The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Composite Shower Pans

Keeping a composite shower pan clean can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. The key is to use non-abrasive cleaning tools and products to avoid scratching the surface. Here are some tips to help you keep your composite shower pan clean and looking like new.

Use a vinegar solution

Vinegar is a great option for cleaning a composite shower pan. Here is a detailed guide on how to use a vinegar solution:

Preparing the Vinegar Solution:

Mix half a cup of vinegar with one gallon of water. Ensure you use distilled white vinegar for best results. Stir the solution until it is evenly mixed.

Cleaning the Shower Pan:

• Before applying the vinegar solution, remove all bottles and accessories from the shower.
• Turn on the hot water and allow steam to build up in the shower. The steam will help loosen any soil or grime, making cleaning easier.
• Once the shower is steamed, apply the vinegar solution to the shower pan. Use a non-abrasive sponge, such as one made of nylon, polyester, or polyethylene. Avoid abrasive sponges or pads, as these can scratch the surface.
• Gently rub the surface of the shower pan with the sponge, using side-to-side motions. Ensure you cover the entire surface, including corners and edges.
• Periodically clean your sponge by squeezing it out into a sink and then reweting it. Apply more of the vinegar solution to the sponge as needed.
• After scrubbing the entire pan, rinse it with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar solution.

For Tough Stains:

• For stubborn stains, you can use vinegar to remove them. Simply pour vinegar over the stained area and let it sit for several minutes.
• Then, use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the stain gently until it is removed.
• Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Maintaining Your Shower Pan:

• To maintain the shine of your composite shower pan, dry it after each use with a squeegee or a soft cloth.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools, such as scouring powders, steel wool, or stiff brushes, as these can scratch the surface.
• For a deeper clean, you can also use a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Spread the paste on the shower pan and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it away.

Opt for non-abrasive household cleaners

To clean a composite shower pan effectively, it is important to opt for non-abrasive household cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of the pan, leading to scratches and discolouration. Non-abrasive cleaners, on the other hand, are designed to be gentle and safe for these types of surfaces.

Non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaners are available in various forms, including powders and liquids. Powders can be dissolved in water to create a diluted cleaning solution, while liquids can be used full strength or diluted, depending on the severity of the soiling. These cleaners typically contain surfactants, which help to lift and suspend soil, and builders, which aid in keeping the surface clean.

When choosing a non-abrasive cleaner, look for products specifically designed for bathroom surfaces. These cleaners are formulated to remove soap scum and hard water deposits, which are common issues in shower pans. You can also opt for a more general-purpose cleaner, such as a dishwashing detergent or liquid laundry detergent, which are gentle and effective for composite shower pans.

It is important to avoid using bleach-based products, scouring powders, or abrasive tools like steel wool when cleaning a composite shower pan. These can damage the surface and lead to discolouration. Instead, opt for gentle, non-abrasive alternatives to ensure the longevity of your composite shower pan.

By choosing non-abrasive household cleaners, you can effectively clean your composite shower pan, maintaining its shine and keeping it looking like new.

Make a baking soda mix

To make a baking soda mix to clean a composite shower pan, follow these steps:

Firstly, remove all bottles and accessories from the shower. Then, turn on the hot water and let the steam accumulate in the shower stall. This will make cleaning easier.

While the shower is steaming, make a paste by mixing half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. You can also add vinegar to this mix for a stronger solution. The paste should not be too runny or too powdery.

Once the paste is ready, spread it on the warm floor and walls of the shower enclosure with a non-abrasive sponge. Allow the paste to sit for about 10-30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the cleaning required. Finally, rinse away the paste and dry the surfaces with a soft or microfiber towel.

You can also use this baking soda paste to clean shower tiles and doors. Simply sprinkle or spread the paste on the tiles or door, let it sit for half an hour, and then rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Use all-purpose or bathroom cleaner

To clean a composite shower pan, you can use an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner. These are generally gentle enough to use on composite surfaces, but they can be unnecessarily expensive.

Firstly, remove all bottles and accessories from the shower. Then, turn on the hot water and allow steam to build up in the shower. While the shower is steaming, wet a non-abrasive sponge or brush with warm water. Apply the all-purpose or bathroom cleaner to the sponge or brush. You can either spray it on or dunk the applicator in the solution.

Next, gently rub the surface of the shower pan using side-to-side motions to lift dirt and residue. Be sure to use a gentle touch to avoid scratching or dulling the surface. Periodically clean your sponge or brush by squeezing it out into a sink and then rewetting it. Apply more cleaning solution before continuing to scrub the pan.

Once you have scrubbed the entire pan, turn on the water to wash out the cleaning solution. If this does not sufficiently clean the pan, use a new sponge or brush to wipe up any remaining solution. Finally, dry the pan with a soft cloth or towel.

Use a Magic Eraser

Magic Erasers are soft sponges with cleaning solutions inside. They are gentle enough for composite shower pans and very good at picking up heavy stains. To use a Magic Eraser, follow these steps:

• Wet the Magic Eraser: Water activates the tough micro-scrubbers inside the sponge, allowing them to dig deep and remove hard water stains and soap scum.
• Squeeze out excess water: After wetting the Magic Eraser, squeeze out any excess water. You'll know it's ready when the foaming cleanser starts to foam.
• Wipe and watch the magic happen: Wipe the Magic Eraser firmly across the surface of the composite shower pan with a firm, steady swipe. It will easily break through soap scum and hard water stains, leaving your shower pan clean and shiny.
• Clean those tricky shower tracks: The Magic Eraser is also great for cleaning those pesky metal shower tracks that always seem gunky and impossible to slide. Give it a try, and you'll be impressed with the results.

Some important things to keep in mind:

• Test a small area with light pressure before use to ensure it doesn't cause any damage to the surface.
• Do not use the Magic Eraser on high-gloss, polished, dark, brushed, satin, faux, or bare/polished wood surfaces, as well as copper, stainless steel, non-stick coatings, or vehicle bodies.
• Rinse the Magic Eraser before using it on surfaces that come into direct contact with food.
• Do not use the Magic Eraser with chlorine bleach or other household cleaners, as this may cause adverse reactions.
• Avoid using the Magic Eraser on your skin or other body parts, as it will likely cause abrasions.
• Keep the Magic Eraser away from your eyes, as it may cause eye irritation.
• Store the Magic Eraser out of the reach of toddlers and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Frequently asked questions