. Among the popular:
- cif. This cleaning cream can be used not only for acrylic bathtubs, but also for other sanitary ware. Effectively and gently removes various types of dirt.
- "Acrilan". Produced in the form of foam, which is applied to the pollution for 10 minutes. Then it must be washed off and wiped dry. The foam must not be mixed with other products and allowed to dry on acrylic.
- Bass. It is presented in the form of a spray, which is convenient to spray. After use, it must be washed off.
- "Cinderella". Fast acting, strong fragrance. It should be applied with rubber gloves. The result of cleaning will be noticeable in a few minutes. According to the instructions, it is recommended to wait 7 minutes, and then rinse with plenty of water and wipe dry.
- Another special detergent Ravak. Available as a spray or paste by the manufacturer of acrylic bathtubs.
- "Chister", "Team-Profi" - These special tools are used in the same way. They are applied to the surface, wait for the time indicated in the instructions, then washed off and wiped dry.
Carefully! The bath will be able to clean white "Pemolux", "Sanoks", "Domestos". But they contain aggressive hydrochloric acid, which destroys the protective coating. Immediately after cleaning, the bath will become snow-white, but then the dirt will stick to it many times faster. Therefore, such means cannot be used.
How to get rid of various types of pollution
How to clean an acrylic bathtub depends on the type of dirt that has appeared on it. Typical - water stone, limescale, rust.
Water stone and limescale
Water stone or limescale will form on the bowl if tap water contains a lot of metals in the composition. If the water is just like that, then it is better not to allow the stratification of the stone. To do this, after each use, wash the bath with warm water. If the bath is still yellowed, then you can deal with pollution like this:
- Fill the bathroom with water at a temperature of 25-30 degrees. The water level is such that sediments are completely under it.
- Pour in half a bottle of vinegar and add 1 package of citric acid.
- Stir and leave overnight, if possible, then for 12 hours.
- Drain and rinse off the remaining solution, wipe dry.
- If this procedure did not help, then the acrylic bathtub should be cleaned from yellowness with special products recommended by the manufacturer.
Rust
It will work to clean the acrylic bathtub from rust, but you need to do it correctly. Rust adheres strongly to inexpensive acrylic bathtubs that are only coated with polymer. Yellow rust spots are the result of unfiltered tap water and faulty plumbing.
Advice! After each use of the bath, it should be washed with water and wiped dry. If rusty streaks still appear, you should fight them.
Lemon acid. Dissolve 1 package of citric acid with 200 ml of water, stir until the acid crystals dissolve. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to contaminated areas. Wash off with warm water.
Ammonium chloride and peroxide. From rust stains, you can very carefully use a mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. These components must be mixed in equal parts, wet the sponge and rub the dirt. The result will be noticeable immediately.
Disinfection
Many models of acrylic bathtubs have an antibacterial coating, so they do not suffer from mold and fungi. But prevention will not be superfluous, especially if there are small children.
Important! For disinfection, you can use only special substances for acrylic, safe for coating.
Regardless of the medium, the disinfection process is as follows:
- Pour warm water into the bath.
- Add the required amount of disinfectant.
- Leave for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Wash off the remnants of the product.
- Wipe dry.
The frequency of such treatment depends on the type of product chosen, but it is recommended to carry it out at least 1-2 times a year.
Features of cleaning bathtubs with hydromassage
The whirlpool bath is equipped with special nozzles that are connected to a circulation pump. It is he who creates the pressure of water, which, under strong pressure, exits through the nozzles in a given direction. Moisture must not accumulate in the nozzles, as this leads to the growth of mold and the multiplication of microorganisms.
The process of cleaning such a bath is as follows:
- The bowl is filled with hot water, the level is 5-7 cm higher than the nozzles.
- The water circulation is turned on.
- 50 ml of liquid is poured into the bath, which is used to clean dishwashers.
- The hydromassage mode is activated for 15 minutes.
- It remains to drain the water and start the hydromassage mode with clean water. This will help clean the injectors.
Removing scratches from an acrylic bath
Caring for an acrylic bath includes timely removal of scratches. This should be done as soon as you notice a defect, since even a small damage can lead to the destruction of the entire product.
liquid acrylic
Acrylic restoration kits can be purchased at a plumbing store. Individual manufacturers sell an acrylic bath along with such sets. The kit includes:
- Epoxy putty.
- liquid acrylic.
- Putty knife.
Such restoration can save even very deep scratches. The kit components are toxic and must be handled with care.
Recovery steps:
- Treat the scratch with sandpaper.
- Degrease and apply putty.
- Dry. This will take about 24 hours depending on the type of putty.
- Apply liquid acrylic with a brush and cover with polyethylene. Remove the film after 2 days.
- Processing with fine sandpaper.
- Polishing.
All actions are carried out very carefully so as not to damage the entire acrylic surface of the bowl.
Camouflage pencil
A special camouflage pencil will help to hide damage on acrylic. It does not contain toxic components, but it perfectly fills the scratch and restores the primary appearance of the surface. This method can be called emergency, because it gives maximum efficiency if applied immediately after the formation of a scratch.
enamel paint
Another option for masking scratches is to use enamel paint. The process looks like this:
- Treat the scratch with sandpaper. Then remove the dust and wipe with alcohol to degrease the surface.
- Use a brush to apply paint to the scratch.
- Dry. This will take about 24 hours.
This method works well with shallow scratches. If the damage is deep, then pastes and putties cannot be dispensed with.
In order for the acrylic bath to last longer, you should follow the rules for caring for it. Among the main ones:
1. Rinse with warm water after each use, dry with a towel.
2. Use special delicate sponges for washing.
3. Do not drop heavy objects into the bathroom, but place metal containers on a rubber mat.
4. Do not wash pets in such a bathroom.
5. Conduct regular disinfection - at least once every 6 months.
6. Use restoration kits for restoration.
7. Do not take water with a temperature above 70 degrees.
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