Acrylic plastic and fiberglass bathtubs can lose their pristine white color over time, taking on an unsightly yellow hue. In this post, bath renovation expert The Bathroom Store discusses three of the most common causes of bathtub discoloration.
Soap Scum
Soap scum is a filmy substance with a light gray discoloration caused by soap mixing with hard water. Installing a water softener may get rid of this problem. An easier solution is switching to liquid soap. Liquid products, such as body wash, are typically composed of a gentle surfactant instead of a true soap solution — making them less likely to cause soap scum. If the soap scum problem is mild, you may simply scrub it away every week to avoid stubborn buildup. You can use cleaners such as borax for this job.
Mildew Stains
If you only use your bathtub for showering, you may fail to notice mildew on the side of the bathtub. This part of the tub is typically hidden from view by the shower curtain liner, which also contributes to the high humidity in this area and creates an ideal situation for mildew to grow. If you want to ditch the shower curtain, consider installing a glass door during your next bathroom remodel.
Many common bathroom cleaners are effective at removing mildew stains. For instance, those that contain bleach can help eliminate mildew as you scrub the stains off. Just make sure not to get the bleach on any chrome fittings in your tub.
Hard Water
Hard water can leave limescale deposits and build up on your tub over time, creating a raised texture and an odd color. Limescale can usually be removed with the help of cleaners and elbow grease.
The Bathroom Store offers a wide range of bathroom remodeling services, including shower installation, floor installation. Our team works hard to ensure the best design, storage and accessibility for every bathroom we renovate. Call us at (701) 223-1008 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.
