How to Clean a Fiberglass Shower

Fiberglass showers are classy fixtures that look quite attractive after installation. However, dirt and residues accumulate on their surfaces at some point. To keep a fiberglass shower clean, the best method is to use a mild cleanser mixed with water and clean the surface with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to prevent scratched or damaged surfaces.

The Easiest Way to Clean a Fiberglass Shower

With the help of cleaning agents and regular clean-up tools, you can clean your fiberglass shower in simple steps.

Prepare the Area

Remove all items that could obstruct your free movement in the area, such as your shower materials and other items.

Clean the items with warm water to remove debris, such as stubborn soap scum, on your items. Over time soap scum buildup is noticeable in your shower area, and regular cleaning is advised.

Remove empty or worn-out items and if you have a shower curtain, take it down and clean it.

Rinse Loose Dirt Off With Water

Pre-rising is vital to dislodge loose dirt particles and allow the cleaning product to have direct contact with surfaces and be more effective. Also, rinse down your glass shower door if applicable to dislodge loose particles such as hair.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Fumes from chemical agents can be quite hazardous. Ensure the area is properly ventilated, open the bathroom door, and turn on a fan if possible.

Prepare Your Cleaning Agents

Pour about 79 milliliters or 1/3 of liquid dishwashing detergent into a spray bottle. The detergent effectively combats oil and grease from soap sum, making grime removal easy. The excess cleaning solution will not ruin the mixture but will be more difficult to wash away.

Also, measure a cup of white vinegar to help remove bacteria and mildew. It also combats soap scum and lime deposits. However, if you find the smell of vinegar too strong, you can dilute the mixture with a few drops of pure essential oil.

Heat the vinegar for one minute in the microwave since warm vinegar mixes better. Add the vinegar to the spray bottle and mix, swirling the bottle gently. Mix your vinegar and detergent in a 3:1 ratio for best results.

Ensure your cleaning agents are non-abrasive to prevent scratches on your fiberglass area.

Apply Your Solution

After mixing, apply the cleaning solution to your fiberglass shower, tub, and glass shower door. Also, you can apply it to your fiberglass shower floors and shower walls.

After application, allow the cleaner to set for a 10-15 minute interval so the ingredients can penetrate the dried mineral deposits, soap scum, mildew, and rust stains.

Clean the Shower and Surrounding Area

Use a sponge, soft bristle brush, or soft cloth to scrub the fiberglass shower, shower floor, and shower drain area. Ensure that you have rubber gloves on to prevent injury. Avoid hard-bristle brushes, metal, or scouring pads to prevent the fiberglass from scratching.

Rinse

After scrubbing, splash cold water on all surfaces to rinse off the cleaning solution and grime. You will likely need to repeat the rinsing process for better results. A handheld shower is more effective for rinsing.

Clean Fiberglass Tub With Oven Cleaner

You can apply oven cleaner to your fiberglass shower and wipe the area with a soft sponge or damp cloth to remove the cleaner residue. Oven cleaners consist mainly of hydrogen peroxide generally safe for cleaning.

Follow these steps to clean your fiberglass tub using an oven cleaner.

Open the bathroom door for proper ventilation.
Spray some fume-free oven cleaner on your fiberglass from the tub bottom to the sides. Allow the oven cleaner to remain on the fiberglass for an hour for absorption.
Wipe the tub with a damp cloth or sponge to eliminate the oven cleaner residue.
Rinse the fiberglass tub with clean water and dry it with a towel.

DIY Recipes for Cleaning Fiberglass Shower Surfaces

Vinegar, Lemon Juice, and Baking Soda

You can clean hard water stains from your fiberglass shower and its surrounding area with salt and water or distilled white vinegar and lemon juice.

Hard water refers to water with a high concentration of minerals such as lime, magnesium, and calcium. It can damage your plumbing, porcelain, and fiberglass if left unchecked.

Also, hard water leaves spots on surfaces such as your fiberglass shower floor, turning into tough stains over time.

You can easily remove hard water from a glass using salt and water or distilled vinegar. This mixture can also serve as a shower cleaner and clean fiberglass surfaces.

Mix table salt and water paste. Then using a microfiber cloth, apply the paste to the stained area. Scrub the affected area firmly until the stain disappears. Next, dry the glass with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Also, mix equal parts of lemon juice and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply the mixture to the stain for about five minutes.

Use a microfiber cloth to rub the stained area until the stain removes; rinse the area and dry the glass.

Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda in your tub area or apply a baking soda paste with water to the stained area. Scrub the affected area, rinse, and dry.

Dish Soap and Vinegar

Liquid dish soap is an effective cleaner to remove gunky residue from your shower, saving you from exposure to harsh chemicals.

Here’s how to make a simple cleaning formula for effective cleaning. Get:

2 tablespoons of dish soap
1 cup of distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
A spray bottle
A microwave-safe bowl

Mix the vinegar and cornstarch in the bowl till you have a thick mixture. Move the bowl to the microwave and heat the mixture for two minutes.

Pour the dishwashing liquid into your spray bottle and add the heated cornstarch and vinegar mix to the spray bottle. Shake for a uniform combination.

Apply the solution to the fiberglass shower and surrounding areas, and leave for about 10 minutes.

Scrub the surfaces gently, then rinse the areas you applied the solution with water to remove all residue and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Lemon Juice and Laundry Booster

Lemon juice is also an effective homemade cleaning agent that is easy to use. To remove soap scum from your fiberglass shower, scrub the surfaces with a cut lemon.

Also, applying the cut lemon to rust stains will eliminate the stains due to the acidity of the lemon. Rust is usually accelerated by salt from mineral deposits in water or soap residues.

To remove stubborn rust stains from your fiberglass showers, mix a lemon juice paste with a laundry booster, scrub the surfaces with your mixture, and rinse.

How to Clean Fiberglass Shower Floor and Walls?

To clean a fiberglass floor and wall, use a non-abrasive cleaner such as white vinegar or baking soda paste. Apply the cleaner with a non-abrasive medium, such as a brush or cloth made of polyethylene or nylon and scrub the surfaces gently. Rinse with water and dry.

FAQs

How do I get rid of black mold in my fiberglass shower?

Using bleach might be harsh on you and your shower. White vinegar and baking soda are better options. You can also pour white vinegar or paste with baking soda, apply on the affected areas, scrub gently, and rinse with water.

Can you use bleach on a fiberglass shower?

Do not use bleach or super abrasive scrubbers on fiberglass walls. This could scratch the surface. Even the smallest fiberglass splinter could cause damage to the skin. Rather stick to other homemade remedies like white vinegar and baking soda. Consider the dish soap and corn flour mix to clean your fiberglass shower.

What is the best thing to clean a fiberglass shower with?

One of the best cleaning agents for your fiberglass shower is hydrogen peroxide. It acts like bleach but is mild on surfaces and does not emit harsh fumes like bleach. Also, you can opt for white vinegar or baking soda.