Looking to add more style and character to your bathroom? Replacing your old bathtub is a great way to breathe new life into your bathroom completely transforming the space and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Choosing your ideal tub can be really challenging. You can get easily confused by a huge variety of bathtubs available on the market today. In order to choose the best tub you should consider a lot of things. Bathtub materials are probably one of the key factors to analyze. No doubt, acrylic tubs are gaining immense popularity due to a myriad of benefits they provide. However, there is still an important question most homeowners want to know the answer to. Will your acrylic tub turn yellow over time? Let’s dig deeper to understand what an acrylic tub really is and whether it can really turn yellow losing its initial beauty.
In this article, you will get acquainted with the following information:
- Is acrylic good for bathtubs
- Advantages and disadvantages of using an acrylic tub
- Why acrylic tubs may turn yellow
- Cleaners that can damage the tub
- How to remove yellow stains from the surface of your tub
- Keeping your acrylic tub from turning yellow
- How to prevent your acrylic Jacuzzi bathtub from becoming yellow
Is Acrylic Good for Bathtubs?
Due to the fact that acrylic is soft, it is one of the best materials for producing a wide variety of bathtub sizes and shapes. Acrylic is a plastic polymer made when carbon molecules are bonded. Acrylic sheets are strong and impact resistant. They have high quality and great performance. The acrylic sheets that contain some ceramic elements are usually heated to 200 degrees Celsius. The high temperatures make the acrylic soft and malleable ready to be formed into different shapes.
Cooling is the next step in producing acrylic bathtubs. The tub has to cool down before moving to the next level. Powerful ventilators are put above the mold with acrylic for several minutes. As a result, the material cools down and reaches the temperature of 77 degrees Celsius. Once the bathtub is ready, it has to be reinforced with fiberglass for even more strength and durability. To achieve that purpose, fiberglass is mixed with resin and sprayed on the tub. Then the bathtub dries out and is trimmed to remove an overlay of acrylic. And the final step is water test. The tub is filled with water to check if everything is fine. After that the acrylic tub is ready to go to the market and become a fantastic addition to your bathroom. As you can see, acrylic is the perfect material for making bathtubs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Acrylic Tubs
Just like any other bathtub, acrylic tub has advantages and disadvantages. Analyzing them is crucial before making your final choice. You should know for sure what you expect from the tub and whether it really fits your budget, bathroom design and your lifestyle.
Advantages of Acrylic Tubs
1. Affordability
High quality and an affordable price tag make acrylic tubs the perfect choice for your home. Acrylic tubs are cheaper in comparison with cast iron, copper, solid surface, natural stone and other bathtub types. However, this tub is still more expensive than a fiberglass tub.
2. Weight
Acrylic tubs are lightweight. The average weight of an acrylic tub is about 75 pounds. That is the main reason why so many homeowners prefer to install an acrylic tub on the second floor of their home. The floor in your bathroom does not have to be reinforced or prepared somehow for the acrylic bathtub installation.
3. Durability
Acrylic is a non-porous material. So, it does not absorb water that can significantly damage the surface of the tub. If cleaned and maintained properly, an acrylic tub can last for 10 or even 15 years without causing any problems.
4. Appearance
If you want to add glamour and style to your bathroom, an acrylic tub is exactly what you need. The tub looks elegant. Its shiny surface is eye-catching indeed. The tub will have a huge impact on the way your bathroom looks and feels. An acrylic tub comes in different shapes, sizes and designs. You can find a freestanding, clawfoot, drop-in, alcove, whirlpool and some other acrylic tubs.
5. Heat Retention
Acrylic is warm to the touch. The material has a nonporous surface and can retain heat very well. So, an acrylic tub is the perfect choice for people who like soaking in hot water after a long day at work. The tub gives a unique opportunity to rest and relax leaving all the worries behind. Plus, you will not have to worry about the water cooling down too quickly.
