Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Put a long piece of plastic tubing on the end of the nozzle, then slide the tubing under the tub and start shooting the foam in as you pull the tube out. Bag up the chunks of insulation in garbage bags to get them out of the way. This can make it difficult to find where to repair a leak or where to locate the plumbing pipes. Then drape or wrap the rag around the area affected by mineral deposits. How do I clean tough water stains from around the jets in my Acrylic whirlpool tub? It will glue the tub to the floor, but that will only be a minor problem when, and if, the tub is … When applying polyurethane spray foam under a bathtub, there are a couple of potential issues to keep in mind. Shoot a can of Great Stuff in between the subfloor and the bottom of the tub, toward the long end of the tub… Spritz' the area with polish and "Gently" start rubbing the area with the clay block. The reason for this is that the bottom of bathtubs is not flat and level. The Replacement Bathtub is reinforced with .375” thick high density foam. You can use a mild antibacterial soap that you'd use for hand washing your dishes. When the mineral deposits have loosened up or dissolved, remove the rags and clean the area with a clean towel or sponge. ", acrylic tub and subway tile looks new again. The baking soda can clean mold, mildew, and soap scum. MORE Spray + Foam contains the same effective cleaning agents as our classic cleaners but has a gentler formulation for light, everyday cleaning. It didn't eat our fiberglass tub, but it did eat the acrylic surround. Expanding foam can exert tremendous force when swelling in tight spaces. But, if the foam has cured, it's time to get out the tools. These are the common products used for filling a void under a bathtub: As you can see, Plaster of Paris is a good alternative to spray foam for stabilizing and firming the bathtub upon installation. Let’s compare: As you can see, closed cell spray foam is better for a bathroom application, as it provides better moisture protection, insulation, and strength. This would of course create extra work removing the foam, realigning the tub, and starting over. Set the vase on the foam and add a layer of plastic wrap on top. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into water and scrub the baking soda in the tub. Step 3: It is recommended to test the liquid remover in a small portion like 10-15 inches to get the best result. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Spray foam is one alternative to mitigate this problem. They may know of a solvent that will disolve the form. LIME-A-WAY ® can be used to clean many surfaces that come into contact with hard water, such as the bathtub, bathroom tiles, shower doors, sinks, and toilet bowl. I would like to spray some foam under and around the bottom of the tub to stabilize/support it a bit more. To gently clean your acrylic tub, you can use natural products like vinegar, baking soda and lemon. Support wikiHow by But this design feature is also a bit of a design flaw. The weight of the water would help to keep the tub in place while the foam reacts and fills the spaces around it. However,  most common aerosol spray can forms, like Great Stuff, have already been partially reacted and complete the process upon spraying (source). Remove the frame from around the hot tub frame. The baking soda will form a bit of a paste as you clean the tub. Removing Fresh Paint Using Soap and Water Run some hot water over the paint spot. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 107,478 times. When you remove the existing caulk, spray on the joints a mixture of 50/50 bleach/water, aim a fan into the tub … Most have side panels that pull away for easy access. Because, without proper bracing or support, the bottom of the tub is essentially suspended above the floor. With a little care and consideration, you can prevent damage to your acrylic shower or tub. After curing, I put the drywall back, taped, painted. I’ve seen large gap foam warp window and door frames when used inappropriately. I have mold spots between the edge molding and the acrylic tub. Yes! I would, however, make sure that any piping leading into the wall or floor is foamed to prevent air leaks. Weight on the bottom may cause the fiberglass in an improperly installed unit to flex and develop fissures, for example. Remove the frame from around the hot tub frame. % of people told us that this article helped them. Remember, the foam will expand, so don't fill it to the top. This tub and tile cleaner is good for porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, stainless steel tubs in addition with toilets and toilet seats, sinks, counters, faucets, tile wall and floor. Our 2 pound general purpose foam can be used in tub bottom inlay applications to stop movement only and assist in building strength in conjunction with an inlay or