Acrylic claw foot tubs require special care and maintenance to keep them looking great. Protect your investment with the easy environmentally friendly cleaning solutions you can make at home.

Acrylic is a man made plastic made from binding acrylic acid polymers together. Acrylic was developed for commercial applications in 1936. This technology has led to a revolution in bathtub manufacturing. Originally claw foot tubs were made from cast iron.

The tubs were heavy and not available in any other color but white. The plastic compound made acrylic clawfoot tubs available in many fade proof colors and allowed the manufacture of different shapes of tub. Since acrylic can be prone to cracking over time, a little fiberglass is added to the acrylic claw foot tub during manufacturing to give the tub more durability and strength.

Different Shapes of Acrylic Clawfoot Tub

With the invention of acrylic, clawfoot tubs could be manufactured in different shapes. Shapes of acrylic claw foot tub and their description:

• Classic Acrylic Clawfoot Tub – Resembles the traditional claw foot tub, only tub has a round end (head) and a straight end (foot) with rounded edges. The straight end is designed to fit up against a wall (and the plumbing).
• Slipper Acrylic Clawfoot Tub – This one resembles a ladies high heel shoe with one end raised up for the bather to recline. The slanted side lets the bather sit in a semi-upright position, yet still be immersed in the water.
• Double Ended Acrylic Clawfoot Tub – Just like the classic only both ends are rounded. This tub works very well in baths where the tub is the focal point in the center of a room or both ends of the tub are accessible.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

Acrylic claw foot tubs have a smooth polished surface when new. You will want to use a non abrasive cleaner (without bleach if your tub is colored) and a soft cloth. Do not scour an acrylic clawfoot tub or you will cause the surface to scratch and become dull.

All Natural Non Abrasive Cleaning Solution

This recipe can be made from common household ingredients and is safe for all types and colors of acrylic clawfoot tub.
Mix the following in a spray bottle:
1 cup vinegar
¼ cup baking soda
1 cup peroxide
3 tablespoons lemon juice concentrate
1 cup water

The mixture will fizzle when you add the ingredients together (this is normal and safe).
To use: spray the mixture on your tub and wipe clean with a soft damp cloth. Rinse well with water. If your acrylic clawfoot tub has difficult to remove soap scum or dirt; apply baking soda to a damp cloth and work in circular motion over the dirt and scum. Allow to sit a few seconds, and then spray the cleaner mixture over it. Rinse well with water.

To maintain the surface of your acrylic clawfoot tub; you can use a polisher designed for this purpose or you can simply take a fabric softener dryer sheet and rub over the surface. This helps cut down on soap scum build up too. Cleaning of an acrylic clawfoot tub has never been easier!