Cleaning A Discolored Shower Pan: Simple Steps For Sparkling Results

Keeping your shower pan clean can be a challenge, especially if you're dealing with discolouration. Discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, including grime, soap scum, mildew, and hard water spots. To effectively clean a discoloured shower pan, you'll need to choose the right cleaning products and techniques. Here are some steps to help you get started:

First, identify the type of shower pan you have, such as fiberglass or acrylic. This is important because different materials require different cleaning methods. For example, fiberglass is sensitive to scratches and discolouration caused by abrasive cleaning supplies, while acrylic can be easily scratched by coarse materials like sandpaper or steel wool.

Next, select the appropriate cleaning solutions. For fiberglass, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water, baking soda and water, or a mild dish soap. Avoid using bleach or abrasive scouring powders as they can damage the surface. For acrylic shower pans, a mild solution of liquid dish detergent and warm water is effective. You can also use a plastic implement, such as a putty knife, to remove hardened debris without scratching the surface.

Now, it's time to get cleaning! Start by wiping down the shower pan with your chosen cleaning solution, using a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Be sure to rinse the rag or sponge frequently to avoid spreading dirt around. If you're dealing with tough stains, you may need to let the cleaning solution sit for a while before rinsing it off.

Finally, dry the shower pan thoroughly with a clean towel. To maintain the shine of your shower pan, you can apply automotive white wax or a similar product.

Remember to clean your shower pan regularly to prevent discolouration and build-up. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your shower pan looking like new!

Use a vinegar solution

To clean a discoloured shower pan, a vinegar solution is a great option. It is an effective natural solvent that will dissolve mould and mildew. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a vinegar solution to clean your shower pan:

Step 1: Create the Vinegar Solution

Mix half a 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 mild liquid dishwashing detergent to the mixture. The soap will help to emulsify dirt and oil, while the vinegar will brighten and disinfect the surface.

Step 2: Apply the Vinegar Solution

You can apply the vinegar solution to your shower pan in a few different ways. One method is to soak a rag or sponge in the solution and wipe it directly onto the surface of your shower pan. Alternatively, you can pour the solution into a spray bottle and mist it onto the shower pan, making sure to address spots with heavy buildup. Don't forget to get into hard-to-reach areas, such as around the drain or any recessed areas.

Step 3: Let the Vinegar Sit

Allow the vinegar to remain on the surface for at least 30 minutes. For heavier buildup, you may want to let it sit for up to 1-2 hours. This will give the vinegar time to break down stains, grime, and soap scum.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After the vinegar has had sufficient time to work, use a clean, soft cloth, microfiber towel, or sponge to wipe away any remaining residue. Apply gentle pressure and use circular motions to break up any remaining tough stains. Once you have removed as much residue as possible, rinse the shower pan with warm water to wash away any remaining vinegar solution and loosened dirt.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If your shower pan still has some discolouration or buildup remaining, you can repeat the process. You may also want to try a heavier-duty cleaner, such as a baking soda paste, for more stubborn stains. Remember always to test new cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they won't damage or discolour the surface further.

Avoid abrasive tools and cleaners

When cleaning a discoloured shower pan, it is important to avoid using abrasive tools and cleaners. Abrasive tools such as steel wool, scouring pads, scrapers, and stiff wire brushes can scratch the surface of the pan, making it more difficult to clean in the future. Similarly, abrasive cleaners like scouring powders, chlorine bleach, and ammonia can damage the resin and discolour the surface of the pan.

Instead, opt for non-abrasive household cleaners such as dishwashing detergents, liquid laundry detergents, or a mixture of vinegar and water. You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water, or use an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner. Apply these cleaning solutions with a non-abrasive sponge, such as one made of nylon, polyester, or polyethylene, and rub gently in a side-to-side motion. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it completely with a microfiber towel.

By avoiding abrasive tools and cleaners, you can effectively clean a discoloured shower pan without causing any further damage or discolouration.

Use a baking soda paste

To clean a discoloured shower pan, you can use a baking soda paste. This is a great method for removing caked-on gunk, soap scum buildup, hard water spots, and any sort of sculptural grit or grime.

