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lfarrar06 · Sep 13, 2008, 07:14 PM

How do you clean cigarette smoke from a fiberglass tub surround?

Thanks
Leigh farrar

rtw_travel · Sep 15, 2008, 10:29 AM

I would think any regular cleaner would clean it. Don't use anything abrasive on fibreglass.

What makes you think it is smoke? That just seems really weird. Could the enclosure be yellowing because of age/ sunshine?

ballengerb1 · Sep 15, 2008, 10:33 AM

I think RTW is on track here, fiberglass does not absrob cigareete smoke. I have used Bar Keepers Friend and baking soda with good success.

massplumber2008 · Sep 15, 2008, 05:41 PM

I don't know if everyone's going to believe this, but I researched this question a bit and every time I came upon a site that discussed this topic they all ended up suggesting... ready...

Non-toxic oven cleaner or most sites pushed the less-safe toxic oven cleaner with windows open/ventilation provided... AND... the MR. CLEANS MAGIC ERASER.

Here is just one of the 10 different links I found that agreed on the above:

Cleaning Fiberglass Tubs and Showers

They also present ideas like baking soda... kaboom, etc... see for yourself... ;)

I can't speak with experience here beyond scrubbing bubbles and a good sponge... but saw so many in agreement I thought I would post it here.

If someone brave enough to try (lfarrar06..? ) please let us know how it works...

Mark

lfarrar06 · Sep 19, 2008, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by rtw_travel

I would think any regular cleaner would clean it. Don't use anything abrasive on fibreglass.

What makes you think it is smoke? That just seems really weird. Could the enclosure be yellowing because of age/ sunshine?

Hi
We had an old couple that were chain smokers and smoked in the bathroom. I have tried every possible cleaner.

lfarrar06 · Sep 19, 2008, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

I don't know if everyone's gonna believe this, but I researched this question a bit and every time I came upon a site that discussed this topic they all ended up suggesting...ready...

Non-toxic oven cleaner or most sites pushed the less-safe toxic oven cleaner with windows open/ventilation provided...AND....the MR. CLEANS MAGIC ERASER.

Here is just one of the 10 different links I found that agreed on the above:

Cleaning Fiberglass Tubs and Showers

They also present ideas like baking soda...kaboom, etc...see for yourself...;)

I can't speak with experience here beyond scrubbing bubbles and a good sponge...but saw so many in agreement I thought I would post it here.

If someone brave enough to try (lfarrar06...??) please let us know how it works...

Mark

I have tried every possible cleaning product and it didn't work, I will try the oven cleaner.
My husband wants to replace it anyway but if I can clean it we'll keep it. So I will let you know either way how it works out. (good or bad)

massplumber2008 · Sep 19, 2008, 03:55 PM

Awesome! I think this is gong to help some!

*Crossing fingers*...

MARK

ballengerb1 · Sep 22, 2008, 07:25 AM

OK the oven cleaner did not work any better for me than just plain Borax. However, chain smokers put down a film of smoke everywhere and the fiberglass tub and china toilet would not absorb the smell. Walls, ceiling and flooring may be what is holding the smell. Wash everything down or repaint with a acrylic enamel. You could also try a cure by renting an ozone generator and do a shock treatment. Al in Florida does many greats posts here and has recommended this to me.

lfarrar06 · Sep 22, 2008, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

OK the oven cleaner did not work any better for me than just plain Borax. However, chain smokers put down a film of smoke everywhere and the fiberglass tub and china toilet would not absorb the smell. Walls, ceiling and flooring may be what is holding the smell. Wash everything down or repaint with a acrylic enamel. You could also try a cure by renting an ozone generator and do a shock treatment. Al in Florida does many greats posts here and has recommended this to me.

There smell of smoke is gone, I have already repainted the apartment. I am trying to get the brown/yellow tint off the tub surround.

ballengerb1 · Sep 22, 2008, 11:08 AM

Fiberglass is non-porous. The color is not likely smoke but could be a number of other things like calcium or lime. Try using a small test spot, rub with wet BarKeepers Friend or Borax, if the stain remains that may be the actual color. Rust-oleum makes a two part epoxy paint for showers that works great either brushed, rolled or sprayed. The paint odor is very strong for several days but it made my shower look new. RustOleum.com

lfarrar06 · Sep 23, 2008, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Fiberglass is non-porous. The color is not likely smoke but could be a number of other things like calcium or lime. Try using a small test spot, rub with wet BarKeepers Friend or Borax, if the stain remains that may be the actual color. Rust-oleum makes a two part epoxy paint for showers that works great either brushed, rolled or sprayed. the paint odor is very strong for several days but it made my shower look new. RustOleum.com

Thank you for your input.

granny4 · Sep 4, 2009, 05:23 AM

The oven cleaner in the blue can,safe for auto clean ovens,fume free Does work wonders.You have to leave it on overnight. Can also use it on the glass surround.

21boat · Sep 4, 2009, 10:40 PM

The Best cleaner hands down is Spray Nine.
32OZ SPRAY NINE CLEANER Spray Nine Corp. $7.49 in Local Stores.

I use it in my rentals (Tubs also) and also to degreese motors. I have used a car buffer and some fiberglass polishing cleaning compound. Its fiberglass with a gel coat exactly like a boat.

Ladies, the first time I saw spray nine was in a 55 gal drum in 1974 when I worked at a full service auto gas and repair shop. We used it to degrease the floors.

The only warning I have with spray Nine is don't let it drip and run. That drip and run on white will clean it too good and a white streak will show. Spray and wipe off..

Its also approved for hospitals

cyberheater · Sep 6, 2009, 07:59 AM

Chiming in here.

That "yellowing" after cleaning it won't go away, then I agree with everyone here. Not going to clean it out - it's wall surround aging/use charactoristics.

Painting? - seen this bubble, but not sure they did it right either. So - my suggestion is to find a better surround and install it. The cheaper the surrounds are not so wonderful for maintenance and qaulity.