The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning High-Gloss Acrylic Shower Pans

Acrylic shower pans are constructed from moulded acrylic plastic sheets and are known for their solid colouring and non-porous nature. While acrylic is a durable material, it can be easily scratched, so it's important to take care when cleaning your shower pan to avoid damage. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your high-gloss, non-porous acrylic shower pan to keep it looking as good as new.

Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution

To clean a high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan, it is important to use the correct type of cloth and cleaning solution to avoid scratching the surface.

Firstly, prepare your cleaning solution. A mixture of one part water to one part white vinegar is recommended. You can also use a diluted bleach solution of 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water. If you prefer, you can also use a commercial cleaner, but be sure to choose a non-abrasive cleaner that is suitable for acrylic. Avoid anything acidic or harsh, and always opt for a soft cloth or sponge.

Once you have your solution, start by cleaning the niches and soap dishes. Use your soft cloth to wipe down these areas with your chosen cleaning solution, paying particular attention to any soapy residue that may have built up in corners.

Next, move on to the shower panels themselves. Work from the top down, wiping the surfaces with your soft cloth and cleaning solution. Use simple circular or back-and-forth motions to remove any dirt or soap scum. For stubborn build-up, spray on some of your vinegar solutions, leave it for 10 minutes, and then wipe it off.

Finally, finish by cleaning the shower base with the same method. Spray on your cleaning solution, let it sit for a few moments, and then wipe it clean.

By following these steps and using a soft cloth with a mild cleaning solution, you can effectively clean your high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan, keeping it looking like new.

Avoid abrasive materials

To clean a high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan, it is important to avoid abrasive materials. While the finish of an acrylic shower pan looks durable, it is actually quite susceptible to scratches. To prevent scratches, it is best to avoid using abrasive cleaning tools such as coarse sandpaper or steel wool. These abrasive materials will scratch and dull the finish of the acrylic surface. Instead, opt for non-abrasive cleaning tools such as a soft cloth, sponge, or plastic implement like a putty knife. Most debris that has hardened onto the surface can be effectively removed with these non-abrasive alternatives.

When it comes to cleaning solutions, it is also important to avoid abrasive chemicals. Commercial aerosol cleaners, harsh cleaners, and solvents can damage the acrylic surface. Instead, a mild cleanser, such as a mixture of non-alkaline liquid dish detergent and warm water, is recommended. This mild solution is effective in removing grime and discolouration without causing any harm to the acrylic. It is also important to wear rubber or waterproof cleaning gloves when handling cleaning solutions to protect your hands.

In addition to avoiding abrasive materials, it is essential to clean your acrylic shower pan regularly. Routine maintenance will help retain its appearance and extend its lifespan. By neglecting to clean the shower pan, grime can build up and become harder to remove over time. Therefore, it is recommended to clean the shower pan weekly to prevent soap scum and grime build-up. With proper care and maintenance, your high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan will maintain its visual appeal and durability.

To summarise, when cleaning a high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan, it is crucial to avoid abrasive materials and chemicals. By using non-abrasive tools and mild cleaning solutions, you can effectively clean and maintain the shower pan without causing any scratches or damage. Regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques will ensure that your acrylic shower pan retains its lustre and shine for years to come.

Clean weekly to prevent build-up

To keep your high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan in top condition, it's important to clean it weekly to prevent a build-up of soap scum and grime.

A 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water is an effective, non-abrasive cleaner for your acrylic shower pan. Spray the solution onto the shower pan, leave it to sit for 10 minutes, then wipe clean with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge. You can also use a mild solution of non-alkaline liquid dish detergent and warm water, rinsing the pan with clean water afterwards.

For a more natural approach, citrus fruits can be used to clean your acrylic shower pan. Cut a lemon, grapefruit, or lime in half, then gently rub the fruit onto the shower pan, applying a small amount of pressure to release the juices. The citric acid in the fruit will help to remove hard water stains, mould, and mildew. Leave the fruit juice to sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and wipe down with a clean, soft cloth.

Weekly cleaning with a mild cleanser and water will help to keep your acrylic shower pan in good condition and prevent a build-up of dirt and discolouration. Always use soft, non-abrasive cloths or sponges to avoid scratching the acrylic surface.

Use citrus fruits to clean

To clean a high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan, you can use citrus fruits, which are effective cleaning agents. Lemon, in particular, has been used for centuries as a cleaning agent. The oils from citrus peels act as a natural degreaser, and the citric acid and ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C) in lemons have disinfectant and antibacterial properties.

Remove Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains

Cut a lemon (or two or three) in half and rub it on all scummy surfaces. The acid in the lemon juice will break down dirt and bacteria found in soap scum. Let the lemon juice sit for 30 minutes, then scrub the shower to remove loosened grime. Rinse the surface to wash away the soap scum. For added effectiveness, dip the cut lemon in kosher salt before scrubbing. The salt provides extra abrasiveness to scrub away grime.

Clean Shower Fixtures

Hard water leaves unsightly deposits on shower fixtures, especially chrome showerheads, faucets, and drain covers. Rub the fixtures with a cut lemon until the spots disappear. Then, rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

Remove Mildew from the Shower Curtain

First, take down the shower curtain and soak it in warm saltwater for 15 to 20 minutes. Hang it back up to drip dry. While the curtain is still wet, rub it with a cut lemon or a sponge dampened with lemon juice. Rinse the curtain and repeat the process if necessary to remove any lingering mildew.

Brighten Grout

Spray lemon juice on the affected areas, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub to remove mildew and stains.

Clean Caked-On Stovetop Grease

Spread salt over the area, then add lime juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a sponge.

Remove Lime Build-Up on Faucets or Shower Heads

Use a rubber band to attach half of a spent lemon or grapefruit to the end of a faucet or showerhead. In the morning, remove the fruit and wipe the fixture clean with a paper towel.

When using citrus fruits to clean, be careful not to use them on surfaces that can be etched by acids, such as marble or granite. Also, be sure to test a small area first to ensure the surface can withstand the acidity of the fruit.

Rinse and dry after cleaning

Rinsing and drying your high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan is an important step in the cleaning process. After using a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth to wipe down the shower pan, it's time to rinse and dry the surface.

For the rinsing step, you can use clean, warm water. Fill a bucket or pail with warm water and use a clean washcloth to wipe down the entire shower pan. Make sure to rinse off any residues left from the cleaning solution. You can also use a gentle stream of water from the showerhead to rinse the surface, ensuring that all traces of the cleaning product are removed.

After rinsing, it's important to thoroughly dry the shower pan. Use a clean, soft towel to wipe down the entire surface. Make sure to dry the shower pan completely, as this will help maintain its shine and prevent water spots or streaks. You can also use a squeegee to remove excess water, which can help speed up the drying process.

Additionally, if you have deep scratches on your shower pan, you may want to consider additional steps after rinsing and drying. You can apply a small amount of automotive polishing compound to a clean washcloth and gently rub it in circular motions over the scratched areas. This can help to restore the shine and reduce the appearance of scratches.

Remember, when cleaning and drying your high-gloss non-porous acrylic shower pan, it's important to avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. These can damage the surface and create scratches, dull spots, or discolouration. Soft cloths, warm water, and mild cleaning solutions are generally the best choices for rinsing and drying this type of shower pan effectively.

Frequently asked questions