To clean an acrylic bathtub without damaging it, use mild soap or dishwashing liquid diluted in warm water and a soft sponge or microfibre cloth. Rinse with water and dry after every use. Always avoid abrasive powders, metal scouring pads, acetone and concentrated bleach: they scratch and yellow the acrylic.
Why sanitary acrylic needs specific care
Sanitary acrylic is the most widely used material in modern bathtubs for good reason: it is warm to the touch, lightweight, holds the water's temperature, and its non-porous surface makes it hard for dirt to stick. METROPOLE freestanding bathtubs, like the HUDSON 170×80, are made from high-gloss sanitary acrylic.
That same glossy surface is also its weak point: it is softer than porcelain or enamelled steel. An abrasive product doesn't "clean it better" — it sands it down. That's why the golden rule is simple: gentle products, gentle tools.
Daily and weekly cleaning: the routine that works
The most effective cleaning is the kind that stops dirt from building up in the first place:
- After every bath: rinse with water and run a microfibre cloth or a squeegee over the surface. 30 seconds that prevent 90% of limescale and soap residue.
- Once a week: warm water with a few drops of mild soap or dishwashing liquid, a soft sponge, a rinse and a dry. Nothing more.
- Air out the bathroom after each use: constant humidity encourages limescale deposits and mould in the seals.
How to remove limescale from an acrylic bathtub
If you live in a hard-water area, limescale will show up sooner or later. To remove it safely:
- Mix equal parts white cleaning vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray it over the areas with limescale and leave it to work for 10–15 minutes (no more than 30).
- Rub gently with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse with plenty of water.
For stubborn, isolated deposits, apply undiluted vinegar to the stain only with a cloth, leave it for a few minutes and rinse. Don't let vinegar sit for long on chrome fittings: it can dull their shine.
Yellow stains: how to bring back the original white
Yellowing is usually caused by soap residue, body oils or harsh products used in the past. Try this:
- Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water (3:1), spread it over the stain and leave it to work for 30 minutes.
- Rub with a soft sponge in circles, without pressing too hard, and rinse.
- Repeat if necessary: two gentle passes beat one aggressive one.
If the yellowing persists after several attempts, the surface layer may have been worn down by abrasive cleaners in the past; in that case, a professional polish can bring it back.
Surface scratches: yes, they can be fixed
Another advantage of acrylic over other materials: micro-scratches can be polished out. For surface marks, use a fine polishing compound (a plastic polish or a silicone-free automotive polish) with a microfibre cloth, working in gentle circular motions. Deep scratches call for very fine sanding followed by polishing — best left to a professional.
Whirlpool bathtubs: don't forget the circuit
If you have a whirlpool bathtub like the VENEZIA, there's more to look after than the surface — the internal circuit needs care too:
- Once a month, fill the tub with warm water until the jets are covered, add a cleaner made for whirlpool circuits (or a cup of white vinegar) and run the jets for 10–15 minutes.
- Drain, refill with clean water and run the jets for another 5 minutes to rinse.
- Wipe the nozzles with a soft cloth; if one gets blocked, remove it as described in the manual and rinse it by hand.
You'll find more detail on this type of bathtub in our whirlpool bathtub buying guide.
What you should never use on an acrylic bathtub
- Abrasive powders and cream cleaners (they scratch the gloss irreversibly).
- Metal or green scouring pads — soft sponge or microfibre only.
- Acetone and solvents (they chemically damage the acrylic).
- Concentrated bleach — if you must use it, always heavily diluted, for a short time, and rinsed off immediately.
- Pure ammonia and harsh limescale removers not suitable for acrylic.
With this routine, a quality acrylic bathtub stays immaculate for years. If you're thinking about replacing yours, take a look at our collection of freestanding bathtubs or our 2026 buying guide. And if your shower screen needs some attention too, here's how to clean a shower screen and remove limescale.