Acrylic Shower Wall Surround Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Cleaning your acrylic tub and bath surround is essential to maintain its appearance and longevity. We’ve put together some helpful tips to help keep your tub or shower surround looking great using an eco shower cleaner and other natural solutions. 

Are Acrylic Shower Surrounds Easy to Clean?

Yes, acrylic shower surrounds are generally easy to clean. Acrylic is a non-porous material, which means it does not absorb water or harbor mold and mildew, making it easier to maintain compared to porous materials like tile grout. 

What is the Best Eco Shower Cleaner For Acrylic Shower Walls?

A white vinegar solution works well in most scenarios. That said, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or recommendations for cleaning. 

For the vinegar solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the walls and wipe it off with a soft cloth or sponge. The vinegar’s acidity and disinfecting properties help remove buildup and keep the shower clean. 

It’s best to avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads. These items can scratch and damage the acrylic surface. If you’re unsure about a particular cleaner, we recommend reviewing any product manuals or testing any new cleaning in a small, inconspicuous area first. 

How to Clean Acrylic Tub and Bath Surrounds

Regular cleaning and maintenance is key to keeping your tub surround looking and functioning great. Let’s go through the cleaning process. 

Gather Cleaning Products & Supplies

Here’s what we recommend for cleaning your bathroom tub surround. 

• Mild dish soap or non-abrasive cleaner
• Soft sponge or cloth
• Baking soda (for tougher stains)
• Vinegar and water solution (for soap scum and hard water deposits)
• Soft-bristled brush/toothbrush
• Microfiber cloth for drying
• Plastic bag
• Rubber bands

Before you get started, locate and organize all your bathroom cleaning supplies. With everything in one place, you’ll be more efficient and avoid stopping and restarting the cleaning process multiple times.

Rinse Daily

Rinse the tub and surround after each use to minimize soap residue and buildup.

• Use warm water to quickly rinse around the tub area. You can use a hand-held shower head, cup, or spray bottle. 
• Wipe up spills or noticeably dirty areas with a soft cloth if needed, especially around handles, hooks, and around soap bottles where buildup tends to occur frequently. 

Clean Weekly

Once a week, clean the surfaces with a mild soap or a non-abrasive cleaner. 

• Remove all bottles, rags, cups, and bath toys to easily access the tub. 
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub surfaces with a mild soap or vinegar solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as they can scratch the acrylic. 
• Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaning residues.
• Dry the surfaces with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and keep the acrylic shiny.

Deep Clean Monthly

Even when rinsing and wiping down your shower regularly, we recommend deep cleaning your shower on a monthly basis — or more frequently if needed. Deep cleaning improves overall appearance and sanitation and helps you notice issues such as cracks, leaks, and mold before they become big problems. We recommend using an eco-friendly shower cleaner like Bio-Clean.

Remove Stains

• Make a paste with baking soda and water. 
• Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. 
• Gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth. 
• Rinse thoroughly.

Remove Soap Scum & Hard Water Deposits

• Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 
• Spray the solution on the affected areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. 
• Wipe with a soft sponge or cloth. 
• Rinse with warm water.

While you’re waiting for the vinegar solution to work, take a few minutes to wipe down all your soap and shampoo bottles. Wiping these down will help prevent drips and residue on the bottle from getting on your clean shower surround when you put them back. 

Clean Bath Toys & Soap Holders

• If the toys, cups, and soap holders are dishwasher safe, run a dishwasher cycle with just the bath items in the top rack of the dishwasher and regular detergent. If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s recommendations or test one toy to make sure it can handle the heat.
• If the bath items aren’t dishwasher safe, mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with one gallon of water and soak them for about an hour. Scrub gently and let them air dry.

Clean Shower Head

• Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar. 
• Carefully fit the bag around the shower head, ensuring it is fully submerged in the vinegar.
• Secure the bag with a rubber band and let it soak for at least an hour.
• After soaking, remove the shower head from the vinegar or remove the bag from the fixed shower head. 
• Use an old toothbrush or a soft brush to scrub away any remaining mineral deposits or grime.
• Rinse the shower head thoroughly with water to remove any remaining vinegar and loosened debris. (For removable shower heads, you can use the kitchen sink. For fixed shower heads, turn on the shower to rinse it out.)
• Wipe the exterior of the shower head with a dry cloth to remove any remaining spots and residues.

Clean the Drain

• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the drain cover in place, if applicable. Some covers can be pried off without screws.
• Wear rubber gloves and remove any visible hair or debris from around the drain. 
• Spray a vinegar/water solution around the drain cover and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. 
• Gently scrub with a soft sponge, cloth or toothbrush. 
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Once the drain is clear, replace the cover and secure it back in place.

If the drain is still clogged, use a clog solution or contact a plumbing professional to help.

Additional Bathtub & Shower Maintenance Tips

In addition to the simple cleaning and maintenance tips above, check out these tips to extend the lifespan of your shower or tub and keep the acrylic looking beautiful. 

• Avoid Abrasives: Do not use abrasive cleaners, scrub brushes, or steel wool pads, as they can scratch and damage the acrylic surface.
• No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or any cleaners containing these chemicals. They can discolor and weaken the acrylic.
• Boost Ventilation: Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mildew growth. If you don’t have a vent, try opening windows and using fans. Leave the shower door or curtain open to allow air circulation.
• Repair Scratches: If minor scratches occur, they can often be buffed out with a fine polishing compound designed for acrylic surfaces. Follow the product instructions carefully.
• Be Mindful of Heavy or Sharp Objects: Use bottle pumps and soap holders to avoid accidentally dropping soap bottles or tools that can crack or dent the acrylic surface.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not use boiling water directly on the acrylic surfaces, as extreme temperatures can cause the material to warp or crack.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always follow the cleaning and maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Using unapproved products or methods can void warranties and cause damage.

Looking to Update Your Bathroom?

If you’re dealing with scratches, stains, mold, or an outdated-looking bathroom, we can help. For more than 60 years, Watters Plumbing has been helping customers around Northeast Wisconsin update their bathrooms and add value to their homes. 

We can help you with bathtubs, walk-in showers, walk-in tubs, sinks, vanities, and so much more. 

Contact our team of plumbing and design experts to see if a full bathroom remodel or fast and efficient bathroom conversion is right for you.