A sparkling clean shower is a delightful way to start or end your day. However, keeping a fibreglass shower floor clean can be a challenge, as soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains can accumulate over time. Don’t worry – restoring your fibreglass shower floor’s shine is possible with some simple cleaning techniques and elbow grease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your fibreglass shower floor looking brand new again.
Table of Contents
Assess the Situation
Take a close look at your fibreglass shower floor and identify problem areas. Check for:
- Soap scum buildup – This will appear as a dull, filmy residue.
- Mildew and mould – Look for black, grey or green spots. Mildew thrives in damp environments.
- Hard water stains – These are water deposits left behind after water evaporates. They can make plastic and fiberglass look dingy.
- Etch marks – These are permanent marks etched into the surface from chemical interactions.
Make notes on the condition of your shower floor so you can tailor your cleaning tactics.
Gather Your Supplies
Cleaning a fibreglass shower floor requires a little bit of muscle and the right cleaning solutions. Arm yourself with these supplies:
- Protective gear – rubber gloves, old clothes, knee pads/mat.
- A scrub brush or scouring pad. Avoid anything too abrasive on fiberglass.
- All-purpose shower cleaner or dish soap.
- White vinegar – helps dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits.
- Baking soda – acts as a gentle scouring powder.
- Spray bottle filled with water.
- Microfibre cloths.
- Grout brush – for cleaning in crevices.
- Bucket.
- Old toothbrush – for detailed scrubbing.
Prepare the Space
Now it’s time to tackle that shower floor! Follow these steps to prep your workspace:
- Remove any bath mats, toys or other items from the shower.
- Open windows or turn on fans – cleaning supplies can get smelly!
- Fill your bucket with hot water from the tap.
- Put on protective gear like gloves, old clothes, knee pads.
- If possible, let the hot water run for a few minutes to warm the fibreglass before cleaning. This helps loosen debris.
Scrub Away Soap Scum
Mix up your own powerful soap scum-fighting solution. In a bucket or spray bottle, combine:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup dish soap
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Use your scrub brush or scouring pad to gently apply the solution to soap scum areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with short, gentle circular motions. The baking soda acts as an abrasive while the vinegar dissolves the gunk. Rinse thoroughly.
For extra-stubborn scum in crevices, use an old toothbrush. Rinse and repeat if needed.
Eliminate Mildew and Mould
Mildew feeds on moisture, so it’s common in showers. Remove it by:
- Spraying straight white vinegar onto affected areas. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
- Scrubbing gently with a soft brush.
- Rinsing thoroughly with water.
- Allowing the area to dry completely to discourage remould growth.
If the mildew still remains, mix 1 cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water. Use this diluted bleach solution to spot clean mildew. Rinse thoroughly.
Banish Hard Water Stains
For hard water stains on a fibreglass shower floor, grab the vinegar!
- Pour undiluted white vinegar directly onto stains.
- Let sit for 15-30 minutes, then scrub with a damp microfibre cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly with water – this removes any vinegar smell too.
The acidic vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, letting you wipe them away easily.
Remove Etch Marks
Etch marks cannot be fully removed from fibreglass but you can minimise their appearance. Lightly scour the area with baking soda or scrubbing powder made for plastics. Avoid harsh chemicals which could make the etching worse.
Final Step: Seal and Protect
Once your shower floor sparkles again, seal it with a fibreglass wax or polish. This protective barrier makes it easier to maintain your shine! Gently apply the sealant with a microfibre cloth.
Be sure to let the area dry completely before using your shower again.
Prevent Buildup Between Cleans
Regular cleaning is the best way to avoid major fibreglass shower floor cleanups. Follow these tips to keep your shower floor looking its best:
- Squeegee excess water after each use. This prevents mineral deposits and soap scum buildup.
- Spray down the floor while you’re still in the shower to help rinse away residues.
- Avoid using bar soap, which can lead to more scum. Use liquid body wash instead.
- Open shower doors/curtains after use so moisture can escape, discouraging mildew.
- Do a quick 5-minute wipe down after showering to deal with any lingering drips or smears.
- Do a deep clean 1-2 times per month to keep grime at bay.
- Reapply a fibreglass wax or sealant every 6 months.
- Check and replace any old or moulding shower caulk, which can harbour mildew.
With some regular TLC, you can keep your fibreglass shower floor looking like new all year long. No longer will you have to dread scrubbing away layers of grungy buildup. Just grab your arsenal of supplies, put on some music, and restore that sparkling shine.
Affordable Cleaning Services is a leading cleaning company in Parramatta that serves the entire region. Our skilled cleaners are all bonded and insured. If you need an instant quote for your fibreglass shower floor or any residential or commercial cleaning services, please call our friendly team immediately.
