Your shower keeps you clean, but how do you keep your shower clean? Unlike tile showers, plastic shower areas are prone to scratches and can easily grow mould and mildew. While plastic material may resist water better than most other materials, they can still build up grime that can make your bathroom look musty and dull over time.
In this guide, we’ll show you the different ways to clean the plastic parts of your shower area. We have included commercially available cleaning solutions that we recommend, as well as homemade options for the best of both worlds.
Preparing to Clean
Wear protective equipment when handling cleaning products such as commercial chemical products, bleach, and other harsh substances. Rubber gloves protect your hands from exposure to corrosive chemicals, while donning a mask prevents you from inhaling toxic fumes from your cleaning supplies.
Keep the area well-ventilated, and open an exhaust fan when possible. Keep a list of tools with you for easy access during cleaning, and make sure your bathroom is unoccupied for at least an hour for complete, unbothered cleaning.
How to Clean Plastic Shower Doors
Your plastic or fiberglass shower door prevents water from spilling out of the shower area, and onto your bathroom floors. The plastic shower door is constantly exposed to water, which can lead to mineral build up especially for hard water faucets.
The Convenient Way
Lysol Multi-purpose Cleaner
Lysol has earned its reputation as a household name for cleaning and disinfecting solutions. The Lysol Multi-purpose Cleaner is, as its name suggests, can be used to clean different kinds of surfaces and areas, including plastic and fiberglass shower doors.
ECOS Shower Cleaner
ECOS is an eco-friendly cleaner brand that is not only good for the environment, it is also effective in cleaning multiple surfaces. The gentle, yet powerful formula in its ECOS Shower Cleaner can be used daily as a shower spray to prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and hard water stains on plastic and fiberglass shower doors.
The DIY Way
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
White Vinegar and Baking Soda are a power duo that can clean almost any surface with no issues. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, while the soda prevents mould growth and acts as a gentle abrasive. A spray bottle filled with baking soda-vinegar solution does wonders for cleaning plastic shower doors. Just spritz, leave until dried, and wipe those stains away!
How to Clean Plastic Shower Floor
The shower floor catches all that dirt, oils, and grease from our bodies, making them one of the filthiest areas of your shower. Sanitize and clean your plastic shower floors with extra-strength cleaning implements that will leave your floors sparkling clean.
The Convenient Way
Clorox Bleach Gel
Clorox Bleach Gel is the perfect solution for discoloured spots on your otherwise white plastic floors. The solution is milder than pure bleach, and has a thick consistency so that the solution stays on the surface instead of running off into the drains. Use only on your white, or undyed plastic shower floor.
Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover
Not just for tiles! The Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover is one of the most effective shower cleaners on the market. The heavy duty solution kills, removes, and prevents moulds and mildew; thus, ridding your bathroom of that musty odour.
The DIY Way
Dish Soap
Our bodies naturally produce oils which we wash off in the shower. Lotions, conditioners, and other greasy care products also contain oils that are caught by the plastic shower floor. What readily available household product battles grease the best? Dish soap!
Dish soap, like Dawn Dish Soap, works for more than just dishes. Dilute dish soap in water in a spray bottle, and use the solution to scrub your plastic shower floor clean. The soap tackles even the toughest grease stains, prevents mould growth, and sanitizes the surface.
How to Clean Plastic Shower Pan
Standalone showers often come with a shower pan made of plastic, acrylic, or other durable materials. Plastic is a common, inexpensive option that can last for years with the proper care. Like the shower floor, plastic and fiberglass shower pans get the brunt of the grime that washes away during bathing, so it is essential to keep these fixtures clean.
The Convenient Way
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
With the term “magic” in its name, you might expect this product to be a gimmick of sorts. However, reviews online are glowing with positive results from people who tried the product. Our team has deemed the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a product worth looking into, as it effectively cleans all types of surfaces with just water.
To use the product, simply wet the sponge with water, and use it to scrub out heavy stains and dirt spots around your plastic shower pan. Make sure to use gloves while scrubbing to prevent cleaning chemicals from damaging your skin.
Mr. Muscle All-purpose Cleaner
The Mr. Muscle All-purpose Cleaner is a strong sanitizer and grime remover that works on nearly every surface, and leaves a clean lavender scent. Use the cleaner for everyday cleaning to prevent bacteria and germs from thriving on the surface of your plastic shower pan. The cleaner may also be used around drainage holes, and to clean bathroom fixtures.
The DIY Way
Lemon and Baking Soda
Like vinegar, lemon has acidic properties that dissolves hard water stains, grease, and soap scum. Couple that with baking soda, and you’ve got an effective, yet safe, natural scrubber to clean your plastic shower pan. As an added bonus, this combination leaves a refreshing lemon scent!
To clean your plastic shower pan, sprinkle the entire surface with a thin layer of soda. Cut a lemon in half, and use the lemon to gently scrub the white powder on the surface of your shower pan. Scrub in gentle, circular motions, and lightly squeeze the lemon so the juice comes out. Rinse the area with warm water afterwards.
Professional Cleaning
For truly cleaning, look for professional services that have the experience to clean and sanitize every surface of your home - no matter what material. We at Luce offer part time maid services to clean every inch of your home, while you sit back and relax. Book an appointment today and let’s set a schedule that works for you!
