Get Your Fiberglass Shower Pan Sparkling White Again

Fiberglass shower pans are a durable and cost-effective addition to the bathroom. However, they can quickly become dull due to soap scum and are prone to colour loss and scratching. To restore the original whiteness of your fiberglass shower pan, you can use a variety of cleaning solutions such as vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. It is important to avoid abrasive cleaning supplies as fiberglass is easily scratched and discoloured.

Use a vinegar solution

To get your fiberglass shower pan white, you can use a vinegar solution. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create the Vinegar Solution

Mix half a cup of vinegar with a gallon of water. Stir the solution until it is evenly mixed. White vinegar is a great option for cleaning fiberglass as it is acidic enough to dissolve mold, mildew, grease, and buildup without damaging the fiberglass.

Step 2: Prewash (Optional)

If your fiberglass shower is particularly grimy, you may want to prewash it before applying the vinegar solution. To do this, mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with 2 cups of warm water. Apply this mixture to the shower pan and then rinse it off before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Apply the Vinegar Solution

You can apply the vinegar solution by either soaking a rag or sponge in the solution and wiping it onto the shower pan or by pouring the solution into a spray bottle and spraying it onto the surface. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the doors and floor of the shower pan.

Step 4: Let the Solution Sit

Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the surface for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to work on dissolving any buildup, stains, or grime.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After the solution has had time to work, rinse it down the drain with clean, warm water. You can use a microfiber rag, sponge, or soft cloth to help wipe away the solution and any remaining dirt or grime. Finally, dry the shower pan with a microfiber towel or rag to eliminate any streaks and restore the shine.

Additional Tips:

• Always read the labels and instructions on any cleaning products you use, and never mix ready-made cleaning products.
• For a stronger cleaning solution, you can mix vinegar with baking soda and dishwashing liquid.
• To maintain the shine of your fiberglass shower pan, dry it after each use and consider conditioning it with automotive white wax.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or cleaning agents on fiberglass, as they can scratch or damage the surface.

Baking soda and vinegar paste

To clean a fibreglass shower pan with a baking soda and vinegar paste, you'll first need to mix a solution of baking soda and vinegar. For this, you'll need a small bowl, a cup of baking soda, and a quarter of a cup of white distilled vinegar. Mix the ingredients together until they form a paste. You can add more baking soda if the mixture is too watery.

Next, you'll want to remove all bottles, soap, razors, and accessories from your shower, and wipe down the items to remove any grime that may be transferred back into the shower. Then, rinse away any loose dirt and debris from the shower pan.

Now, turn on the hot water and allow steam to accumulate in the shower stall to make cleaning easier. When the shower is steaming, turn off the water and spread the paste on the warm floor and walls of the enclosure with a non-abrasive sponge. Allow the paste to work for about ten minutes, and then rinse it away. Finally, dry the surfaces completely with a microfiber towel.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

Preparing the Shower Pan

Before applying any cleaning products, it is important to prepare the shower pan. Start by removing all the bottles and accessories from the shower. Then, turn on the hot water and allow the steam to accumulate in the shower stall. This will help loosen any dirt or grime and make cleaning easier. While the shower is steaming, open all windows and doors, and turn on the fans for proper ventilation.

Making the Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste

To make the cleaning paste, mix a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of baking soda in a small bowl. Adjust the measurements based on the size of your shower stall. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste.

Applying the Paste

Once the paste is ready, spread it onto the warm floor and walls of the shower enclosure. Use a non-abrasive sponge to ensure you do not scratch the surface of the fiberglass. Allow the paste to work its magic for 15 to 30 minutes.

Rinsing and Drying

After the waiting period, it's time to rinse the paste away. Use warm water to thoroughly rinse the shower pan, ensuring no residue is left behind. Finally, dry the surfaces with a soft microfiber towel to prevent water spots and streaks.

Additional Tips

To remove tough stains, create a paste using laundry borax and lemon juice. Spread the mixture on the stained area and let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away with a microfiber cloth. Rinse the area and buff it dry. Additionally, to prevent mould and mildew, improve ventilation by using an exhaust fan, opening a window, or using a dehumidifier if ventilation is poor.

Avoid abrasive cleaners

When cleaning a fiberglass shower pan, it is important to avoid abrasive cleaners as they can scratch or damage the surface. This includes abrasive scouring tools such as scouring pads, steel wool, and scrapers, which create a lot of friction and will scratch delicate fiberglass surfaces.

Instead, opt for non-abrasive household cleaners such as dishwashing detergents and liquid laundry detergents, which are gentle enough for fiberglass. You can also make your own cleaning solutions with common household products. For example, a mixture of vinegar and water, or baking soda and water, can effectively clean fiberglass without causing scratches.

Additionally, avoid using bleach-based products or chlorine bleach as they can discolor and damage the fiberglass surface. When choosing store-bought cleaning products, always read the labels and follow the instructions to ensure they are mild enough for fiberglass.

Dry the pan after use

To keep your fiberglass shower pan white, it is important to dry the pan after each use. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Use a Squeegee

Keep a squeegee in the shower and use it to wipe off moisture from the pan after each shower. This will help to remove excess water and speed up the drying process.

Ventilate the Bathroom

After showering, open the bathroom windows and door, and turn on the fan to improve ventilation. This will help to reduce moisture in the room and prevent water stains on the pan.

Wipe Down the Pan

Use a microfiber cloth or towel to wipe down the pan until it is completely dry. Make sure to get into the corners and along the edges of the pan, as these areas can be prone to water stains and mildew buildup.

Rinse and Repeat

If you notice any soap scum or residue on the pan after drying it, rinse it with clean, hot water and dry it again. This will help to prevent water spots and keep the pan looking shiny.

Daily Maintenance

In addition to drying the pan after each use, it is recommended to do a quick daily wipe down of the shower. This can be done with a soft cloth or sponge, and will help to remove soap scum and grime before it has a chance to build up.

Choose the Right Cleaners

When cleaning your fiberglass shower pan, avoid using abrasive scrubbers or cleaning agents, as these can scratch or damage the surface. Opt for non-abrasive, gentle cleaners such as vinegar, dish soap, or baking soda.

Frequently asked questions