Sofia Martinez
Cleaning plastic shower stalls and tubs can be a chore, but it's imperative to keep these areas sanitary. Plastic showers are prone to scratches and can easily grow mould and mildew, so it's important to choose the right cleaning products and methods. In this paragraph, we will explore some of the best ways to clean plastic shower stalls and tubs, including both commercially available and homemade solutions.
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What You'll Learn
Vinegar and baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring chemical compound with a basic pH balance. This property allows it to neutralise the acidic nature of vinegar, which is why the two are so frequently paired together for cleaning. The reaction between the two creates a powerful cleaning agent that can tackle any grime in your bathroom.
To clean your plastic shower doors, fill a spray bottle with a solution of vinegar and baking soda. Spritz the solution onto the doors, wait for it to dry, and then wipe away the stains. This method can be used daily to prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and hard water stains.
For a deeper clean, you can make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the shower stall or tub with a soft, damp cloth, being careful not to scratch the surface. Let the paste sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. This method is great for tackling caked-on gunk, soap scum, hard water spots, and any other stubborn grime.
You can also use vinegar and baking soda to clean your shower drain. Simply sprinkle baking soda into the drain, add vinegar, and let the mixture foam and sit for 15 minutes. Then, slowly pour hot water into the drain to wash away any residue.
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Commercial cleaning products
There are several commercial cleaning products available for cleaning plastic shower stalls and tubs. Here are some of the best options:
Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner Spray
The Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner Spray is a highly effective commercial cleaner that can be purchased on Amazon. It has powerful stain-fighting capabilities and is particularly good at tackling tough stains. It is also a disinfectant, which means it can kill bacteria and germs. Clorox products with bleach should not be used with acidic cleaners as they can produce toxic chlorine gas.
Method Daily Shower Spray
The Method Daily Shower Spray is an excellent option for those seeking a gentler, more natural alternative. This product is paraben and phthalate-free and is made with 100% recycled plastic. It is designed to be sprayed on shower surfaces to prevent soap scum and hard water minerals from building up. It is available in two fragrances: eucalyptus mint and ylang ylang. With over 14,000 reviews on Amazon, it has earned a rating of 4.6 stars.
Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner
The Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner is another powerful disinfectant that claims to kill 99.9% of germs. It can be used on hard surfaces and soft surfaces like shower curtains. It has a 4.7-star rating on Walmart, with customers praising its even spray distribution.
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner
The CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner is perfect for tackling dingy grout. It can be sprayed on and left for a minute or two before scrubbing. It effectively removes soap scum and stains from tubs and tiles, leaving grout whiter and brighter. This product is EPA Safer Choice certified and comes from a woman-owned company.
The Pink Stuff
The Pink Stuff is an all-purpose cleaner that can be used on various surfaces, including tubs and tiles. It is known for its pleasant scent and impressive cleaning power, even on stubborn stains. It is available on Amazon for a reasonable price, making it a popular choice for those seeking an affordable and effective cleaning solution.
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Removing soap scum
Soap scum is caused by the fatty acids and talc in bar soap reacting with the minerals in hard water. It can be difficult to remove once it has hardened, but there are many successful methods and products to tackle it.
A popular method is to use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This can be applied as a paste or a spray. If using a paste, apply it to the surface, leave for at least 15 minutes, then wipe and rinse. If using a spray, spritz it on, leave until dried, then wipe away. For particularly heavy soap scum, add table salt to the mixture for more abrasiveness.
Another option is to use a Magic Eraser or melamine sponge, which can be used on shower door glass, tile grout, and the tub basin. Wet the sponge, squeeze it a few times, then wipe away the soap scum. Rinse and dry the surface afterwards.
For soap scum on metal faucets, a solution of vinegar and water can be used. The ratio of vinegar to water depends on the type of metal. For chrome, brass, or bronze, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. For stainless steel, use undiluted vinegar, and for oil-rubbed brass or bronze, use only water.
To prevent soap scum buildup, use liquid soap instead of bar soap, as it contains fewer fatty acids. Keep the shower and tub dry by squeegeeing and/or towelling them down after every use. Soften your water by installing a water softener to remove excess minerals. Use a daily shower cleaner to prevent soap scum from building up.
