To keep an acrylic shower from scratching or crazing (forming micro-cracks), avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, and leave-on sprays. Acrylic is a relatively soft material that can be easily dulled or permanently damaged.
While acrylic shower walls are completely water-resistant, many feature coatings that can be damaged by choosing the wrong shower cleaning products. The best options are a soft cloth and simple, non-abrasive cleaners, including: BCI Eliminate. Microban 24 Hour.
Recommended Cleaner:
Dawn dish soap & water, Formula 409.
Non-abrasive chemicals such as Windex and Tilex are acceptable chemicals to use to clean acrylic shower walls.
What to Use
Yes, you can use a Magic Eraser (melamine foam) on an acrylic tub, but do so with caution. Because Magic Erasers are micro-abrasive—essentially functioning like ultra-fine sandpaper—scrubbing too aggressively can dull or scratch the shiny acrylic finish over time.
Acrylic Care and Maintenance
We recommend that you clean your acrylic bathing product made of Delta® ProCrylic® or Acrylic with Innovex® Technology with non-abrasive soaps and cleaners such as: Dishwashing Liquid Detergent diluted. Bar Keepers Friend® MORE Spray + Foam.
To quickly tell if your shower is fiberglass or acrylic, check the flexibility and look at the finish. Fiberglass flexes when you push the wall, feels rougher, and dulls quickly with age. Acrylic is much more rigid, maintains a high-gloss, glass-like sheen, and feels warmer and smoother to the touch.
To restore cloudy or scratched acrylic to a crystal-clear finish, remove surface haze with specialized plastic polish and a microfiber cloth. For deeper scratches or yellowing, wet-sand the surface using progressively finer grits (from 600 up to 2000) before buffing it to a high shine.
Bathroom. Acrylic - As per instructions by this article from Edmond Bathtub Refinishing, Bar Keepers Friend is their recommended cleaner for any acrylic bathtub finish.
Hotels keep glass shower doors spotless by combining strong commercial cleaning agents with routine maintenance and smart preventative coatings. Because they deal with heavy daily guest turnover, housekeeping staff rely on quick but highly effective strategies to prevent soap scum and hard water buildup.
To clean a stained acrylic shower without damaging the material, use a non-abrasive sponge and a safe, mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and scouring pads, which will scratch and dull the glossy finish.
Wipe down after every use with a soft cloth or sponge. Use a daily, acrylic-safe shower cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after each use. Avoid harsh products like bleach, ammonia, or abrasives.
Yes, Formula 409 is safe for acrylic showers and bathtubs. It is a highly recommended, non-abrasive cleaner that works well to cut through soap scum and grime without dulling or cracking the acrylic surface.
Yes, vinegar is an excellent and safe cleaner for acrylic showers. It cuts through soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew.
Regarding cleaning with your standard household products, some will work better for cleaning acrylic tubs than others. An excellent example of one that works well is Dawn dish soap. Dawn is gentle enough to use on acrylic surfaces and could help cut through the dirt and grime.
Acrylic vs.
Fiberglass showers are similar to acrylic in that they are lightweight and durable, but acrylic tends to have a more polished, glossy finish. Fiberglass can also be more prone to discoloration over time, while acrylic retains its color and shine for much longer.
An acrylic shower features a clean, seamless look with a glossy, polished finish and no grout lines. It consists of large, molded plastic panels. While traditionally smooth and plain, modern acrylic can mimic the textured look of stone, tile, or marble.
The best cleaners for acrylic showers are non-abrasive formulas that break down soap scum and hard water without scratching or dulling the glossy finish. Top store-bought options include Formula 409, Zep Shower, Tub and Tile Cleaner, and Barkeeper’s Friend MORE Spray. Always avoid harsh chemicals like acetone, bleach, and ammonia.
No, you should generally avoid using traditional Windex on acrylic (Plexiglass). Ammonia-based cleaners, like original Windex, can react with acrylic, causing it to become cloudy, hazy, or develop tiny cracks (crazing) over time.
Don't Use Ammonia or Alcohol-Based Products
One of the biggest mistakes in cleaning acrylic is using harsh chemical cleaners like glass cleaner, alcohol, or products containing ammonia. These substances can cause the surface to crack, discolor, or become cloudy over time.
"Don't use WD-40 on plastic components under stress, like window tracks or drawer slides made from polycarbonate or acrylic," says Orlando Penner, building manufacturing expert and owner of South Country Sheds. "It tends to soften certain plastics, making them brittle.
Non-gel Toothpaste: Choose a non-gel toothpaste, preferably one without abrasive or whitening properties. Toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive and can help in removing shallow scratches from acrylic surfaces.
Blow dirt and debris off your material—do not wipe down acrylic as it can scratch and tarnish the surface. Use Novus cleaner or other specially formulated acrylic cleaning supplies. Use warm water, mild soap, and Novus cleaner together, and gently apply to your material to restore it to its factory finish.