You’re cleaning your fiberglass tub and still see a stubborn yellow or brown stain at the bottom. No matter how much you scrub or which cleaners you use, you aren’t any closer to getting rid of it.
The reason your fiberglass tub is so hard to clean is that fiberglass is porous, meaning it’s soaking in moisture, soap, residue, body oils, minerals from water, and bacteria. From that point, it’s not your cleaning methods that are the problem. You’re fighting against materials that have already been absorbed into your tub.
Shugarman’s Bath is a tub and shower remodeling specialist. We’ve seen and understand the challenges our clients have faced with fiberglass tubs. While they’re a cheaper alternative, they eventually become very problematic.
This article will explain why fiberglass tubs become difficult to clean over time, whether they can be refinished, and what to consider before purchasing a new tub.
Table of Contents:
- Why Does Fiberglass Become Harder to Clean Over Time?
- Can Old Fiberglass Be Refinished?
- What Should Homeowners Know Before Purchasing a Fiberglass Tub?
Why Does Fiberglass Become Harder to Clean Over Time?
Your fiberglass tub is first covered with a gel coat, which is a thin, outer surface layer applied during manufacturing. It’s easy to clean at first, but the coating wears down. This is especially true when you use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. The harder you scrub, the worse the problem gets as the protective layer deteriorates.
As the gel coating thins, the material becomes more porous. Then, your tub soaks everything into its exposed micropores. This is why the material develops stains that won’t come out as it ages. The discoloration is essentially embedded in the material, and cleaning becomes an uphill battle you eventually lose.
Can Old Fiberglass Tubs Be Refinished or Reglazed?
Often, yes, fiberglass tubs can be refinished, meaning your tub is cleaned, the chips or cracks are filled, the surface is sanded/etched, and both a bonding primer and new coating are applied to create a fresh, sealed finish.
Your fiberglass tub can look and feel “new again,” but it’s only because a new protective surface is being applied. You’ll eventually run into the same cleaning problem that brought you here in the first place.
Refinishing will need to be done again. The cost of doing fiberglass restoration over and over again adds up over time. Plus, it’s a smelly process with an odor that sticks around for a while.
What Should Homeowners Know Before Purchasing a Fiberglass Tub?
Materials don’t perform the same over time. Sure, fiberglass tubs are cheaper than other materials. Unfortunately, you get the quality that you pay for. And it shows through stains that are a battle to get rid of.
Different materials can go a long way. When choosing materials for a tub or shower, it’s important ot think of maintenance. Consider materials that are easy to clean, how they handle moisture, staining, and wear and tear over years of daily use.
For a better idea of what materials to use for your tub or shower, read our article that ranks shower materials based on maintenance.
For any additional questions or information, contact us here at Shugarman’s Bath!
The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.