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Whitening plastic
Plastic shower stalls and tubs are prone to scratches and can easily grow mould and mildew. To keep them clean, it is important to use the right products and methods to avoid damaging the plastic surface. Here are some detailed instructions for whitening plastic shower stalls and tubs:
Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, such as steel wool, on plastic surfaces as they can dull and scratch the surface. Instead, opt for non-abrasive, non-corrosive cleaners. Soft cloths, such as microfiber towels, are ideal for wiping down plastic shower stalls and tubs.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
White vinegar is an effective cleaner for plastic surfaces. It helps dissolve mineral deposits and remove hard water stains. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and coat the shower walls with the solution. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and then scrub and rinse. For heavier stains, you can increase the concentration of vinegar or leave it on for a longer period. To prevent runoff, you can also make a paste by mixing vinegar with borax or baking soda. Apply the paste to the discoloured areas and scrub it off after an hour.
Commercial Cleaners
There are several commercial cleaning products available that are suitable for plastic shower stalls and tubs. Lysol Multi-purpose Cleaner and ECOS Shower Cleaner are recommended for cleaning plastic surfaces. Clorox Bleach Gel is another option for removing discoloured spots on white plastic floors. Always read the labels and choose products that are specifically designed for use on plastic or acrylic surfaces.
Natural Cleaners
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, grapefruits, or limes, can be used to clean plastic shower stalls and tubs. Cut the fruit in half, remove any seeds, and gently rub the fruit on the shower walls. The citric acid in the fruit will help remove hard water stains, mould, and mildew. You can also use lemon oil to remove water spots on metal frames around shower doors.
Other Tips
- To remove soap scum, use a single-edge razor blade to carefully scrape off the buildup.
- For textured plastic floors, use extra-strength cleaning solutions to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Keep the area well-ventilated when cleaning, and always wear protective equipment when handling harsh cleaning products.
- Regular maintenance is key. A quick wipe-down of your shower on a weekly basis will prevent soap scum buildup and keep your shower looking new.
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Removing mildew
Mildew and mould are common issues in plastic shower stalls and tubs. This is due to the constant exposure to water, which can lead to mineral build-up, especially with hard water. The humidity of the shower environment also encourages the growth of mildew and mould.
To remove mildew and mould, you can use a commercial bathroom disinfectant, or a natural cleaning solution.
Commercial Disinfectants
Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover is a heavy-duty solution that kills, removes, and prevents mould and mildew. It is effective at ridding your bathroom of that musty odour.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
A baking soda and bleach solution can be used to remove mould and mildew from walls and surfaces. You can also use these two ingredients separately. When using bleach, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, such as gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask. A 10:1 water-to-bleach solution is effective on non-porous surfaces such as tubs and sinks, but should not be used on walls or ceilings.
White vinegar is another effective natural solution for cleaning mildew and mould. It can be diluted to clean tiles or used directly on the showerhead. Undiluted vinegar might have an unpleasant odour, but it is excellent at removing mould. Spray vinegar directly onto the affected area, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a rag or sponge.
To prevent vinegar from running off vertical surfaces, you can mix it with borax to make a paste. Spread the paste liberally on the mildew and scrub it off after an hour. You may need to spray the paste with vinegar periodically to keep it wet.
A paste made from baking soda and water can also be used to remove mildew and mould. Dip a plastic scrub brush into the paste and work it into any mildew that has accumulated on the walls and floor of the shower. Use a toothbrush to reach difficult areas. Allow the paste to remain for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Preventing Mildew
To prevent mildew and mould from growing in your shower, it is important to keep the area well-ventilated. Open a window or switch on your bathroom fan when showering, and keep the fan running for 20 to 30 minutes afterward.
Remove sponges, product bottles, and loofahs from the shower when not in use, as water can accumulate under them, creating a breeding ground for mildew and mould. Keep your shower walls dry when you are not showering, and disinfect them regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
A mixture of vinegar and water is a great homemade cleaning solution for plastic shower stalls and tubs. You can also add baking soda to the mixture for extra cleaning power.
You can use Lysol Multi-Purpose Cleaner or ECOS Shower Cleaner to clean plastic shower stalls and tubs. Clorox Bleach Gel is also a good option for removing discoloured spots on white plastic floors.
You can use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub plastic shower stalls and tubs. Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool, as these can scratch the surface.
To prevent mildew, wipe the shower walls with a towel after each shower and periodically spray a mildew inhibitor and disinfectant. Leave the shower door slightly open to allow air to circulate.
You can use a mixture of vinegar and water or a commercial shower cleaner to remove soap scum. For heavier buildup, you may need to use a razor blade to carefully scrape off the scum before wiping the surface clean.
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