How to Clean Fiberglass Bathroom Surfaces

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: May 22, 2021 Approved

You might be a little lost when it comes to properly cleaning your fiberglass shower or tub, but you certainly aren’t alone. Wear and tear create stains and scratches on your bathroom surfaces, and usually they’re pretty easy to tackle. Fiberglass surfaces, however, are more of a challenge to sanitize because of their sensitivity. Clean, remove stains, and preserve your fiberglass bathtub or shower to keep it looking new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Performing Routine Cleanings

1
Select or create a non-abrasive cleaning solution. For a general cleaning, fill a bucket with warm water and add a squirt of liquid detergent. Add more soap to your bucket if you think you’ll have a tough time cutting through stubborn dirt and grime.^{[1]
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- Opt for non-abrasive cleaners such as dish and laundry detergents, household all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, or baking soda.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning products, such as scouring powders, since these can cause damage to your fiberglass bathtub or shower.
2
Apply the cleaning mixture with a non-abrasive applicator. Dunk a soft sponge in your bucket of warm soapy water and gently scrub the surface of your fiberglass shower or tub. If you don’t use a soft sponge, make sure that your applicator is made of nylon, polyester, or polyurethane.
- Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, or scrapers because they will be too harsh on the fiberglass.
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3
Rinse away the cleaning solution and dry the surface with a towel. Let the cleaning solution sit on your fiberglass surfaces for about an hour. Afterward, rinse the tub or shower thoroughly with warm, clean water and dry it with a hand towel.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Tough Stains

1
Remove soap scum with baking soda and water. Once soap scum accumulates, it can be difficult to get off with regular bathroom cleaners. Mix water and baking soda until it has a paste-like consistency and apply the paste to the soap scum areas. Leave the applied mixture alone for a couple of hours and then rinse it off with warm water.^{[2]
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2
Use an acid to dissolve stubborn soap scum. More challenging soap scum might need an acid, such as vinegar, to help dissolve it. For best results, soak a cloth with vinegar and cover the stained area with it for about an hour. After removing the cloth, clean the area with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.^{[3]
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- Stronger acids, such as diluted muriatic acid, should only be applied while wearing rubber gloves and as a last resort.^{[4]
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3
Bleach dark stains with hydrogen peroxide. Deeper, darker stains may be challenging to get rid of with regular cleaning products. Place several layers of clean white cloths over the stained area and pour hydrogen peroxide on top. Let the hydrogen peroxide soak in overnight and in the morning, rinse and dry the area.^{[5]
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4
Use acetone or paint thinners on extreme stains. Difficult stains can be removed with acetone, which is the main ingredient in nail polish remover, or paint thinners such as turpentine. Soak a clean white cloth with the solution that you’re using and gently rub the stained area until it returns to its natural color.
- These solutions are fine to use occasionally on stained fiberglass, but should be used sparingly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Fiberglass Surfaces

1
Spray the surface with vinegar 2-3 times per week. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and use it to spritz the fiberglass surfaces a few times a week. This can minimize odors in addition to cutting down the amount of time you’ll spend scrubbing the fiberglass clean later.
2
Avoid leaving items suctioned to the surface. If you have items in your tub or shower that adhere to the fiberglass with suction cups, remove them. They leave residue stains that are difficult to remove and clean properly.
3
Polish and wax fiberglass surface twice per year. Use a clean cotton cloth to first apply an automotive white polishing compound to any dull or scratched areas, and then buff with a white automotive cream wax. Repeat this routine twice a year to keep your fiberglass tub or shower looking shiny and new.
4
Keep your fiberglass surfaces dry. After each use, squeegee your shower or wipe it dry with a bath towel. Doing this regularly will get rid of the particles that allow soap scum to form, which will give you fewer stains to scrub off in the long run.^{[6]
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- Open the window or turn on a fan when your bathroom surfaces are drying to avoid mildew growth.
5
Soften your water. Install a water softener to filter minerals out of your water, which contribute heavily to soap scum buildup and rust. Additionally, put epsom salts in your bath water each time you take a bath to help soften it.^{[7]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you get hard water stains off of a fiberglass shower?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You can use vinegar to remove hard water stains from your fiberglass tub. First, spray the stains with vinegar and allow the stains to soak for 10 minutes. Then, you can place paper towels over the stains and spray the paper towels with vinegar. Allow this to sit for another 10 minutes or so. Remove the paper towels and sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar. You may need to re-apply the vinegar over the baking soda. Use a soft sponge with the vinegar and baking soda mixture to scrub away the stains.
Question

How do you clean fiberglass bathtubs?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If your fiberglass bathtub has any built-up soap scum, you can create a baking soda paste by mixing baking soda and water. Let the paste sit on the tub for anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how stained the tub it. Scrub the tub with a soft sponge until it is clean. For regular maintenance of your fiberglass tub, you should apply vinegar and wipe it with a soft rag or soft sponge a couple of times a week.
Question

What is the best way to clean fiberglass?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

When cleaning fiberglass, you want to be sure to avoid abrasive scouring pads or products. For general cleaning, you should use a non-abrasive cleaner, such as a mild dish detergent, laundry detergent, or a household all-purpose cleaner. You can also use baking soda or a general bathroom cleaner. Apply the cleaning solution of choice with a soft rag or sponge and rinse it away when you're finished, then dry the fiberglass with a soft towel.