How To Clean & Maintain A Fiberglass Shower Pan

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made on our website.

Cleaning and maintaining a fiberglass shower pan is relatively easy if it’s not too stained. However, fiberglass isn’t as durable as tiling, and it may get damaged if you clean it too vigorously. So, how do you clean your fiberglass shower pan without causing any damage?

The best way to clean your fiberglass shower pan is by using vinegar, baking soda, or dishwashing detergent. You can also use a commercial bathroom cleaner or a Magic Eraser if you don’t want to go with DIY methods. For especially tough stains, try using hydrogen peroxide.

Let’s take a closer look at the cleaning supplies you’ll need to clean your fiberglass pan, how to use them correctly, and some tips you need to follow to maintain your fiberglass shower pan.  

Which Cleaning Supplies Will You Need?

Hand in rubber glove cleaning acrylic shower tray

Some of the most commonly used supplies you’ll need to clean a fiberglass shower pan are: 

  • White vinegar, dishwashing detergent, or baking soda (if you want to make a DIY cleaning agent)
  • A non-abrasive cleaning sponge or a white, clean, soft cloth

The cleaning supplies you need depend upon the method you chose to clean your fiberglass shower pan. If you want to do light cleaning, a sponge or clean cloth and a cleaning solution are enough.

However, you may need hydrogen peroxide or another extra strong bathroom cleaner if you want to remove tough stains. 

Method for Cleaning a Fiberglass Shower Pan

The most effective method to clean your fiberglass shower pan is with vinegar solution and dishwashing detergent. You can also use baking soda to exfoliate the stains or rust on your fiberglass. 

Some ready-to-use solutions like Magic Erasers are also ideal. However, if the stains are too hard, you can also use more drastic cleaning methods like hydrogen peroxide. 

Always be sure to open all doors and windows while cleaning your shower to ensure proper ventilation and avoid respiratory problems.  

Let’s discuss these methods in more detail: 

Vinegar Solutions

Vinegar is one of the most commonly used household cleaners for stains of any sort. It’s easily available, affordable, and doesn’t damage fiberglass. The acid in white vinegar (on Amazon) is strong enough to remove fiberglass stains caused by mildew, soap scums, limescale, and rust.

Here’s the right way to make and apply a vinegar solution on your fiberglass shower pan: 

  1. Prewash your fiberglass to remove the grime. 
  1. Take a bucket and mix a half cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water. 
  1. Soak the sponge or cloth in the mixture and directly rub it on your fiberglass pan. You can also use a spray bottle to apply the mixture to your fiberglass. 
  1. Wait for about 10 minutes to let the vinegar properly set into the stains. 
  1. Rinse the fiberglass with warm water and clean it with a dry, white cloth. 

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is another solution to remove fiberglass stains like gunk, soap scum buildups, water spots, and sculpture grim. Here’s how you can make baking soda mixture correctly: 

  1. Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda in a half cup of warm water.
  1. Stir the mixture until it develops into a thick paste. You can also add more baking soda if the mixture is still watery. 
  1. Gently apply the solution to your fiberglass shower pan with a clean cloth. Make sure to cover all surrounding areas to prevent unwanted spots on them.
  1. Let the mixture set for about an hour. 
  1. Wipe the mixture off your fiberglass with a clean rag or sponge.
  1. Rinse and clean it again with a dry cloth. 
  1. If you want your shower area to smell pleasant, you can also rub the baking soda paste with a citrus fruit like lemon. 

Dishwashing Detergents and Liquid Detergents

Non-abrasive household cleaners like dishwashing detergents and liquid laundry detergents are also effective at cleaning your fiberglass shower pan. These are gentler and will remove stains without scratching your fiberglass.

Here’s how to correctly apply dishwashing and laundry detergents on fiberglass: 

  1. Spray the dishwashing detergents or liquid laundry detergents all over the fiberglass shower pan.
  1. Let the detergent set for 10-15 minutes so they can reach the stains and dissolve them. 
  1. Gently scrub the fiberglass shower pan with a soft scrub brush or sponge.
  1. Rinse with warm water on the fiberglass and clean it with a white, clean cloth.

Other Ready-to-Use Cleaners

You can also use commercial bathroom cleaners and/or a Magic Eraser (on Amazon) to clean fiberglass shower pans. Bathroom cleaners are ready-to-use, but they’re more expensive than homemade solutions. 

Magic Erasers have cleaning solutions inside, and you only need to soak them in clean water before rubbing them on your fiberglass shower pan.   

What’s the Best Way to Remove Stains From a Fiberglass Shower Pan? 

Spacious Modern Bathroom

If the stains are too stubborn and won’t go away with vinegar and other household cleaning solutions, hydrogen peroxide (on Amazon) is a more drastic method to dissolve them. 

It’s more like a bleach solution, but it’s gentle enough to be applied on the fiberglass surface. The correct way to apply it is:

  1. Mix hydrogen peroxide and water with a 1:2 ratio, and make sure it’s evenly mixed. 
  1. Soak a rag or soft sponge in the mixture and rub it gently on the fiberglass surface. 
  1. Let it settle overnight and then rinse it. 
  1. Clean the surface with a dry white cloth. 

Fiberglass Shower Pan Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your fiberglass shower pan will increase its lifespan and give you a pleasant showering experience. Here are some recommended maintenance tips for a fiberglass shower pan: 

  • Apply automotive white wax: Automotive white wax (on Amazon) will keep your fiberglass clean and retain its shine. Simply wash your pan with a wet rag and apply automotive white wax to faded and scratched areas. Some professionals recommend doing this twice a year. 
  • Dry your fiberglass shower pan after every use: This will help retain its shine and prevent bacterial growth. 
  • Never use bleach or any abrasive cleaner: Bleach or other abrasive cleaners are strong enough to scratch your fiberglass shower pan, so avoid using them. Using bleach on shower glass is generally safe.

You may need to change your fiberglass shower pan if it’s too stained and faded. Visit a professional for advice if that’s the case. 

Leave a Comment