solid reinforcement repair.Never use Foam as structural support alone when repairing cracks! You can also buy commercial cleaners designed for acrylic tubs. This spray foam cleaner removes all soap scum from your bathtub, leaving behind a smooth, clean surface and a pleasant citrus scent. The product can be used to remove caulk from materials like plastic, ceramic, fiberglass shower and tub, aluminum, glass and most painted surfaces like windows or frames. Slowly trim away any excess foam that leaks from the holes with a craft knife, being careful not to cut too close to the surface of the tub. It's also gentle to use on the acrylic tub. Avoid using scrubbers or sponges that have a rough side designed for heavy-duty cleaning. Acrylic tubs are becoming more popular since tub manufacturers can create unique tub shapes. In fact, many tub bottoms actually do not touch the floor at all without bracing or support of some kind being installed underneath them. A noncured material may dissolve on its own over time – no chemicals or blades necessary. Scrape off the excess foam with a razor blade being careful not to scratch the fiber glass. 3. Instead, look for a gentle sponge or just use a soft cloth. "The last few spray cleaners really did little to get some dirt/scum stains off. So spray foam does provide an easy do-it-yourself solution for both the insulation and support issues. Most manufacturers use urethane foam, which forms a … Considerations And Steps, Can You Install a Bathtub Over Tile? Thanks so much for calling us at 1-888-MONEY-PIT. Spray it in before you set the tub. with the addition of a person. It’s not going to provide the level of support that a mortar slab will give and it’s no replacement for proper insulation practices. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Related Reading: Using Spray Foam Under A Shower Pan: Pros, Cons, & Cautions. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases. On the acrylic portion of the product, the DR is the top 15% of the sheet. A bathtub shouldn't flex, crackle or pop when you fill it with water or step into it. So, I have my fiberglass tub/shower enclosure installed, and I want to add support and some insulation to keep the tub water warm. Tubs and showers made of fiberglass and acrylic—though attractive, durable and affordable, and easier to clean than their tiled and porcelain kin—can develop stress cracks and even structural cracks. Instead, use soft cloths and sponges. Condensation in Refrigerator: Here’s How to Fix It. If the paint … Polyurethane foam is created by a chemical reaction between 2 liquids. A full bathtub is heavy, sometimes 500 to 600 lbs. However, they do not offer the same benefits. Advertisement. It’s even used to raise concrete sidewalks and foundations (source). You can also use a long-handled scrub brush, as long as the bristles are soft. This will allow you to get further underneath the tub. Sounding the tub from the inside shows that there is respectable coverage, with dull thuds where the foam reached and more of a ringing sound where the tub has not yet been foamed. Works great to stop squeaky tub and shower bottoms by itself. The best cleanser for tubs is Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter. It’s important to understand that the foam is going to push somewhere when it expands. Keep a supply of soft cloths handy and remove any damaging products or abrasive scrubbing items from the bathroom to ensure they aren’t around when it’s time to clean. The 8 Best Bathroom Cleaners of 2021 1. Certainly, Good Green Cleaner will clean soap scum and stain moreover, it will whiten the grouts. The foam is formed by an exothermic chemical reaction when the A/B mix hits the air. They set differently. Grainger also has 2 part spray foam in sizes ranging from 80 bucks to 400. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. depth of tub. You can get a spray gun for about $50.00 and buy a … After 15 minutes, drain the tub and sprinkle it with baking soda while it’s still wet. Use the spray cleaner setting to quickly clean horizontal or easy-to-reach surfaces, or the “foam” setting to clean vertical surfaces or for stubborn stains. Certainly, Good Green Cleaner will clean soap scum and stain moreover, it will whiten the grouts. If that doesn't work, you could try using them together, but dilute the vinegar with water first in the tub, then add the baking soda. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. This article has been viewed 107,478 times. Using Spray Foam Under A Shower Pan: Pros, Cons, & Cautions, Great Stuff Foam with an extended spray nozzle, Can I Install a Bathtub Myself? And I really did not scrub, just gently swirled a washcloth around with the baking soda and rinsed. 2 Wring out the sponge in clean, cool water. Put a long piece of plastic tubing on the end of the nozzle, then slide the tubing under the tub and start shooting the foam in as you pull the tube out. Remember also that a little flex in acrylic … They will foam like crazy, but are very effective for yellow stains. 