You are here! I guess you are wondering how to remove yellow stains from plastic bathtub? Well, I have the solution.
The stains appear tough, but there are various methods you can apply and get rid of the stains quickly. With the right method and products, and patience, you’ll find the job much easier.
Let’s learn what causes yellow stains in the bathtub first.
What Causes Yellow Stains in the Bathtub?
Hard water and tannins often lead to yellow stain accumulation in the bathtub. The stains often accumulate in the edges and corners and sometimes the whole bathtub. If you don’t fix the problem, you’ll lose interest in the bathtub and eventually toss it into the recycle bin.
Tannins
Water containing tannins will cause yellow stains in the bathtub. The rotten organic matter contaminates clean water, and frequent use of contaminated water leads to the buildup of yellow stains in the bathtub.
The bathing supplies that you constantly use may also lead to the yellowing of the bathtub.
Hard water
Hard water causes 90% of the yellow stains we often find in our bathtubs. Hard water contains a high concentration of iron, magnesium, and calcium.
These minerals lead to the yellowing of the plastic tubs. Iron often reaches the bathtubs because of the corroded water pipes. Regular iron deposit in the bathtub alters the normal color of the tub, eventually turning it yellowish.
What You Need to Know
Toddlers typically use plastic tubs. As a parent, I recommend trying homemade cleaners before resorting to industrial cleaners. Bathtub industrial cleaners contain chemicals that are detrimental to children’s health.
Ensure your plastic tub is always dry when not in use.
Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves to protect yourself from skin irritation. Work in a well-ventilated area.
If the stains don’t lift off on the first attempt using your preferred technique, repeat the process to clear the stains.
That was some valuable information. Let’s learn how to remove yellow stains from plastic bathtubs.
How to Remove Yellow Stains From Plastic Bathtub
Step 1: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water/hydrogen peroxide in a bowl to form a thick paste. You can add more if you are dealing with a sizeable yellowed plastic tub.
Step 2: Spread the baking soda-water/hydrogen peroxide paste over the yellow stains. Cover the yellow stains thoroughly with the paste.
Step 3: Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes to dissolve the yellow stains.
Step 4: Rub the surface using a sponge to clear off the paste. It helps scrub off some stubborn yellow stains.
Step 6: Once clean, rinse the tub with clean water and allow it to dry.
Apart from baking soda, you can use other household products to remove yellow stains from plastic bathtubs.
How to Remove Yellow Stains From Plastic Bathtub with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works best on plastics that have entirely turned yellow. I have used it to clean some of my plastic food containers in the past, so I thought, why not the bathtub. Guess what, it worked.
You can acquire hydrogen peroxide from convenience stores or drugstores near you.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Bottle sprayer
- Dish soap
- Gloves
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Soft cloth
- Standard soap scum cleaner
- Water
The Steps
Step 1: Begin with your safety. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from irritation.
Step 2: Move any fabric such as shower curtains, towels, washcloths, and bathmats to a safer place because hydrogen peroxide bleaches fabrics.
Step 3: Wash the plastic tub to remove dirt particles or hair. If you spot soap scums, add just enough amount of standard soap scum cleaner onto a non-abrasive sponge and scrub the surface to remove the soap scums. Read the label and adhere to the procedures outlined by the manufacturer. After removing the soap scums, rinse with clean water.
Step 4: Add 3% hydrogen peroxide into an empty spray bottle and spray the yellow-stained areas of the bathtub. I recommend you spray the whole bathtub to prevent yellow stains from building up in other areas that appear clean.
Step 5: Let the tub sit for 10-15 minutes as hydrogen peroxide works and dissolves the yellow stains.
Step 6: Wipe the tub with a damp clean, soft cloth/non-abrasive sponge to remove traces of hydrogen peroxide.
Step 7: If all the yellow stains don’t lift off on the first attempt, repeat steps 4 and 5 to remove all the yellow stains.
Step 8: Once clean, rinse the surface using clean running water to remove traces of hydrogen peroxide from the plastic tub. You may use dish soap if you desire to.
How to Remove Yellow Stains From Plastic Bathtub with Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural stain remover from almost all surfaces because it contains citric acid. Lemon juice serves as a whitening or bleaching agent that removes stains while disinfecting the surface.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Water
- Lemon/lemon juice
- Dish soap
- Container
- Brush
- Bottle sprayer
- All-purpose cleaner
The Steps
Step 1: Cut a fresh lemon into two halves. If you have lemon juice, add it into an empty spray bottle. The number of lemons or the amount of juice required depends on the size of your bathtub.
Step 2: Rub both halves of the lemon or spray the juice on the affected area leaving the juice to dissolve the yellow stains.
Step 3: Set the plastic bathtub in the sun for 1-2 hours. Leave the tub in the sun for 6-12 hours to dissolve stubborn stains.
Step 4: After removing the stains, add some soap to a brush and brush off stains.
Step 5: Wash the tub with warm water and soap. You can also wash the surface with an all-purpose cleaner to remove the lemon juice and stain residues.
Step 6: Rinse with clean water and allow to dry.