6. Maintenance
An acrylic tub is a fantastic option for those people who cannot spend too much time and effort on cleaning the bathtub. It would be enough to rinse the tub after every use to prevent it from getting too dirty. Plus, you should deep clean the tub at least once in two weeks.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Tubs
1. Prone to scratching
Despite all the benefits, acrylic tubs still have some drawbacks you should know about before buying the tub. The surface of acrylic tubs can be easily scratched. So, you should be really careful when cleaning the tub. You should avoid using the abrasive cleaning agents that can severely damage the tub. Use non-abrasive cleansers and soft sponges instead. But even if you scratch the tub by accident, don’t fall into despair. The repair is usually quick and not expensive.
2. Prone to discoloration and staining
Without proper cleaning and maintenance, stains may appear on the surface of your acrylic tub. As a result, the bathtub will lose its brilliant shiny look and become very unattractive indeed. Due to some reasons, an acrylic tub may turn yellow over time. It’s really frustrating to realize that your tub is not as beautiful as it used to be. Let’s dig deeper to understand why acrylic bathtubs turn yellow and what you can do about it.
Why Acrylic Tubs May Turn Yellow
As you already know, acrylic is the ideal material for making bathtubs. But if you cannot clean it properly, it will not be able to retain its previous beauty and attractiveness. The surface of your bathtub can fade and become yellow. Hard water deposits, grime, dyes that soap and shampoo contain often contribute to that. In fact, the tub may discolor because of the changes that happen in the acrylic material itself.
Hard water stains are usually caused by the minerals found in the water. The water that gets on the surface of your tub evaporates over time leaving those minerals behind. If not removed, the minerals build up and create hard water stains or as we sometimes call them spots.
Some bathtub cleansers can damage the surface of your acrylic bathtub making it look dull and yellow. Removing hard water stains and using non-abrasive cleaning products is a safe and effective way to solve this problem.
Cleaners That Can Damage Your Acrylic Tub
In fact, it is very easy to clean and maintain your acrylic tub, but you should do it consistently and on a regular basis. Keep in mind that an acrylic tub has a soft surface that can be very sensitive to some harsh chemicals. The best cleaning products for your acrylic tub include dishwashing liquid, vinegar, baking soda and lemon. The worst cleaners you can use are acetone, paint thinner and paint remover. These products can significantly damage the surface of your acrylic tub causing cracks and making it look yellow. The damage can be so huge that you will not even be able to repair the tub.
Acetone is a colorless liquid that can easily break down grease, varnish and paint. This chemical is particularly harmful to your acrylic tub. It ruins the structure of the acrylic material. It also causes the irreparable damage to your tub. You should also keep away from paint thinners and paint removers just because they have the same effect as a wire sponge or an abrasive scrub pad.
How to Remove Yellow Stains From The Surface of Your Tub
You will definitely agree that a yellowed acrylic tub cannot be attractive. This tub looks dirty and unpleasant making your bathroom a mess. The good news is that there are some household products that can safely and effectively remove those awful yellow stains from the surface of your tub making it white and shiny again.
The most effective non-abrasive cleaners that can remove the stains include dishwashing detergent, baking soda and white distilled vinegar.
1. Dishwashing liquid
Mix dishwashing liquid with some water and apply it on the surface of your tub. After that, scrub the surface with a soft sponge and rinse it thoroughly. You can also use shampoo or body soap for that purpose.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda is another product that can help you restore the beauty of your acrylic tub. Scatter some baking soda all over the tub and let it work for at least 5 minutes. Take a damp sponge to scrub the tub. When you notice the nasty yellow stains are gone, rinse the tub and wipe it properly.
3. White distilled vinegar
Vinegar removes stains effectively just because it is an acid. Acids are known to remove stains by giving the stain’s molecules a chemical charge. Spray some vinegar on your acrylic tub. Let the vinegar stay for several minutes and then scrub the surface with a sponge. After rinsing the tub, you will see how bright and glossy it has become.
4. Borax
Borax is a white powdery mineral that has been used as a cleaning product for many years. This cleaner can be effectively used for removing hard water stains, rust stains, soap scum and hair dye from the surface of your acrylic tub. To make borax even more effective, you can mix it with vinegar to make a paste. Apply the paste on the stains for about an hour. Than wash the tub and enjoy the result.
5. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another product that can help you get rid of yellow stains quickly and effectively. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. You should put towels, bath mats, shower curtain and the other fabric items in a safe place. Remember that hydrogen peroxide does not just whiten the tub, it can bleach fabric as well. Rinse your bathtub thoroughly to remove dirt, hair or any other particles. Spray the hydrogen peroxide solution throughout the tub and let it sit for 10 minutes. You will enjoy the beauty of your white tub once the yellowing is removed completely.
6. Lemon
The acid found in lemon can help you get rid of mild stains that appear on the surface of your acrylic tub. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on the stains. Lemon juice will help you remove soap scum and rust stains effectively. Your bathtub will look amazing and smell fresh.
But in some cases the entire bathtub turns yellow. If something like that happens, it will be very hard or even impossible to restore the white color with a cleaner only. Instead, you should contact a professional who will definitely help you solve the problem and make your acrylic tub sparkling again.
Keeping Your Acrylic Tub from Turning Yellow
You already know that hard water can cause stains and yellowing of your acrylic bathtub. Hard water contains high amounts of such minerals as calcium and magnesium. You can constantly feel the effects of hard water. Stains that appear on the surface of your tub are just one of those effects. After washing your hands you may feel a film on them. This film is the result of soap interacting with calcium. Low water pressure in your home is another sign indicating that you have hard water running through the pipes. Mineral deposits build up in the pipes, shrinking their diameter and reducing water pressure.
Installing a water softening system is the best way to cope with hard water in your home. As a result, you will be able to prevent yellowing of your tub. But how does a water softening system work? Hard water usually gets into your home through the main pipe. Then it goes straight to the water softening system that removes calcium and magnesium from the water. The hard water enters the tank and flows through resin beads that have a negative charge. It’s well known that opposite charges attract. That’ why, resin beads attract positively charged magnesium and calcium removing them from the water. This process is called ion exchange.
You should also apply a white vinegar solution from time to time to prevent discoloration and preserve a fantastic look of your acrylic bathtub.
How to Prevent Your Acrylic Jacuzzi Bathtub From Becoming Yellow
No doubt, a Jacuzzi tub is a symbol of luxury and style. It adds glamour and sophistication to your bathroom providing a wide range of health benefits. If you have an acrylic Jacuzzi tub, you should know how to clean it properly and prevent any yellow marks. You will definitely agree that yellow stains can spoil the appearance even of the most beautiful bathtub. So, what steps do you need to take?
1. Use clean water and maintain ph levels
It’s crucial to use clean water only and maintain the proper ph balance to keep your acrylic Jacuzzi tub always clean. Do not forget to sanitize the water. The ph of pure water is 7. This water is considered neutral. If the water has lower ph, it is considered acidic. The water with higher ph is known to have basic qualities. Make sure that the ph levels of water never exceed the mark of 7.6. Otherwise, skin problems and the discoloration of your acrylic tub may occur.
2. Prevent the formation of yellow rings
In order to preserve the brilliant shiny color of your acrylic Jacuzzi tub, do your best to prevent the formation of brown and yellow rings. If you notice that the rings are starting to appear on the surface of the tub, remove them with a sponge. Keep in mind that excessive rubbing can damage the acrylic material causing scratch marks.
3. Using hot tub chemicals
Have you ever heard about hot tub shock treatment? To put it simply, the process means adding some more chemicals to kill the bacteria and make the water safe. You can use chlorine or bromine for that purpose. Some outdoor Jacuzzi tub owners use chlorine to clean the water. It kills bacteria effectively and is easy to use. However, it produces that unpleasant smell. Bromine is a better choice for indoor Jacuzzi tubs.
Plus, it’s gentler on your skin. During the treatment make sure that the pumps of your tub are working. You should prevent water stagnation that leads to discoloration and creates the ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to grow.
Acrylic is a sensitive material, but with proper care and maintenance you will be able to preserve the initial look of your tub. Say goodbye to yellow stains and enjoy the immaculate beauty of your acrylic tub.
