Keeping a fiberglass shower clean is essential not only for maintaining its aesthetic appeal but also for ensuring a hygienic and comfortable bathing experience. Fiberglass showers are popular due to their durability, affordability, and versatility in design. However, they require regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, stains, mold, and mildew.
This guide will provide you with a comprehensive outline of how to clean a fiberglass shower. By following these guidelines, you can restore your shower’s shine, remove stubborn stains, and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. We will also offer tips on maintaining shower fixtures and implementing preventive measures to keep your fiberglass shower looking its best.
Whether you are a homeowner or a professional cleaner, this outline will serve as a valuable resource, providing you with the necessary knowledge and techniques to ensure a sparkling and inviting fiberglass shower. Regular upkeep and cleaning ensure a clean and pleasant shower experience every time.
Preparing for Cleaning
You need to finish all the preparation before deep cleaning your bathroom. Although it can seem minor, a thorough pre-cleaning is essential if you want your cleaning to be successful. You’ll receive the finest results from your cleaning if you prepare your shower for your DIY cleaner.
Here are three steps to prepare for cleaning a fiberglass shower:
- Gather necessary cleaning supplies: Before you start cleaning, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies. This may include a soft cloth or sponge, a spray bottle, white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, dishwashing liquid, rubber gloves, a microfiber cloth, and any specific cleaners designed for fiberglass surfaces. Having all the supplies on hand will make cleaning smoother and more convenient.
- Clear the shower area: Remove any personal items, such as shampoo bottles, soap dishes, or shower curtains, from the shower area. Clearing the space will allow you to access all the surfaces easily and clean your bathroom thoroughly. It’s also a good opportunity to declutter and organize the shower area.
- Protect yourself and the surrounding areas: Wear protective rubber gloves to protect your hands from cleaning solutions and hot water. It’s also a good idea to place a towel or protective mat outside the shower to catch any spills or drips. This will prevent water damage to the surrounding flooring. Additionally, open a window or turn on the bathroom exhaust fan to ensure proper ventilation during cleaning.
Following these preparation steps, you’ll be ready to clean your fiberglass shower effectively and efficiently. Taking the time to gather supplies, clear the area, and protect yourself and the surroundings will help make the cleaning process more organized and ensure a successful outcome.
How to Clean Fiberglass Shower
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Method 1: Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste
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Using a sprinkle of baking soda and white vinegar is one of the best natural methods to effectively clean and remove stubborn soap scum, elbow grease, and stains from fiberglass surfaces.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar ( Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Distilled Vinegar is a great option)
- Baking soda (Milliard 10lbs Baking Soda is a great option)
- Resealable Bag
- A soft cloth or soft-bristled brush ( Metene Dry Brush, Soft and Stiff Natural Bristles, is a perfect option you can purchase)
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Rubber gloves (Cleanbear Synthetic Rubber Gloves are great options)
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions:
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over a moist, soft cloth or sponge.
- Apply the baking soda paste to the fiberglass shower’s discolored regions.
- Spray the vinegar onto the baking soda paste, causing a fizzy reaction.
- Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the fiberglass surface, focusing on the stained areas.
- Rinse the shower thoroughly with water, removing all the baking soda paste.
- Dry the shower with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. After cleaning, you can use a Squeegee to help remove excess water from the shower walls and glass doors.
Method 2: Lemon Juice and Dishwashing Liquid
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This method utilizes the acidic properties of lemon juice and the cleaning power of dishwashing liquid to remove soap scum buildup and stains from fiberglass shower floors, shower walls, bathroom doors, and other fiberglass surfaces.
What You’ll Need:
- Lemon juice
- Dishwashing liquid (Dawn Dish Soap Squeeze Bottle is a good product to use for this method)
- Spray bottle filled with water ( For the best spray bottles, you could go for Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottles)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Protective gloves
- Microfiber cloth ( For best results, you can purchase the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth)
Instructions:
- In a spray bottle, combine equal parts lemon juice and water.
- Spray the lemon juice solution onto the fiberglass shower floor, shower pan, fiberglass tub, or other surfaces, focusing on areas with soap scum and stains.
- Let the solution sit for a few minutes, allowing the acid to break down the grime.
- Apply a few drops of dishwashing liquid directly to a damp soft cloth or sponge.
