Simple Steps To Clean Your Shower Pan Floor

Keeping your shower pan clean can be a challenge, especially if it's textured or made of fiberglass. The shower pan, or base, is the bottom of the shower, and it can be made of fiberglass, ceramic tile, or glass. Over time, it can become stained with soap scum, dirt, and mineral deposits, and the gel coat can wear away. Here are some tips to help you clean your shower pan effectively.

Using vinegar and water

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner to use on your shower floor, as it is highly acidic and can help to remove hard water spots and mineral build-up. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your shower pan floor using vinegar and water:

Step 1: Create a Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of water. Stir the solution until it is fully combined. You can also add a few drops of dish soap, such as Dawn, to the mixture to help tackle soap scum.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to Your Shower Floor

Pour the vinegar and water solution into a spray bottle and spritz it all over your shower floor. Alternatively, you can use a sponge to apply the solution to the floor. Ensure that the floor is well-coated.

Step 3: Let the Solution Sit

Allow the vinegar and water solution to sit on your shower floor for about 15 minutes. This gives the solution time to start breaking down any dirt, grime, and hard water stains.

Step 4: Scrub the Floor

Using a sponge or soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the shower floor in small, circular motions. This will agitate the dirt, helping to lift it from the surface. If you are dealing with stubborn grime, you may need to scrub a little harder.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the shower floor with cold water to remove the vinegar solution and any loosened dirt. If there are still signs of soap scum or hard water stains, repeat the process until your shower pan floor is sparkling clean.

Additional Tips:

• For a stronger cleaning solution, you can mix vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the shower floor, then pour vinegar on top and let the two ingredients react. Scrub the floor with a brush in small circles and rinse when finished.
• Always test new cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not cause any damage or discolouration.
• Dry your shower pan floor with a towel or chamois after cleaning to prevent moisture build-up.

Baking soda and water paste

Cleaning your shower pan floor with baking soda and water paste

Baking soda is a great natural cleaner that can be used to clean your shower pan floor. It is safe to flush and rinse down the drain and does not emit any harmful fumes.

Step 1: Make the baking soda and water paste

Start by adding water slowly to 1/4 cup of baking soda. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a thick paste.

Step 2: Apply the paste to the shower floor

Use a scrub brush, sponge, or toothbrush to scrub the paste onto the shower floor. Make sure to get it into all the textured grooves and pay special attention to any corners and areas of grime.

Step 3: Let the paste sit

Allow the paste to remain on the shower floor for at least 10 minutes. The paste will help to loosen any debris and stains, making them easier to scrub off.

Step 4: Scrub the floor

Once the paste has had time to work, use a scrub brush or toothbrush to vigorously scrub the floor in circular motions. Focus on any stubborn stains or areas of buildup.

Step 5: Rinse the floor

After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the shower floor with clean water. You can use a handheld showerhead or a bucket to wash away the paste and any remaining dirt.

Step 6: Dry the shower pan

Finally, use a microfiber cloth or chamois to dry the shower pan. This will help to prevent water spots and leave your shower pan looking clean and refreshed.

All-purpose or bathroom cleaner

To clean your shower pan floor with an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner, start by applying the cleaning solution to a damp sponge. Then, gently rub the surface using side-to-side motions to lift dirt and residue. Once it's cleaned, wash the pan out with water.

If you want your shower pan to keep its shine, keep a squeegee in the shower. When you finish showering, use the squeegee to pick up moisture and dry off the pan.

To maintain the shine of the fiberglass, you can also apply automotive white wax. Wash the pan down with a wet rag and then use another rag to lightly apply the wax to dull or scratched areas. Some manufacturers recommend that you perform this treatment twice a year.

Using fabric softener and water

To clean your shower pan floor using fabric softener and water, you will need to mix half a cup of fabric softener with one cup of warm water in a spray bottle. This mixture will help to loosen the tough scum stuck to the floor of your shower. Spray this mixture into the cracks and crevices with stuck-on gunk. Let it sit for 5-30 minutes, depending on the level of gunk. Then, use a wet sponge to scrub the floor. Rinse the shower until all the softener is gone. If scum still remains, tackle it with straight baking soda on a toothbrush.

Using mineral oil and warm water

To clean a shower pan floor using mineral oil and warm water, you will need to create a mixture of four parts mineral oil to one part warm water.

First, coat the floor liberally with the mixture, using a sponge to begin scrubbing in gentle circular motions. The mineral oil will loosen the scum and make it easier to remove.

After scrubbing, use a combination of white vinegar and warm water to completely clean the shower floor. It is important to rinse the shower pan repeatedly with warm water to avoid any remaining oil, as this can be a fall hazard.

This method is ideal for textured shower floors, as it can effectively remove the soap scum that builds up in the grooves and corners.

Additionally, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste, which can be applied to any remaining stains. Allow the paste to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Frequently asked questions