Scrubbing Your Plastic Shower Pan: Tips For A Sparkling Clean

Keeping your plastic shower pan clean can be a challenge, especially if it's textured or made of a delicate material like fiberglass. The key to maintaining a sparkling shower floor is to clean it regularly with non-abrasive tools and products to prevent scratches and discolouration. For tough stains, you may need to use stronger cleaning solutions or natural alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.

Use a vinegar solution

To clean a dirty plastic shower pan, a vinegar solution is a great option. This natural cleaner is safe, effective, and gentle on surfaces. Here's how you can use a vinegar solution to clean your plastic shower pan:

Prepare the Vinegar Solution:

Mix a half cup of vinegar with a gallon of water. Stir the solution well to ensure that the vinegar and water are evenly combined. You can also add a few drops of dish soap, such as Dawn, to enhance the cleaning power of the solution, especially if you're tackling soap scum.

Apply the Vinegar Solution:

Using a spray bottle, generously apply the vinegar solution to the shower pan, making sure to cover all the dirty areas. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to start breaking down the dirt, grime, and soap scum.

Scrub the Surface:

After the solution has had time to work, it's time to scrub. Use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface of the shower pan. Work in small circular motions to agitate the dirt from multiple directions. For stubborn grime, you may need to apply a little more elbow grease and focus your scrubbing efforts.

Rinse and Repeat:

Rinse the shower pan with warm water to remove the vinegar solution and the loosened dirt. If there are still some stubborn spots or heavy staining, repeat the process. The vinegar solution can be safely used multiple times until you achieve the desired level of cleanliness.

Using a vinegar solution is an effective and gentle way to clean your plastic shower pan. It's important to remember to always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage to the surface.

Try a non-abrasive household cleaner

To clean a dirty plastic shower pan, you can try a non-abrasive household cleaner. These are gentle enough for use on plastic and will effectively remove dirt and stains without damaging the surface.

Dishwashing detergents and liquid laundry detergents are good options for non-abrasive cleaning. They are also generally cheaper than specialised bathroom cleaning products. You can also use all-purpose or bathroom cleaner, though these may be unnecessarily expensive.

To use a non-abrasive household cleaner, first, wet a non-abrasive sponge with water. Use a sponge made of nylon, polyester, or polyethylene, as other types of sponges may be too abrasive. Apply the cleaning solution to the sponge. Depending on the solution, you can either spray it on or dunk the sponge in it.

Next, gently rub the sponge over the surface of the shower pan using side-to-side motions to lift dirt and residue. Make sure to follow a set pattern to ensure that you don't miss any spots. Periodically clean your sponge by squeezing it out into a sink and then rewetting it. Apply more cleaning solution to the sponge before continuing to scrub the shower pan.

Finally, wash out the pan with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

By using a non-abrasive household cleaner and following these steps, you can effectively clean a dirty plastic shower pan without damaging the surface.

Make a baking soda paste

To make a baking soda paste to clean a dirty plastic shower pan, start by mixing half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Keep adding water gradually until you achieve a spreadable paste-like consistency. You can also add vinegar and dishwashing liquid to the mix for a stronger solution.

Once you have your paste, spread it all over the shower pan and let it sit for about an hour. Then, grab a non-abrasive sponge and scrub the pan gently from side to side, periodically cleaning your sponge in the sink. Finally, wash out the pan with water to remove any remaining residue.

This method is ideal for cleaning plastic shower pans as baking soda is a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner that won't scratch or discolour the surface.

Apply an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner

To clean a dirty plastic shower pan, you can use an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner. These are generally gentle enough for plastic shower pans, but be sure to check the product is suitable for plastic surfaces.

Firstly, ensure you are wearing protective gloves to safeguard your skin from any potential irritation caused by the cleaning product. Then, apply the cleaner to a non-abrasive sponge, brush, or cloth. You should opt for an applicator made from polyethylene, polyester, or nylon to avoid scratching the surface of the plastic shower pan.

Next, gently rub the surface of the shower pan with the sponge, brush, or cloth. Work the cleaner into the pan using a side-to-side motion, ensuring you do not miss any spots. Periodically clean your applicator by squeezing it out into a sink, then rewetting it and applying more cleaning solution before continuing to scrub the shower pan.

Once you have finished scrubbing the entire pan, rinse out the cleaning solution by turning on the water or using a new sponge to wipe away any remaining product.

Use a Magic Eraser

Using a Magic Eraser is a great way to clean a dirty plastic shower pan. Magic Erasers are soft sponges with cleaning solutions inside. They are gentle enough for plastic and very good at picking up heavy stains.

To use a Magic Eraser, simply wet it and squeeze it before you begin cleaning. You can use it to clean the walls of your shower, the faucet, and the pan. It works well on subway tile and grout, and it will leave your shower pan gleaming.

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Bath combines the power of Magic Eraser with active foaming cleansers, making it perfect for tackling tough bathroom messes. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including the shower pan, bathtub, sink, and floor. It also leaves behind a pleasant lavender scent.

The whole cleaning process with a Magic Eraser should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. After you're done, simply toss the Magic Eraser aside and continue with your regular shower routine.

Using a Magic Eraser is an easy and effective way to clean your plastic shower pan, leaving it looking and smelling fresh.

Frequently asked questions