- Gently scrub the fiberglass surface, using circular motions to lift off the soap scum and stains.
- Rinse the shower thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
- Dry the shower with a microfiber cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots.
Method 3: Hydrogen Peroxide and Water Solution
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This method utilizes the cleaning power of hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and disinfect the fiberglass shower effectively.
What You’ll Need:
- Hydrogen peroxide (Amazon Basics Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution is a good option to get)
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Rubber gloves
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions:
- Fill a spray bottle halfway with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Spray the stained portions of the fiberglass shower, including the glass shower doors, shower floor, and bathroom walls, using a spray bottle.
- Allow the solution to permeate the spots for a few minutes.
- Scrub the stained places with a soft cloth or sponge, giving minimal pressure.
- Rinse the shower thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
- Dry the shower with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
Method 4: Commercial Fiberglass Cleaner
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This method uses a commercial fiberglass cleaner specifically formulated for cleaning fiberglass surfaces. These cleaners are intended to remove grime, soap scum, and stains without harming the fiberglass material.
What You’ll Need:
- Commercial fiberglass cleaner (BRING IT ON! CLEANER Hard Water Stain Remover is the best product to use)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Rubber gloves
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions:
- Read and follow the instructions provided on the commercial fiberglass cleaner carefully.
- Spray the cleaner onto the fiberglass surfaces, focusing on areas with dirt, soap scum, or stains.
- Allow the cleanser to sit on the surface for the period indicated by the manufacturer.
- Scrub the fiberglass surface lightly with a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse the shower thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
- Dry the shower with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
Note: Each commercial fiberglass cleaner may have different instructions and precautions, so reading and following them is important. Additionally, wearing rubber gloves during cleaning is recommended to protect your hands from any harsh chemicals in the cleaner.
Method 5: Combination of Natural and Commercial Cleaners
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This method combines the use of natural cleaners and a commercial fiberglass cleaner to provide a thorough cleaning of your fiberglass shower. This is definitely one of the perfect methods for tackling a dirty shower
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Dishwashing liquid
- Commercial fiberglass cleaner
- A soft cloth or soft bristle brush
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Rubber gloves
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions:
- Start by using a natural cleaner like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and dishwashing liquid (follow the instructions in Method 1 and Method 2).
- Scrub the fiberglass surfaces carefully with a soft cloth or sponge after applying the natural cleanser.
- To eliminate any residue, thoroughly rinse the shower with water.
- Next, follow the instructions provided on the commercial fiberglass cleaner.
- Spray the commercial cleaner onto the fiberglass surfaces, focusing on areas that still require cleaning.
- Allow the cleanser to sit for the period provided by the manufacturer.
- Gently scrub the fiberglass surface with a soft cloth or soft bristle brush.
- Rinse the shower thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
- Dry the shower with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. Combining natural cleaners with a commercial fiberglass cleaner can tackle tough stains and thoroughly clean your fiberglass shower.
Additional Tips and Precautions
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To ensure a successful cleaning process and protect your fiberglass shower, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear protective gloves to protect your hands from cleaning products and hot water.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool, as they can scratch the fiberglass surface.
- Use a non-abrasive applicator, such as a soft cloth or sponge, for gentle cleaning.
- To verify compatibility, test any cleaning solution on a tiny, inconspicuous piece of fiberglass.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or extreme heat on the fiberglass, as they can cause damage.
- Clean the shower regularly to prevent the buildup of grime, soap scum, and stains.
- Wipe the shower dry after each use to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.
- Use a daily shower cleaner: Consider using a daily shower cleaner that helps to prevent soap scum and mildew buildup. Spray it on the walls and surfaces of the shower after each use and leave it to work its magic.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and well-maintained fiberglass shower is essential for aesthetics and hygiene. Following the outlined steps, including gathering the necessary cleaning supplies, preparing the area, and using proper cleaning techniques, you can effectively remove dirt, grime, stains, and mold from your shower.
Additionally, implementing preventive maintenance measures such as daily wiping, regular fixture cleaning, and promptly addressing leaks can help prolong the cleanliness and lifespan of your fiberglass shower. With continuous care and attention, you may have a dazzling, attractive shower environment that delivers a refreshing and delightful bathing experience.
