The 3 Best Ways – How to Clean an Acrylic Shower
Now that you have installed your new acrylic shower enclosure kit, you must know how to clean an acrylic shower to make it last. Acrylic is a type of plastic that can react to certain chemicals and other off-the-shelf cleaning products and get damaged. The last thing you want is to have scratches, stains, and other unsightly damages caused by not using the right cleaning methods.
Cleaning Method 1: Use an acrylic-safe cleaning product.
Certain off-the-shelf cleaning products are safe to use with acrylic. You want to read the labels on the bottles to ensure you pick one that is acrylic-safe. Some of the more popular brand names that are perfect to use include:
- Formula 409® All-Purpose Cleaner
- Dawn® Dish Soap (or Your Favorite Brand)
- CLR® Bath and Kitchen Cleaner
- Lysol® Power Bathroom Cleaner
You want to stay away from cleansers and products that contain acetone.
Wet the shower walls down before applying the cleaning product. Next, apply a liberal amount of cleaner to the shower. Wait about 10 minutes for it to work. Then rinse the cleaning product off. Use a microfiber soft cloth to wipe off any excess cleaners or to scrub difficult stains.
Cleaning Method 2: Use citrus fruits.
The citric acid in citrus fruits is acrylic-safe. You can use lemons, grapefruit, or limes. Cut the fruit in half and remove any seeds. Gently rub the fruit on the shower walls and other areas you want to clean. As you do, apply a small amount of pressure to let the juices out.
Wait for about 20 minutes for the citric acid in the fruit to penetrate and remove hard water stains, mold, and mildew. Rinse off using warm water and wipe down with a clean microfiber soft cloth.
Cleaning Method 3: Make your own acrylic-safe cleaning product.
Another option is to make your own acrylic-safe cleaning product. You will need an empty spray bottle. Do not use a spray bottle that had another cleaning product in it previously. Instead, pick up a never-been-used spray bottle from your local retailer.
Once you have your spray bottle, fill it half with white vinegar and half with warm water. You don’t have to fill the bottle full, and you can mix smaller amounts. Make sure to shake the bottle before using the homemade cleaner, to thoroughly mix the vinegar and water together.
Spray the vinegar/water cleaner onto the shower walls, coating them with a sufficient amount. Allow the solution to sit and work for at least 30 minutes. For heavier hard water stains and soap scum buildup, leave it one for up to an hour.
Use a dry microfiber soft towel to scrub areas before rinsing them. Rinse the entire shower with hot water when done. For problem areas, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the shower walls and let the natural reaction remove the stain.
If you do not like the smell of vinegar, you can also use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water for the cleaning solution. For difficult areas, sprinkle on some cream of tartar, and it will cause a foaming reaction like vinegar and baking soda.
All of these three methods are the best ways to clean your acrylic show and keep it clean. Just be careful, if you decide to try a different one than you are currently using, that you thoroughly rinse the shower out first before using a different cleaning method.
To find acrylic bathtub and shower surround enclosures and kits for your home, please feel free to browse our available products on our website or call American Bath Enterprises, Inc. at 888-228-4925 today!