Step 7: Repeat the process if necessary to remove all the yellow stains.
How to Remove Yellow Stains From Plastic Bathtub Using Vinegar
Vinegar performs several functions, including stain removal because it contains acetic acid. The acids help dissolve stains on various surfaces, including plastics. For this reason, I have used vinegar to clean my daughter’s plastic bathtub for the second year running.
White vinegar is a common household product, so you won’t hustle hard to get it. But if you don’t have white vinegar at home, drop by a nearby store and pick one.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Bristle brush
- Dish soap
- Empty spray bottle
- Gloves
- Water
- White vinegar
The Steps
Step 1: Add vinegar into an empty spray bottle. You can also mix water, 2 cups of vinegar, and a tablespoon of dish soap, then add the mixture into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spray pure white vinegar or soapy water-vinegar solution onto the stained areas of the bathtub.
Step 3: Let the vinegar work on the stain for 15-30 minutes
Step 4: Once the waiting period has elapsed, brush the surface with a bristle brush to remove vinegar residues.
Step 5: All the yellow stains may not lift off on the first attempt, so repeat the process to remove all the stains.
Step 6: Once clean, rinse the surface with warm water and allow the tub to dry.
How to Remove Yellow Stains from Plastic Bathtub with Magic Eraser
Magic erasers have a fresh scent and foaming formula and effectively remove yellow stains from plastic bathtubs.
Magic eraser is simple to use. You only need to activate it with some water for it to cut through stains effectively.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Magic Eraser (Mr. Clean)
- Water
- Clean towel
- Gloves
The Steps
Step 1: Moisten the magic eraser with clean water and squeeze out excess water.
Step 2: Gently scrub the yellow stains with a Magic eraser in circular motions. Scrubbing in circular motions makes you capture all the stained areas.
Step 3: As you continue scrubbing, remoisten the magic eraser to ensure it doesn’t dry up.
Step 4: After removing all the yellow stains, wipe the plastic tub with a clean towel.
Step 5: Rinse with clean water and allow the tub to dry.
It’s tub time.
How to Whiten a Yellowed Plastic Tub Surround
It is usually easy to clean plastic tub surround because they are soft, making wiping them effortless. However, the plastic may yellow due to hard water mineral deposits or other chemicals and bathing supplies.
Note: Using industrial cleaners will remove the yellow stains but may damage the tub.
The Supplies You Will Need
- Auto whiting polish
- Baking soda
- Cotton cloth
- Liquid dish detergent
- Rags
- Soft nylon brush
- Spray bottle
- Tub and tile cleaner
- White car wax
The Steps
Step 1: Mix 1 quart and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Pour the solution into an empty spray bottle. You can also use a non-abrasive tub/shower cleaner.
Step 2: Spray the tub surround with the solution before scrubbing with a clean rag. After scrubbing, rinse the tub surround with clean water.
Step 3: Create a thick paste by mixing baking soda and water, ensuring the paste consistency matches that of toothpaste.
Step 4: Spread the paste over the yellow stains and let it work on the stains for 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Dampen a soft nylon brush with warm water and scrub the tub surround. Add bits of baking soda as you scrub while also moistening the brush with clean water. Rinse the tub surround with clean water and wipe dry with a soft towel.
Step 6: Once clean, apply auto-whiting polish to the tub surround using a clean cloth. Brush the whiting polish into the scratched areas before wiping off the excess polish.
Step 7: Using a cotton cloth, apply a light coat of white auto cream wax to the tub surround, then wipe off excess wax with a clean rag. Whiting polish and the wax combination will fill the scratches and whiten the plastic tub surround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can yellowed plastic be whitened?
Yes, you can whiten yellowed plastic with hydrogen peroxide. Add hydrogen peroxide to a container and set it in the sun. Dip your plastic into the solution and let it soak until the stain lifts off. Once clean, rinse with warm water and allow to dry.
What removes yellow from a bathtub?
White vinegar will help you remove yellow from a bathtub. Spray vinegar on the stained areas and let it rest for 15-30 minutes as the acetic acid works on the yellow stains. Rub the surface with a clean cloth before rinsing with clean water. Allow it to dry.
Does hydrogen peroxide destroy plastic?
Hydrogen peroxide will not destroy plastic. Hydrogen peroxide is a good option when controlling germs at home and curtailing the spread of COVID-19. Hydrogen peroxide will clean metal, plastic, and glass surfaces without harming you. Avoid touching with bare hands.
How do you remove oxidation from plastic?
Vinegar-warm water solution will do the trick. Mix 5 cups per gallon of water and spray on the oxidized area using a spray bottle. Use long-handled brushes with soft bristles to effortlessly remove oxidation. The solution may dry, so start small as you advance.
Wrapping Up
Keeping your tub clean is significant for the tub’s maintenance and your hygiene. Clean it regularly to prevent the yellow stains build up. Always place the bathtub in a well-ventilated with enough sunlight and air circulation.
The worry should be over now that you can remove yellow stains from the plastic bathtub.
Evaluate the methods and let us know which method worked for you.
Happy cleaning!