Thoroughly Cleaning Your Vikrell Shower Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to clean vikrell shower pan

Vikrell is a combination of fibreglass and polyresin, with the fibreglass consisting of plastic and fine glass fibres. Vikrell shower pans are resistant to chips and cracks, but they can be prone to dull finishes. To prevent this, it is important to clean Vikrell shower pans weekly or after every use to prevent mildew, mould and dirt from seeping into the material. When cleaning a Vikrell shower pan, it is recommended to use a non-abrasive cleaner such as STERLING Vikrell Cleaner, Fuller Easy Shower Spray, Weiman Fiberglass Cleaner, or a mixture of white vinegar and dish soap. Bleach and other abrasive cleaning products should be avoided as they can damage the surface.

How to Clean Vikrell Shower Pan

Characteristics Values
Material Vikrell (a combination of fibreglass and polyresin)
Cleaning Products STERLING Vikrell Cleaner, Fuller Easy Shower Spray, Weiman Fiberglass Cleaner, marble polishing kit, white vinegar, dish soap
Cleaning Tools Soft, damp sponge or cloth, spray bottle, showerhead
Cleaning Techniques Spray cleaner on surface, wipe with sponge or cloth, scrub with non-abrasive sponge, rinse with warm water
Precautions Avoid abrasive materials such as brushes or scouring pads, do not use bleach on decorated Vikrell
Maintenance Clean weekly or after every use to prevent mildew, mold, and dirt from seeping into the material

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Cleaning products to use

To clean a Vikrell shower pan, it is important to use non-abrasive cleaning products to prevent dullness and damage to the finish. Bleach, for example, is not recommended for fibreglass surfaces.

There are several products available that are suitable for cleaning Vikrell shower pans. The STERLING Vikrell Cleaner spray is specifically designed for this purpose and is recommended by the manufacturer. To use it, hold the sprayer 6-12 inches from the surface and spray the area, working from the bottom upwards for vertical surfaces. Then, wipe the surface with a soft, damp sponge or cloth.

Other recommended products include Fuller Easy Shower Spray and Weiman Fiberglass Cleaner, which can be used for fibreglass surfaces, as Vikrell is a combination of fibreglass and polyresin. A marble polishing kit can also be used to restore lustre to a Vikrell shower pan that has become dull due to the use of abusive chemical cleaning products.

For a more natural option, white vinegar and dish soap can be used for cleaning Vikrell. Vinegar is a mild acid that can help remove soap scum and hard water stains, and it is gentle enough not to damage the finish.

To restore a Vikrell shower pan that has become dull, a clear coat can be applied using clear polyurethane or clear epoxy resin. However, these products will leave a slick surface, especially when wet.

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Products to avoid

When cleaning a Vikrell shower pan, it is important to avoid using products that are too abrasive or contain harsh chemicals. Vikrell is a plastic/fibreglass material that can be damaged by certain cleaning products, so it is crucial to select the right products to maintain its finish and lustre.

One product that should be avoided is bleach. Bleach can be too harsh for Vikrell and can cause discolouration or damage to the surface. It is also important to note that abrasive scrubbers or sponges should not be used on Vikrell as they can scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a soft cloth or sponge when cleaning.

Another product to avoid is any cleaner that contains ammonia. Ammonia is a strong chemical that can react with the Vikrell surface and cause discolouration or fading. It is important to always read the labels of cleaning products before using them on Vikrell to ensure they are safe for plastic/fibreglass surfaces.

Additionally, while some sources recommend using a marble polishing kit to restore the lustre of Vikrell, others caution against using products that are not specifically designed for Vikrell. These products may contain chemicals or ingredients that could potentially damage the surface. Therefore, it is advisable to use a specialised Vikrell cleaner, such as the STERLING Vikrell Cleaner, to safely and effectively clean your shower pan.

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How to clean

Vikrell is a combination of fibreglass and polyresin, with the fibreglass consisting of plastic and fine glass fibres. It is a durable material, resistant to chips and cracks, but it does need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mildew, mould and dirt from building up.

