| When most people visualize fiberglass soaking | | | | simple steps. For starters, make sure that you |
| tubs they're probably actually thinking about an | | | | use a fiberglass safe cleaning agent and a soft |
| acrylic tub reinforced with fiberglass. Fiberglass has | | | | cloth, not an abrasive pad. One popular method is |
| been used for tubs, but the cons outweigh the | | | | to combine vinegar and baking soda and use that |
| pros. | | | | as a cleaner. Another method for removing soap |
| Fiberglass is literally glass that is extruded into | | | | scum is to clean it with a soapy wet rag. Soap |
| strands. A version of fiberglass has been around | | | | cleans soap! Then dry it with a soft cloth. To help |
| since the 18th century. Modern day fiberglass was | | | | keep it looking good, about once a year, give it a |
| invented in 1938 by Owens-Corning as an | | | | coat of car wax. This will help keep soap scum |
| insulating material. It's been used in a wide range | | | | from sticking to it. The fiberglass reinforced acrylic |
| of products, but's fallen out of favor as a material | | | | tubs that are the norm these days doesn't |
| to build bathroom fixtures from. There are | | | | require the same care that fiberglass alone does. |
| several reasons why this has occurred. | | | | The acrylic surface tends to be easier to clean |
| One factor is that it's vulnerable to stress. When | | | | and maintain than fiberglass. The fiberglass backing |
| a tub is made out of fiberglass, it needs to be | | | | serves to reinforce the acrylic. |
| built on a wooden frame. Tubs made of porcelain | | | | Both fiberglass and acrylic tubs are available in a |
| over steel (POS) and cast iron are, of course, | | | | wide range of shapes and colors. They can also |
| much stronger. Fiberglass tubs are also prone to | | | | be made with a wide range of built in features like |
| fading when the gel coat covering it begins to | | | | arm rests, elevated seats, head rests and lumbar |
| wear off. Fiberglass also tends to show scratches. | | | | support. When you're considering a fiberglass tub |
| On the other hand, fiberglass tubs are lightweight, | | | | remember that it's vulnerable to stress. Look for |
| which makes them easy to install and they're not | | | | one that has thick walls and a good frame. |
| as expensive as other types of tubs. If they do | | | | Whether you're looking at fiberglass soaking tubs |
| develop problems, they're easy to repair. | | | | or a fiberglass/acrylic combo, there's a tub out |
| Fiberglass bathroom fixtures like tubs will last and | | | | there that's right for you. |
| maintain a good appearance if you follow a few | | | | |