Cleaning Fiberglass Shower Panes: Easy Tips For Sparkling Results

Cleaning a fiberglass shower pan is a delicate task, as the material can be easily scratched or discoloured. To clean it, you should use non-abrasive tools and cleaning products.

First, open the windows and turn on the fan for ventilation. Then, use a non-abrasive sponge, brush, or cloth to apply a non-abrasive cleaner, such as a mild dishwashing liquid, liquid laundry detergent, or a soft scrub product. You can also use a vinegar solution (mix a half cup of vinegar with a gallon of water), or a baking soda mix (mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water).

Gently scrub the surface, and periodically clean your sponge by squeezing it out into a sink and then rewetting it. Finally, rinse the shower pan with water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Choosing a cleaning solution

When choosing a cleaning solution for a fibreglass shower pan, it is important to remember that fibreglass is easily scratched and discoloured by abrasive cleaning supplies. Therefore, you should avoid using bleach-based products, scouring powders, and abrasive tools like steel wool, scrapers, or stiff wire brushes.

Instead, opt for non-abrasive household cleaners such as dishwashing detergents, liquid laundry detergents, or all-purpose or bathroom cleaners. These are gentle enough for use on fibreglass and are generally cheaper than specialised bathroom cleaning products.

You can also make your own cleaning solutions with common household products. For example, you can mix half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of water, or make a paste with half a cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of water. For a stronger solution, you can combine baking soda, vinegar, and dishwashing liquid.

Another option is to use a Magic Eraser, which is a soft sponge with a cleaning solution inside that is gentle enough for fibreglass and effective at removing heavy stains.

Light cleaning

To perform a light clean on a fibreglass shower pan, you should first gather your cleaning supplies. You will need a non-abrasive sponge, such as one made of nylon, polyester, or polyethylene, and a cleaning solution. For the latter, you can either use a shop-bought product, such as an all-purpose cleaner or a bathroom cleaner, or a homemade solution. Homemade solutions include a mixture of vinegar and water, a paste made from baking soda and water, or a combination of dishwashing liquid, baking soda, vinegar, and water.

Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:

• Wet the sponge.
• Apply the cleaning solution to the sponge. If you are using a Magic Eraser, you can skip this step.
• Gently rub the pan from side to side, ensuring you don't miss any spots. Work in a set pattern, for example, from one corner of the pan to the other.
• Periodically clean the sponge by squeezing it out into a sink and then rewetting it.
• Wash out the pan with water to remove the cleaning solution.

It is recommended that you clean your fibreglass shower pan weekly to prevent the buildup of soap scum and hard water deposits. Always remember to use non-abrasive tools and solutions to avoid scratching the surface of the pan.

Heavy-duty cleaning

To perform a heavy-duty clean on a fibreglass shower pan, you will need to use a heavy-duty cleaning solution. You can either purchase a ready-made cleaning product or make your own.

If you want to make your own, you can use a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap. Here is a recipe for a heavy-duty cleaning paste:

• Mix one cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it forms a thick paste.
• Add a few drops of dish soap and mix until combined.

Alternatively, you can use a commercial cleaner, such as Mr. Clean Clean Freak Mist, or a Magic Eraser sponge. If you opt for a commercial cleaner, always read the labels and follow the instructions carefully. Do not mix ready-made cleaning products.

Once you have your cleaning solution, follow these steps:

• Apply the cleaning solution generously to the entire shower pan. Use a sponge or brush to spread the solution evenly.
• Allow the solution to sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This gives the solution time to break down dirt, grime, and stains.
• After the solution has sat for a while, turn on the water and rinse the pan thoroughly. Use a clean sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining solution and rinse again.
• If there are any particularly stubborn stains, you can spot treat them. Soak a white cloth with nail polish remover and rub the stain gently until it comes out. Rinse the area with clean water afterward to remove any residue.
• Dry the shower pan completely with a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

By following these steps and using a heavy-duty cleaning solution, you can effectively perform a deep clean on your fibreglass shower pan, leaving it sparkling clean and refreshed.

Maintaining the shower pan

Maintaining a fiberglass shower pan is crucial to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Here are some detailed instructions to help you maintain your shower pan:

Regular Cleaning:

• It is recommended to clean your fiberglass shower pan at least once a week. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew.
• After each shower, use a squeegee or a towel to remove excess water and moisture from the shower pan. This simple step goes a long way in maintaining the shine and cleanliness of the pan.
• Always use non-abrasive cleaning tools and sponges made from materials like polyethylene, polyester, or nylon. Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, and scrapers, as they can scratch the surface.
• For routine cleaning, use non-abrasive cleaners such as liquid laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, or all-purpose cleaners. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, or scouring powders, as they can damage the fiberglass.
• When cleaning, work in a systematic pattern to ensure that all areas of the shower pan are covered. Rinse the pan with clean water after scrubbing to remove any remaining cleaning solution.

Removing Tough Stains:

• For tough stains like soap scum, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the stained area and let it sit for several hours before rinsing with warm water.
• Vinegar is also effective in removing tough soap scum and hard water deposits. Apply vinegar to the problem area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a fiberglass-friendly sponge.
• For extremely tough stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Soak a white cloth in hydrogen peroxide and place it over the stain overnight. Rinse the area with water and dry it completely afterward.
• If you're dealing with mildew stains, you can use a small amount of chlorine bleach. Apply it to the stain, let it penetrate for a few minutes, and then scrub with a non-abrasive brush or cloth. Finally, rinse the shower pan with clean water.

Restoring Shine:

• To restore the shine and address scratches on your fiberglass shower pan, use automotive white wax or polishing compound. After cleaning and drying the pan, apply the wax or polish with a clean cloth.
• Some manufacturers recommend applying automotive white wax twice a year to maintain the shine of the fiberglass.

Removing tough stains

To remove tough stains from a fibreglass shower pan, you can use baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, paint thinners, or bleach.

For soap scum, mix water and baking soda until it forms a paste, then apply it to the stained area. Leave for a couple of hours, then rinse with warm water. You can also use vinegar to dissolve stubborn soap scum. Soak a cloth in vinegar and cover the stained area for about an hour, then clean the area with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.

For deeper, darker stains, place a few layers of clean, white cloths over the stained area and pour hydrogen peroxide on top. Leave it to soak overnight, then rinse and dry the area in the morning.

For extreme stains, you can use acetone (found in nail polish remover) or paint thinners such as turpentine. Soak a clean, white cloth with the solution and gently rub the stained area until it returns to its natural colour.

You can also use bleach to lighten stains. Apply a small amount to the stain and allow it to penetrate for several minutes. If necessary, use a non-abrasive brush or cloth to scrub the stain, then rinse with clean water.

Frequently asked questions