Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Epsom Salt Hacks To Clean An Acrylic Tub

In the world of home cleaning, Epsom salt is something of a hidden gem for handling bath area issues. While it might not be as popular as baking soda and vinegar hacks, there are lots of clever ways to use Epsom salt to refresh your bathroom. However, you might want to hold off on any hacks that involve using Epsom salt to clean your acrylic tub as it could ruin the tub's finish or discolor it.

Not knowing the material of your tub and how to care for it is one of the many mistakes everyone makes when buying a bathtub. Acrylic bathtubs are made from sheets of vacuum-formed plastic reinforced with fiberglass. This is one of the most common types because it is lightweight, relatively affordable, easy to install, and low maintenance. Unfortunately, it's not all pros with this material — acrylic tubs are also prone to scratching and staining.

These cons are the major reasons why Epsom salt hacks would not be the best for an acrylic tub. You stand the risk of scuffing up the surface of your tub, which would not just ruin the finish but also make it harder to clean. The magnesium sulfate in the salt may even react with the plastic, causing it to weaken or change color.

Clearly, the Epsom salt hack to scrub your acrylic tub is not one of the many smart ways to use Epsom salt around the house. However, that doesn't mean other natural options are out of the picture for your tub. For handling mold stains, first sprinkle baking soda evenly on the tub surface. Continue by spraying a mixture of white vinegar and warm water on the tub. After a few minutes, scrub gently with a soft sponge, and let the paste that forms sit for up to 20 minutes. Rinse out the tub with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

For tougher stains, you can use a combination of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts baking soda. Place the paste formed by mixing both cleaning agents on the stain, then let it sit for an hour. Gently rub the area with a soft sponge before rinsing off the paste with clean warm water. Repeat the process until the stain disappears.

Hard water stains are common, but they can also be defeated. Lay paper towels soaked in white vinegar over the stains to sit for a couple of hours. Remove the paper towels, and apply a baking soda and vinegar paste. Like you did for the tough stains, rub the paste into the area with a soft sponge, then wipe away and rinse. No matter what hacks you use for cleaning, always make sure you thoroughly wipe and rinse everything away to keep your acrylic tub in its best condition.