Step 1: Create the Baking Soda Paste

Start by mixing baking soda with water to form a paste. Start with one cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of water, and adjust as needed to achieve a thick, cake batter-like consistency. You can also substitute the baking soda for cream of tartar if you don't have any baking soda available.

Step 2: Apply the Paste

Once you have your paste ready, it's time to apply it to the shower pan. Use a soft, damp rag to carefully apply the paste to the discoloured areas, making sure to cover the areas around the drain and any other stained sections. Be gentle during this process to avoid scratching the surface.

Step 3: Let It Sit

After applying the paste, let it sit for about an hour. During this time, you can clean the glass shower doors or tackle other areas of the shower. Allowing the paste to sit gives it time to work on breaking down the stains and buildup.

Step 4: Wipe Off the Paste

After the paste has had sufficient time to work, it's now ready to be wiped off. Use a clean, wet rag to gently wipe away the paste from the shower pan. Be sure to rinse the rag frequently to avoid redistributing the paste or dirt back onto the surface.

Step 5: Spot Treat if Needed

If there are still stubborn stains or discoloured areas, don't worry. Simply create more of the baking soda paste and apply it to the affected areas using a soft-bristled scrub brush. Put in some elbow grease and spot-treat those stubborn stains.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Once you're satisfied with the results, it's time to rinse away the paste. Use hot water to thoroughly rinse the shower pan, ensuring that all the baking soda residue is washed down the drain. Finish by drying the shower pan with a microfiber rag or towel to eliminate any streaks and restore shine.

Using a baking soda paste is an effective and gentle way to clean a discoloured shower pan. It's important to be gentle during the application and wiping processes to avoid scratching the surface. With some time and effort, your shower pan will be looking clean and fresh again!

Apply a protective coating

Once your shower pan is clean, you can apply a protective coating to prevent discolouration and keep it looking new for longer.

Choose a protective coating

There are several protective coatings available for shower pans, including paint, epoxy resin, and glass coating. Paint and epoxy resin are more suitable for fibreglass, acrylic, and ceramic shower pans, while glass coating is designed for use on glass and ceramic shower pans.

Prepare the surface

Before applying any protective coating, ensure that the shower pan is thoroughly clean and dry. Remove any existing caulk and fill in any gouges or nicks with a suitable repair kit. Sand the surface to create a rough texture that will help the coating adhere better. Finally, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and allow the surface to dry completely.

Apply the coating

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, using the correct safety gear and adequate ventilation. For paint and epoxy resin coatings, use a roller or brush to apply a thin, even coat. Allow the coating to dry for the recommended time before applying a second coat if necessary. For glass coatings, apply the product with a cloth, ensuring that the surface is dry.

Maintain the coating

To ensure the longevity of the protective coating, it is important to maintain it properly. Keep the shower pan clean by wiping it down with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface after each use. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the coating.

Clean regularly

Keeping your shower pan clean is the best way to prevent discolouration and staining. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often the shower is used, but a good rule of thumb is to give the shower pan a quick wipe down after each use, and a more thorough clean at least once a week.

Daily wipe downs can be done with a squeegee or a towel, which will help to prevent water spots and build-up. For a weekly clean, you can use a mild cleaning solution and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Microfibre cloths are a good option, as they are soft and absorbent.

When it comes to cleaning solutions, there are many options, and you may want to experiment to find the one that works best for you. Some good natural options include vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant and can be mixed with water and a few drops of dish soap to cut through soap scum. Baking soda can be made into a paste with water and applied to the shower pan, left for 10 minutes, and then rinsed away. Lemon juice can be applied to the shower pan, left for a few minutes, and then scrubbed away to remove rust stains.

If you prefer to use shop-bought cleaning products, there are many options available that are mild enough for shower pans, including Mr. Clean Clean Freak Mist and Wet and Forget Shower Cleaner. When using any new product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage. It's also important to read the labels and instructions on any cleaning products and never mix different products, as this can create hazardous fumes.

Frequently asked questions