Fiberglass is a synthetic fiber made up of a plastic resin and glass fibers. A wide variety of household and non-domestic products are made from this material, including sinks, shower stalls, bathtubs, lighting fixtures and boats. To always have them clean and free of stains, specific cleaning methods must be followed. But try to be careful: fiberglass can be harmful to the skin and lungs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
Step 1. To get started, use a mild detergent, such as dish soap, which removes most of the grease and oil stains
Do not use dishwasher safe, as it is too abrasive for this material.
- The detergent should not contain bleach, as it can damage the fiberglass.
- You can also make a homemade solution using vinegar and dish soap. It is particularly effective for shower stalls.
Step 2. Use baking soda to tackle caked dirt
Make a thick mixture by mixing baking soda and water. You can use it to remove dirt from surfaces like a shower door or sink. Apply it to the affected area and leave it on for at least 12 hours. Next, wash it off with soapy water.
- When left on the dirtiest areas, the compound may take on a brown color.
- After you sprinkle the baking soda on the surface, you can pour some vinegar into it to make it even more effective. Bubbles should form. Once it stops bubbling, you can wipe off the baking soda and dirt.
Step 3. Remove paint or paint stains with acetone or nitro thinner
Both of these substances can be dangerous, so handle them with caution. They should only be used for stains such as oil, varnish or paint.
- Since they can damage fiberglass, use them only to specifically treat stubborn stains, so as not to damage areas that don't have particular problems.
- When using acetone or nitro thinner, wear thick gloves. You may want to use protective goggles as well, so you don't get it in your eyes.
Step 4. Test phosphoric acid (rust remover) for limescale stains
It can be dangerous, so handle it with care. Mix it with water, so that it is not too concentrated and does not damage the fiberglass.
- To make it less concentrated, dilute it about 10% with water. Mix it carefully before applying it to a fiberglass surface.
- Since it can be dangerous, be sure to wear rubber gloves. When you use it, immediately rinse the fiberglass surface: do not leave it on for long.
Step 5. For fiberglass surfaces such as a boat, try wax, silicone, or a suitable cleaner
If you have a fiberglass boat, you probably want to polish it when it's at the marina or on the water. You can get a cleaner in a shop that sells nautical items: the salesman can suggest the most suitable product for your type of boat.
- A good boat polishing wax will create a protective film on gelcoat coated fiberglass surfaces, protecting them from the elements. It will prevent any water damage and keep the boat in top condition.
- For older boats, a silicone polish will do, which is better absorbed by the surface. If your boat is not brand new or has been used a lot, you may also want to clean it more regularly.
- If you dry the boat after each use, wash it thoroughly with a mild detergent and rinse it well. Do this every time you use it, especially if the water is salty, as it can damage fiberglass surfaces.
Method 2 of 3: Use the Right Cleaning Technique
Step 1. When cleaning fiberglass, avoid using abrasive or metal brushes
They will scratch and ruin the gelcoat. As deep as the stains are, harsh brushes are not effective at removing them.
Do not use steel wool, scrapers or abrasive sponges. They are too aggressive tools for fiberglass surfaces
Step 2. Gently scrub the cleaner with a soft nylon cloth or brush
Make sure it's particularly gentle on the surface. Fiberglass is easily scratched, so be especially careful to remove stubborn stains.
- When cleaning a fiberglass surface, try to follow a circular motion, this way you will not damage it.
- For stubborn stains you can use a heavier cloth. Either way, it should still be soft enough to avoid damage.
Step 3. Use a sponge for particularly stubborn stains
If you need to let the cleaner work, a soft, non-abrasive sponge is the one for you.
- The sponge is especially useful when using a baking soda compound. In this case, before adding the vinegar, you need to let the baking soda work for a while.
- The sponge is able to absorb the detergent from the fiberglass surface and can also remove stains.
Step 4. If you have a boat, apply a white polishing paste with a soft cloth
Proceed with particular delicacy. The paste should polish the fiberglass surface, giving it a clean, shiny, and snow-white look.
- Apply this product with a soft cloth only after cleaning the fiberglass. It should be the last step.
- Use it a couple of times a year to keep the fiberglass shiny. You should apply it after using the boat for several times or after holding it for some time.
Method 3 of 3: Handle Fiberglass Carefully
Step 1. Before cleaning the fiberglass, put on a mask
Inhaling the dust that forms whenever fiberglass is damaged, cut, broken or polished can be dangerous. The irritation is temporary, but also very unpleasant.
- Exposure to fiberglass fibers and dust can irritate the skin, eyes or respiratory tract. In most cases, it doesn't cause long-term problems, but it can cause nasty irritation.
- The situation could worsen depending on two factors: duration of exposure and the size of the fibers with which it comes into contact. Fiberglass dust can cause internal damage, although it is extremely rare for such a problem to arise during a very simple cleaning.
Step 2. Before cleaning the fiberglass, put on proper clothing
This substance can also irritate the skin. With prolonged exposure, it can even cause a rash.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts whenever you need to clean the fiberglass and prepare some spare clothing to wear at the end of the procedure. Long-sleeved shirts will not expose your arms, while with clean clothing you will avoid having fiberglass residues on you.
- Expose the skin as little as possible. Gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and pants are needed when you have to work closely with fiberglass.
- Wash your worn clothes separately to clean the fiberglass. If you're not careful, dust can get into your other clothing.
Step 3. Before working with fiberglass, put on protective goggles
This substance can irritate and damage the eyes. Eye irritation can be much more serious than inhaling fiberglass dust, as it is more likely to cause permanent damage.
- Fiberglass particles can get into the eyes and irritate them. The glasses should limit contact with the fiberglass and protect the eyes.
- Even sharp shards of fiberglass can seriously damage your eyes if you don't protect them. They can cause cuts and even long-term damage.