3M caulk remover works wonders- if it's compatible with your tub. Not only is it a 100% vapor barrier it has an r value of 7 per inch and it helps with sound. Basically, you throw it on and leave it sit for a few minutes to soften up the old caulk, then scrape. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the tub. How do I get it white again? Regular washing will also keep stains from forming in the acrylic tub and tile near the tub. Foam Under Tub; Author: newmex999 (NM) Just installed a acrylic bubble tub on top concrete slab. I do construction, so I bring a lot, "Was is hard work? Question I have is what foam to use- do I use the heavy duty stuff or the stuff they use around windows that doesn't expand as strongly (so nothing will get pushed/bowed)? Use a soft rag and liquid polish to gently remove the foam splatters. unlocking this expert answer. So be very ginger about how much of that stuff you put in, OK? Bag up the chunks of insulation in garbage bags to get them out of the way. Have several cleaning blocks on hand, however, as the textured surface wears away the block quickly as you scrub. What should I do? This also affects its moisture resistance and air flow capabilities. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? My soaking tub has little round orange stains that I would like to remove. Here are some considerations: As you can see, the alternatives to spray foam for insulating your bathtub have challenges that may not make them the best solutions. The last thing you want is to make a bad situation worse. It is pigmented a solid color than modi˚ed for a high impact surface. Caring for your acrylic tub is easy as long as you use the right products and treat the tub gently. In addition to all of that - it is mold proof and will not break down over time. Great Stuff has several closed-cell products available for different applications. I can't remove the tub because there is tile lapped over it in a way I can't remove without damaging everything. I would like to spray some foam under and around the bottom of the tub to stabilize/support it a bit more. Just installed a acrylic bubble tub on top concrete slab. Cut away large chunks of the insulation using a drywall saw. Gently scrub the entire tub. It’s not the only solution and it may not be the best choice depending on your situation but if you do decide to use it, make sure that you opt for a non-expanding foam. I really enjoy your show. Thank you very much. Product recommendations not personally owned are based on the author’s knowledge of the company, product, reliability, and reputation. If you notice any lingering stains, rub half a lemon on them until they lift and then rinse the area with water. If the subfloor underneath the bathtub is inadequate, the wood will flex under its weight. Spray foam under a shower pan is an option for reducing flex. Most tub manufacturers update their approved cleaner list every few years, so ensure that you find the most recent list available. I would like to spray some foam under and around the bottom of the tub to stabilize/support it a bit more. Many people don’t realize this but a bathtub bottom does not usually rest squarely on the floor. But the vinegar and baking soda really did work on my hard water/soap scum buildup. To learn how to use commercial products on an acrylic tub without damaging the surface, keep reading! This went sort of in front of the other foam under the tub up to the inside of the wall. It’s important to understand that the tried-and-true best practice for preventing flex in a newly installed bathtub is with a mortar slab. It will glue the tub to the floor, but that will only be a minor problem when, and if, the tub is removed … link to OSB vs. Drywall for Soundproofing: Which Is Best? If you're unsure if a product is safe to use, only use it if it says it's safe to use on acrylic surfaces. The acid in the vinegar will help loosen the dirt without damaging the acrylic tub. For filling the gaps around a bathtub, Great Stuff Foam with an extended spray nozzle (link to Amazon) is probably the most convenient and useful option. Most manufacturers use urethane foam, which forms a … It can reduce coldness and flex in an existing install, but an improper application can result in additional problems. of grime home to my shower/tub. It can reduce coldness and flex in an existing install, but an improper application can result in additional problems. References. Soak one or more cleaning rags in white vinegar. Learn all about the amazing convenience, security, and money-saving possibilities that you can gain by incorporating smart home devices in your home. A very minimal amount of foam should be used - too much foam can cause the bottom of the tub to bow. Let the ingredients foam for up to 