Wondering how to get sticker glue off the tub, or how to clean up caulking a contractor left on the acrylic? The answer for the tub shell is denatured alcohol on a soft cloth. It is what Ella uses to remove stubborn residue on acrylic and to clean excess silicone after button work, and it lifts adhesive and silicone smears without harming the finish. The first thing to check is which surface you are working on, because the rule changes for shower enclosures and glass: alcohol, petroleum products and strong chemicals are not used on those. On the tub's acrylic, alcohol is fine; abrasive pads and powders never are. The product rules are in approved cleaners and chemicals to avoid.

Likely Causes

• Shipping and packing labels left on the acrylic that dried and left glue behind.
• Fresh caulk or silicone smeared onto the deck or shell during installation.
• Silicone that has fully cured on the tub, which takes patience rather than force.
• Smears on surrounding surfaces such as cultured marble or a shower base, which have their own care rules.

What to Check, in Order

1. Confirm the surface is the tub's acrylic. For shower enclosures and glass, skip the alcohol and follow shower base, stall and accessory care instead.
2. Try mild dish soap and warm water on a soft cloth first. Fresh caulk and light adhesive often come off with nothing more.
3. For glue or silicone that remains, dampen a soft cloth with denatured alcohol and work the spot gently, letting the alcohol soften the residue rather than scrubbing at it.
4. For a thick, cured bead of silicone, ease the bulk up gently with a plastic edge rather than a metal blade or razor, then finish the film with alcohol.
5. Rinse the area with water and dry it. If the spot now looks dull, a fine grade automotive polishing compound brings the shine back, as described in acrylic surface care and touch up.
6. Never reach for abrasive pads, scouring powders or a Magic Eraser type sponge on the acrylic, and never use solvents stronger than denatured alcohol.

When to Open a Ticket

If the residue has left a mark or dull patch that polishing does not fix, or you are unsure whether a surface is acrylic, cultured marble or a shower base material, contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a request at ellasbubbles.com/support. Include your model, a photo of the residue, and a note on what has been tried so far.

Common Questions