To clean your Vikrell shower pan, first, remove as much standing water as possible. Then, use a product specifically designed for Vikrell, such as STERLING Vikrell Cleaner, or a product designed for fibreglass, like Fuller Easy Shower Spray or Weiman Fiberglass Cleaner. You can also use a combination of white vinegar and dish soap, which is non-abrasive and will help to maintain the finish.

Hold the spray bottle 6-12 inches from the surface of the shower pan and spray the area you wish to clean, starting from the bottom and working upwards. If you are using a new product, test it first in a small, inconspicuous area. Let the cleaner soak into the surface for around a minute, then wipe it with a soft, damp sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material, such as a brush or scouring pad, as this can damage the finish.

If you are experiencing creaking, you can use mortar to hold the shower pan in place. Place plastic sheeting underneath so that the pan can be more easily removed in the future.

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How to prepare the shower pan before cleaning

To prepare a Vikrell shower pan for cleaning, there are several important steps to follow. Firstly, ensure you have the right cleaning products. Vikrell showers are made from a combination of fibreglass and polyresin, so it is important to avoid abrasive materials and strong chemicals like bleach. Instead, opt for a specialised product like the STERLING Vikrell Cleaner, or a mild, non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner. You can also use white vinegar and dish soap for a gentle, yet effective clean.

Before applying any cleaning product, always remove any standing water from the shower pan and ensure the surface is dry. This is important as it allows the cleaner to be applied directly to the surface, and gives the best results.

If your shower pan has a drain, it is a good idea to treat it with a drain cleaner or treatment. This will help to keep the drain clear and prevent blockages. Follow the instructions on your chosen product, but generally, you will pour the treatment down the drain and leave it to work overnight. Then, flush the drain with hot water.

For a thorough clean, it is recommended to start with the vertical surfaces first. Hold the spray bottle 6-12 inches away from the surface and start from the bottom, working your way up. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first if you are unsure.

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How to maintain the shower pan

To maintain your Vikrell shower pan, it's important to clean it regularly, either weekly or after every use, to prevent mildew, mould, and dirt from building up. Here are some detailed steps to help you maintain your shower pan:

Cleaning the Shower Pan:

  • Start by rinsing the shower pan with warm water, either using the showerhead or a spray bottle. Ensure you stand outside the shower and direct the water away from you.
  • For a deeper clean, use a non-abrasive cleaner. You can opt for a specialised product like STERLING Vikrell Cleaner or a general-purpose cleaner like Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty All-Purpose Cleaner. You can also use a mild mixture of white vinegar and dish soap, ensuring it's non-abrasive to protect the finish.
  • Spray the cleaner onto the walls of the shower pan, starting from the top and working your way down. Allow the cleaner to soak for about a minute.
  • Use a soft, damp sponge or cloth to wipe down the surfaces. Avoid using abrasive materials like brushes or scouring pads, as these can damage the finish.
  • Pay attention to the directions on the cleaning product's container, as some products may have strong fumes.
  • If you have a clogged drain, consider using a drain treatment product like KOHLER Drain Treatment. Follow the instructions on the package, and remember to use it during a period of low water activity, such as overnight.

Additional Maintenance Tips:

  • If you're dealing with a dull finish on the floor of your shower pan, you can consider refinishing it. However, be aware that using certain products, like clear polyurethane or epoxy resin, can make the surface quite slick, especially when wet.
  • If you're installing a new shower pan, use the felt pad that comes with it, or create a mortar base of 1"-2" to support the pan.
  • To prevent the drain from sagging, loop a piece of perforated plumber's tape around the drain outlet of the trap and screw both ends to the top of the plywood deck.

Frequently asked questions

You can use STERLING Vikrell Cleaner to clean your Vikrell shower pan. Other products that can be used include Fuller Easy Shower Spray, Weiman Fiberglass Cleaner, and Fantastik Antibacterial Heavy Duty All-Purpose Cleaner. Avoid using bleach on decorated Vikrell material. For a more natural option, you can use vinegar and dish soap.

It is recommended to clean your Vikrell shower pan weekly or after every use to prevent mildew, mould, and dirt from seeping into the material.

You should use a soft, damp sponge or cloth to wipe the surface. Never use abrasive materials such as a brush or scouring pad as these can damage the surface.

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