Having a dirty, mildewy shower floor is a common problem many homeowners face. It’s easy to let shower cleaning fall lower on the priority list with busy lives. Before you know it, layers of soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew have built up, making for an unpleasant start to the day.
But there’s no need to live with a grimy tub! With some tried and true cleaning methods, the right tools, and a little elbow grease, that plastic shower floor can be restored to a fresh, hygienic state. This article will walk through step-by-step how to tackle the gunk and get your shower floor shining again. No magic required!
The best tips and tricks have been gathered so you don’t have to waste time testing techniques yourself. By following the right approach, you can successfully banish mold and mildew buildup to reveal a sparkling clean surface. Say goodbye to shower cleaning woes and restore the shine to your plastic floor. Let’s get started on making a dirty tub a thing of the past!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Plastic Shower Floor
Assess the Situation
Before charging into battle, it’s important to assess just what you’re up against. Take a good look at the floor and make note of any particularly troublesome areas.
Is there mold or mildew growing in the grout lines or corner? Do you see leftover residue from soap scum and hard water? Don’t forget to peek under the edges of any bath mats too – they can harbor dirt and grime. The better idea you have of the mess, the more equipped you’ll be to tackle the job.
Gather Your Supplies
Now it’s time to assemble your arsenal of plastic shower floor cleaning weapons. Here are some key items to include:
Protective Gear
You’ll want rubber gloves to keep your hands from getting dried out and irritated. Goggles are a good idea too for keeping cleaning solutions out of your eyes. Go ahead and grab a mask as well if you’re working with harsh chemicals. Better safe than stained clothes!
Mild Detergent
Choose a gentle liquid soap or detergent. Steer clear of anything too harsh that could scratch the surface.
Soft-Bristled Scrub Brush
Look for a brush specifically designed for bathroom scrubbing. The soft bristles won’t mar the finish of your plastic shower floor.
Old Toothbrush
An old toothbrush is perfect for getting into nooks and crannies like the grout lines. Any small scrub brush will do the trick.
White Vinegar
The mild acidity in vinegar helps break down residue from dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Undiluted vinegar can also kill mold and mildew.
Baking Soda
Sprinkling baking soda onto tough stains helps lift them up. Combining baking soda and vinegar creates a bubbly cleaning solution.
Bucket
Use a bucket to mix up cleaning solutions and rinse your scrub brush.
Old Towels
Have some ratty towels on hand for sopping up spills and drips.
Knee Pads (optional)
Cushion your knees while you scrub with a set of knee pads designed for household chores.
Clear the Area
Before getting your hands dirty, do some preliminary tidying up. Remove any bath mats, shower caddies, or other accessories that are sitting on the shower floor.
It’s easier to work without obstacles in your way. Give the walls a quick wipe down too – splatters and drips from cleaning could dirty the walls all over again.
Know Your Enemy
When it comes to cleaning a plastic shower floor, mold, mildew, soap scum, and hard water stains are your biggest adversaries. Here’s a primer on how to identify and defeat them:
Mold and Mildew
Dark splotches and an earthy/musty smell signals mold or mildew. Attack it by combining 1 part bleach and 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz generously and let sit 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Open a window – bleach can be pungent stuff.
Soap Scum
Soap scum has a waxy, filmy look and feels greasy. Use a paste of baking soda and water to lift soap scum. Sprinkle baking soda onto problem areas, add a splash of water, scrub with your brush, and wipe clean.
Hard Water Stains
White chalky deposits that are tough to scrape off indicate hard water stains. Undiluted white vinegar dissolves these stains well. Pour it right onto the stains, let sit 15 minutes, scrub, and flush with water.
Tackle Trouble Spots
Time to roll up those sleeves and get to work! Start by focusing on any stand-out problem areas first.
Is there a corner with a flourishing mildew colony? Does the wall meet shower pan junction harbor grimy build-up? Are grout lines looking dingy? Blast through the worst of the gunk before moving onto the overall floor.
You want to dislodge the toughest dirt while you (and your cleaning solutions) are still fresh.
Scrub the Surfaces
With problem areas tended to, start working on scrubbing down the rest of the shower floor. Pick a corner and work outward in sections.
Apply your chosen cleaning solution (vinegar, baking soda paste, etc.) to an area, let it sit a few minutes to work its magic, then scrub.
Use the scrub brush for large areas and the toothbrush to get into crevices. Keep rinsing your scrub brush in the bucket to knock off dirt. And change out towels as needed when sopping up liquid.
