The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning a Plastic Shower Tray
Is your plastic shower tray looking grimy despite your best scrubbing efforts? Are spots, stains, and mildew threatening to take over your tub? Don’t worry friend – with the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can get your shower tray sparkling again.
As a home improvement expert who has renovated my fair share of bathrooms, I’ve learned all the tips and tricks to make plastic shower trays look brand new. Read on for my complete guide to deep cleaning your plastic tub or shower floor and keeping it pristine for years to come.
Why Regular Cleaning is Crucial
Before we dig into the nitty gritty of cleaning, let’s quickly go over why it’s so important to stay on top of shower maintenance:
- Prevents permanent stains and damage – Soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew can actually degrade and discolor plastic over time if allowed to linger.
- Improves appearance – There’s nothing like a freshly cleaned shower to make your whole bathroom look brighter and feel cleaner.
- Reduces health risks – Grimy showers can cultivate mold, bacteria, and fungi which can negatively impact your health and respiratory system.
- Saves money – Regular cleaning helps prevent the need for costly resurfacing or replacements down the road.
Experts recommend deep cleaning your shower at least once a week for optimal results. Are you ready to get scrubbing? Let’s cover everything you need to know.
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s a checklist of supplies that are shower cleaning must-haves:
- Mild liquid dish soap or bathroom cleaner
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Old toothbrush
- Soft sponge, rag, or scrub brush
- Mini squeegee
- Bucket
- Rubber cleaning gloves
- Safety goggles
- Fan or window for ventilation
I recommend keeping a caddy or bin in your bathroom closet to hold all these supplies together for easy access.
The Keys to Plastic Shower Care
Plastic shower trays come in several forms – acrylic, PET thermoplastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic, etc. Each has slightly different properties. Here are some of the most common types and cleaning tips:
| Type | Properties | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Warm, glossy finish. Prone to scratching. | Use non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid scrub brushes. |
| PET Thermoplastic | Durable but can fade over time. | Rinse well after cleaning. Apply yearly sealant. |
| Fiberglass Reinforced | Strong finish but still scratchable. | Wipe down after each use. |
No matter what type of plastic you have, there are some golden rules to follow:
- Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives – These damage the surface. Stick to mild cleaners.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning – Residue buildup can stain over time.
- Squeegee after each use – This prevents soap scum and water marks.
- Re-seal yearly – Sealing protects the surface from mineral deposits.
Okay, let’s get down to business and talk step-by-step cleaning!
How to Deep Clean a Plastic Shower Tray
Here is my 10-step process for a sparkling clean plastic shower tray:
1. Clear Away Shower Items
Start by removing all bottles, loofahs, bath mats, and other items from the shower. This gives you full access to the surfaces.
2. Dry Surfaces with a Towel
Give all the walls and shower floor a thorough wipe down with a dry towel. This removes any pooled or standing water.
3. Apply Cleaner and Let Soak
Spray your choice of mild cleaner all around the shower. Pay special attention to grimy areas. Let the cleaner soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Scrub Walls, Trays, and Accessories
Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub all interior walls, corners, and sides of the shower. Use a toothbrush for tile grout. Scrub the floor and any tracks or guides.
5. Clean Doors, Handles, and Fixtures
Wipe down the exterior of shower doors, hinges, handles and any exterior fixtures with your cleaning cloth.
6. Rinse Away Cleaner
Thoroughly rinse all surfaces with warm water until all suds and cleaner residue is gone. This prevents staining.
7. Squeegee Walls and Floor
Wipe down all interior walls and floor with a squeegee to remove pooled water and moisture. This helps them dry faster.
8. Allow Surfaces to Air Dry
Leave the shower door ajar and turn on a fan or open a window to allow full air circulation. Let the shower fully dry.
9. Re-clean Stained Areas
Inspect for any missed spots or stains. Re-apply cleaner and scrub again if needed. Two rounds of cleaning may be required.
10. Remove Gloves & Gear and Celebrate!
Remove cleaning gloves and gear. Then step back and admire your freshly cleaned, stain-free, squeaky clean shower!
Mix Up Your Own Natural Cleaners
If you’re worried about harsh chemical fumes, you can also mix up your own natural cleaners right at home using a few simple ingredients:
Citrus Cleaner
1 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tbsp baking soda
Lemon and orange peels
Essential Oil Cleaner
2 cups water
10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops eucalyptus oil
These provide non-toxic cleaning power without the chemical residue. Be sure to still rinse well after using any natural cleaners.
Pro Tips for Fighting Stubborn Stains
Even with diligent cleaning, you may encounter some stubborn stains on your plastic shower tray:
Hard Water Stains – Scrub with a baking soda paste. Rinse. Then wipe down with undiluted white vinegar.
Soap Scum – Apply lemon juice and let sit 20 minutes. Scrub and rinse.
Mildew – Spray with hydrogen peroxide. Let sit 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Rust Stains – Use a commercial rust remover. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
Discoloration – Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Leave for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Etching – Unfortunately etched plastic can‘t be restored. Time to re-surface or replace the tray.
Shower Tray Re-Surfacing vs Replacement
Over time, even well maintained plastic shower trays can show signs of wear like etching and discoloration. At that point, you have two options:
Re-Surfacing – This entails spraying a fresh coat of plastic enamel over the existing tub. Costs $400-$1000.
Replacement – Removing old tray and installing a brand new tub or shower pan. $1000-$3000.
Re-surfacing can buy you some extra years if the pan is structurally sound. But replacement is the better permanent solution for extensive damage.
Preventative Care for Plastic Showers
The best offense is a good defense when it comes to your shower. Here are some tips to avoid damage and stains in the first place:
- Squeegee walls and floor after each use – This prevents up to 90% of moisture damage and buildup
- Open windows or run fans – Proper ventilation is key to moisture control
- Re-apply sealant 1-2 times per year – Sealing protects the surface from chemical damage
- Install a shower head filter – Reduces minerals that lead to hard water stains
- Immediately wipe spills – Don’t give stains time to set in
An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure for plastic shower maintenance!
Create a Handy Cleaning Schedule
Here is a helpful printable monthly calendar to keep your cleaning on track:
Download Shower Cleaning Schedule
Hang this right in your bathroom as a handy reminder of what needs to be cleaned when. Check off tasks as you complete them.
Safety First!
When working with corrosive or abrasive cleaners, please keep these precautions in mind:
- Always wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid irritation or injury
- Never mix cleaning products together, as toxic fumes can result
- Work in a well-ventilated area and take breaks from inhaling fumes
- Triple rinse shower after cleaning to remove all chemical residue
- Keep shower door open while drying to allow air flow
- Read all product labels thoroughly and follow instructions
Better safe than sorry! Handle cleaning products with care.
Let Your Shower Shine!
Okay my friend, you are now armed with all the skills and knowledge needed to get your plastic shower tray squeaky clean!
Remember, regular maintenance is crucial. Wipe down with a daily spray and squeegee. Deep clean at least weekly. And re-seal the surface 1-2 times per year.
With the right schedule and techniques, you can keep your plastic shower tray looking like new for years before needing to re-surface or replace. Just be sure to use only plastic-safe cleaners.
Here’s to many more enjoyable, relaxing showers ahead in your fresh, clean oasis. As always, reach out if you have any other home improvement or DIY questions!