15 minutes -- or longer to remove stubborn soap scum -- before scrubbing with the nylon scrubber on the sponge. It is helpful to understand what is flexing and why. Lemon works well for removing hard-water deposits. You can use a stiff-bristled or power wire brush to scrape off the foam and then rinse with water to remove any residue. Get a can, or cans, of low expansion foam. You could potentially lift the tub off its base or off the ground by over-spraying, and end up with a problem as this guy did. I have tried using a vinegar and baking soda paste but the water stains remain under the jets. Remember to clean the tile area above your acrylic tub, so the space will really shine. Purchase "Caulk-Be-Gone" in the caulk aisle at your home improvement store. Sand remaining excess, using 240-grade sandpaper. We had to dig out the foam to fix a leak and now were replacing the insulation Mixed in a bucket, they will take hard scum off of shower doors, too. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. To fill the gap under a tub, there are several potential approaches. I am in the middle of a similar project on my Tiger River Bengal tub. The ABS is the bottom 85% of the sheet. ANDY: Great, I appreciate it. However, it may not be the easiest product to use when working with an existing tub. My acrylic tub is yellowing. To clean an acrylic tub with natural products, start by filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. Spray foam can be removed, but it is easier to leave space to work around these items. They're both easy to install and will help to shut out the external noises in the home, but which of the two... My name is Paul (that’s my little helper, Mason, in the picture with me) and I am a bit of a fanatic when it comes to making sure my home is energy efficient. OGT 40 - How not to install an acrylic bath with spray foam, link to Condensation in Refrigerator: Here’s How to Fix It. Scrape the remaining insulation with a chisel. I share my hard-learned lessons so that you can save time and money by not repeating my mistakes. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. For stubborn spots, you can use a reciprocating saw. In fact, when working with an existing tub, spray foam may provide the only option for preventing the fiberglass from flexing under weight by filling the spaces underneath. Yes, expanding spray foam can be used under a bathtub. This can make it difficult to find where to repair a leak or where to locate the plumbing pipes. This simple old-fashioned method got it all! They are designed with a slight incline to facilitate the movement of water toward the drain. This is gentle enough to regularly use on your acrylic tub. And as always, if you are not comfortable and familiar with what you doing, seek the advice of a pro. These cleaning blocks remove the toughest grime out of your tub. That being said, if you are trying to improve the stability and insulation of an existing install, it is an option. There is also a small chance of accidentally smoking your tub. This is the reason people often have issues with flexing of the bathtub bottom. In most cases, the warm... OSB vs. Drywall for Soundproofing: Which Is Best? Likewise, spray foam is a viable and easy option for increasing the warmth in and around an uninsulated bathtub. The two layers of plastic will allow the foam to separate into two pieces for easier unpacking. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-jetted-tub/#.WL9D-vnyu00, https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-clean-acrylic-bathtub-correctly.htm, https://www.deltafaucet.com/design-innovation/inspiredliving/how-to-clean-acrylic-shower, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. I scrubbed them with vinegar and baking soda and a toothbrush, but some remain. This will produce decent results. Some, quite frankly, are promoted as solutions without any sufficient evidence. I went out and bought This Stuff from Home Depot. Acrylic tubs are generally installed with a rubber or foam layer between the tub and the bathroom floor. This article has been viewed 107,478 times. Before you can begin the repair, you must remove the insulation, which can be a major undertaking if you have never worked on your hot tub before. If this happens inside your refrigerator, you need to find the warm air source as soon as possible. Let it soak for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth. Have you tried the vinegar and baking soda mentioned in the beginning? This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. This will help to prevent damage to the tub. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Clean-an-Acrylic-Tub-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-an-Acrylic-Tub-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Clean-an-Acrylic-Tub-Step-1.jpg\/aid8611886-v4-728px-Clean-an-Acrylic-Tub-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"