Both showers and bathtubs need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to remove dirt, soap scum, etc. Regular cleaning also helps prevent the build-up of hard water stains, limescale, etc. on the surfaces in your shower and bathtub that can be much more difficult to get rid of the longer you wait. Thoroughly cleaning your shower and tub frequently can also help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew that can be harmful to your and your family’s health. Plus, no one likes to try to get clean in a grimy shower or a filthy bathtub. Is there a way to properly clean your shower? Let’s discuss.
Experts suggest that you should thoroughly clean the main surfaces of your shower and bathtub at least once per week. Even if once a week sounds a little too frequent for your taste, you should at least aim to scrub your shower and tub at least twice a month.
What your shower and bathtub are made of makes a major difference in how you should clean them. Certain cleaning agents and methods that work wonders on a porcelain bathtub can destroy a fiberglass shower, for example. If you want to get your bathroom sparkling again, here are some tips on how to properly clean your shower and tub depending on their materials.
How to Clean Porcelain Enameled Steel
Porcelain-enameled steel is a popular material for showers and bathtubs because it is very durable and inexpensive. Fortunately, porcelain showers and tubs are also very easy to clean.
Showers and tubs that are made from porcelain-enameled steel are prone to getting chipped and rusting. It is important to use gentle cleaners—you can even just use dish soap and hot water—on porcelain surfaces and clean porcelain surfaces regularly to prevent rusting. Do not use abrasive cleaners like vinegar or rough sponges on porcelain.
How to Clean Fiberglass
Fiberglass is another material that is commonly used for showers and bathtubs. It is a very affordable material, so it’s great for homeowners on a budget.
One of the disadvantages of fiberglass is that it tends to be less durable than other materials that are commonly used for showers and bathtubs. It is very prone to scratches and cracks.
Using a paste made from baking soda and hot water to scrub fiberglass surfaces can help effectively clean these surfaces and also minimize the appearance of existing scratches and cracks.
Regularly waxing the fiberglass surfaces of your shower and bathtub—any standard auto wax should work well—can also help restore the original shine of the fiberglass and prevent it from cracking and getting scratched. Use a washcloth to apply the wax in a circular motion for best results.
How to Clean Acrylic
Acrylic showers and bathtubs are resistant to chips and cracks and have a beautiful natural glossy finish. Acrylic is also a very durable material and tends to remain in good condition for many years without sustaining too much wear and tear. It is also especially resistant to mold and mildew.
Cleaning acrylic showers and bathtubs is fairly easy. Avoid abrasive sponges in order to prevent chipping or cracking the surface of your acrylic shower or tub. You can use a mixture of hot water and vinegar or a paste of baking soda and vinegar to properly clean acrylic surfaces in your bathroom.
How to Clean Natural Stone
Showers and bathtubs that are made from natural stone are considered to be some of the most beautiful showers and tubs. Natural stone is also very durable, but it tends to be more expensive than many other materials.
Cleaning natural stone surfaces can be tricky because different types of stone have different cleaning requirements. Using gentle cleansers and gentle cloth or sponges is recommended for keeping your natural stone shower and bathtub in like-new condition for as long as possible.
Knowing how to properly clean different materials that are commonly used for showers and bathtubs can help you determine which materials you want in your bathroom. If you are in need of shower or bathtub installation services, give Accurate Leak Locators and Plumbing services a call.
This Inland Empire-based professional plumbing company offers shower and bathtub installation services. Their team of professional plumbers has more than 30 years of experience in providing a wide range of plumbing and leak location services. If you are located in Southern California, you won’t regret choosing Accurate Leak Locators and Plumbing to complete your shower and/or bathtub installation.
