5 Tips for Cleaning Fiberglass Shower Pans

Fiberglass shower pans are an easy and inexpensive way to keep your shower clean. The pans are made of fiberglass, which consists of extremely fine fibers of glass combined with resin. Once installed below the shower, the pan helps water to drain out of the shower. It is easy to install the pan. You simply take the dimensions of your shower and purchase a pan that will fit in the allocated space as well as match your shower design. The pan helps to preserve your shower floor since it prevents contact with water. It doesn’t take much to maintain the pan if you make use of the 5 tips below.

Cleaning Agents

Fiberglass doesn’t hold up well when acidic or corrosive cleaning agents are used on it. These cause the material to disintegrate which leads to deterioration of your shower pan. It is best to use neutral cleaning agents when you clean your fiberglass pan. Be sure to clean the corners and niches. An old toothbrush can help you accomplish this. If overlooked, moisture and dirt accumulate in these areas and encourage germs to breed. This can cause you health problems. It is also best to avoid products like steel wool and stiff bristle brushes to clean your shower pan. These can easily cause scratches and permanent damage to your pan.

To Remove Soap Scum

After repeated use, soap scum is likely to develop on your shower pan. This can best be removed with a grease-cutting soap and nylon scrubber. Leave the grease-cutting soap on the pan for a while so that it emulsifies the scum. Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water and wipe dry with an old towel. It is best to clean your shower pan thoroughly once weekly to avoid scum build-up.

Scale Build-Up

If your water contains a high presence of minerals, you’re likely to get mineral deposits on your pan. Use a cleaner that is suitable for scale removal on fiberglass. Although such a cleaner may be slightly acidic, it is designed to safely remove scale from fiberglass. The cleaner will not etch the fiberglass like some other highly acidic cleaners. Remember to check the cleaner's safety instructions to see if you need to wear gloves or long-sleeved clothes while using it.

Stain Removal

It is easier to spot stains on your shower pan once you’ve cleaned it thoroughly. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the stain. Add a few drops of water to make a thick toothpaste-like paste. Rub the paste over the stain, then allow it to work for about 10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain. Rinse the shower pan well and dry it with an old towel. You may want to coat your shower pan lightly with car wax. It acts as a sealant and helps to prevent frequent stains.

To Disinfect

Once you’ve washed your shower pan, it is a good idea to disinfect it. Make a solution of 2-cups water and 1-cup of white vinegar. Place in a spray bottle for easier application. Spray the entire shower pan so that the vinegar can disinfect the fiberglass. Allow 1 minute for the solution to work. Give the pan a second spray and scrub with a nylon scrubber. Rinse with hot water and dry with an old towel.