Check Your Work
Stand back and admire your handiwork when the entire floor has been scrubbed. Do you see any spots you missed? Now is the time to touch up any remaining grimy areas. It’s also smart to give the walls another quick wipe down. Drips and splashes may have left their mark while you were working on the floor.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once scrubbing is complete, grab your detachable shower head or a large cup to rinse away all cleaning solution residue. You don’t want any vinegar or bleach smell lingering. And make sure no baking soda grains are hiding out in cracks. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Let Air Dry
After rinsing, open the window or turn on the bathroom fan. It’s best to let the shower floor air dry rather than wiping down. This prevents water spots or streaks from marring your freshly cleaned floor. Once it’s completely dry, replace any bath mats or accessories.
Maintain Your Work
Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Keep that plastic shower floor looking shiny by repeating this routine cleaning every 1-2 weeks. Doing regular maintenance cleans is much easier than letting dirt build up over time. Here are some quick tips for keeping the grime at bay:
- Squeegee the floor after each shower or bath to remove excess water. Allowing puddles to dry leaves mineral deposits behind.
- Spray with a DIY vinegar cleaning solution after use. Just 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water in a bottle works great.
- Hang a towel or bath mat outside the shower to soak up splashes and drips from wet feet.
- Keep your shower well-ventilated to discourage mold growth.
- Schedule a deep scrubbing session every month to tackle any hidden grunge before it gets out of hand.
So, stay vigilant to enjoy a shower floor that looks fresh and clean!
Troubleshooting Tricky Messes
Sometimes a simple scrubbing doesn’t do the trick. Here are some tips for tackling extra stubborn shower floor grime:
- For dark mildew stains that don’t budge with bleach, try a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply and let sit overnight before scrubbing.
- If soap scum laughs at your baking soda scrub, spray on some white vinegar first to help break it down.
- To dissolve hard water’s chalky deposits, cover with cream of tartar and spritz with lemon juice. After an hour, the stains scrub away easily.
- For deep-set gunk in textured plastic shower floors, use an old chopstick or cotton swab to dislodge grime from crevices.
- Drain cleaner can help eat away rust stains left behind by metal shower accessories. Check the product label for shower floor use and rinse thoroughly after application.
Prevent Mildew and Mold
Once you get that shower floor sparkling, be vigilant to prevent future mold and mildew growth. Here are some tips:
- Open windows or run the fan during and after showering to allow moisture to escape.
- Spray shower walls and floor with vinegar after each use, then wipe down with a squeegee or towel.
- Recaulk any cracks and crevices where water can seep in and mold can take hold.
- After showering, wipe excess moisture off shower curtains, corners, and the ceiling.
- Leave the shower door open to allow ventilation between uses.
- Regularly scrub away any soap scum buildup – this provides food for mold.
- Freshen up corners with tea tree or eucalyptus oil – natural antifungals.
Remove Slipperiness
A freshly cleaned plastic shower floor can get dangerously slick. Here are some ways to boost traction:
- Stick non-slip decals or appliques onto the floor for sure footing.
- Install a textured bath mat, shower rug, or adhesive slip-resistant strips.
- Etch the floor’s surface with coarse sandpaper to add grip – be gentle over softer plastics.
- Lightly sprinkle baking soda or powdered rock salt onto the floor while damp and let dry – leaves a traction coating.
- Replace worn-down plastics that have become too smooth. New plastic has better grip.
Removing Scratches
Light scratches and scuffs in plastic shower floors mar the finish but aren’t usually a cleanliness issue. Here are ways to minimize their appearance:
- Buff very lightly with extra-fine steel wool saturated with bathroom cleaner – test in an inconspicuous spot first.
- Use a polishing compound designed specifically for plastics. Apply with a cloth and rub gently in the direction of the scratches.
- Fill in scratches with clear nail polish. Carefully wipe away excess.
- Replace badly scratched or flaking plastic pans. Installing a new shower floor costs less than retiling.
- Add non-slip decals on top of scratched areas to cover imperfections.
- Relax about minor scratches – most only show when the light hits them just right. Focus on cleanliness over perfection.
Know When To Call A Pro
Some shower cleaning woes require backup:
- If you suspect the mildew has gotten behind walls or under the plastic, call for professional mold remediation.
- For significant finish damage, plastic repair pros can sand and refinish the shower floor.
- Leaks between the floor and pan may require the services of a plumber.
- If hard water deposits resist even your strongest cleaners, install a water softener.
- For cleaning angled or massive multi-head showers, hire a cleaning service to tackle the job.
Bottom Line- Restore Your Shower’s Shine
Just be sure to wear some comfortable shoes, turn on a podcast for scrubbing motivation, and get ready to see some impressive results.
You can do this! That shower floor won’t know what hit it. And remember, consistency is vital – set up a regular cleaning routine, and you can prevent major scrubbing sessions for good.
It may seem like a hassle at first, but the payoff of a permanently pristine shower floor makes it all worthwhile. Go ahead and get excited about showering again!