You’re a smart homeowner. As you plan for your shower remodel, you’re not just thinking about the next few weeks. You’re thinking about the next two decades, from durability to maintenance. You’ve heard that acrylic shower panels and shower systems are some of the easiest to keep clean, but what does that really look like?
At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, acrylic showers are our bread and butter and have been for 25 years. Not only do we install new acrylic shower systems, but we also come back to maintain them within the parameters of our warranties. Today, we’re going to tell you exactly what it takes to clean an acrylic shower, including regular and specialty routines. Read on to find out what supplies and techniques to use to keep your acrylic shower like new.
First, you’ll want to pick your cleaning spray. A mild spray works wonders, whether you’re creating a DIY concoction or buying something at the store.
If you prefer to make your own cleaning supplies with common household items, you’re in luck! There are two different solutions that are great for routine acrylic shower maintenance.
If you have white vinegar: Mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water in a spray bottle. This creates a mild cleanser that is great at breaking down soap scum.
If you have white vinegar and liquid dish soap: Mix one part white vinegar, one part warm water, and one part liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. The dish soap creates suds for a slightly more robust clean and cuts through that strong vinegar smell.
If you prefer a store-bought cleaning solution, look for a multipurpose, bleach-free bathroom cleaner. Here are a few examples of the brands and products that work well on acrylic shower panels:
The best part about these products? Unlike the specialty cleaners you have to buy for materials like natural stone, the commercial products that work best for acrylic shower walls can be used on every surface in your bathroom.
When it comes to picking your acrylic shower cleaning supplies, it’s just as important to note what not to use. First and foremost, never use a product that contains bleach, ammonia, or abrasive ingredients like baking soda. Acrylic is a durable, long-lasting material, but the wrong cleaner could cause mild discoloration or surface-level scratches.
If you’re mixing up a DIY cleaning product, make sure you know which ingredients become harmful when mixed. For example, you should never combine vinegar with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar with bleach, or rubbing alcohol and bleach.
Finding the right DIY cleaning spray or commercial product is only half the equation. You’ll also need something to use to wipe down your acrylic wall panels. Some of the best tools for the job include:
These tools are great because they can be used several times or even washed and reused indefinitely. If you prefer a one-and-done disposable option, your typical paper towel will also do the trick.
Once again, we have to note the tools you shouldn’t use on your acrylic shower walls. The key here is to avoid anything abrasive. This includes things like:
Once again, this is because abrasive materials can scratch the surface of your acrylic shower walls. While this type of damage won’t have a major impact on the functionality or waterproofing of your acrylic shower system, it can make your shower look older and less attractive.
Finally, let’s talk about the actual steps involved in cleaning your acrylic shower. We’ve got quick guides for regular maintenance, targeted soap scum removal, shower accessory cleaning, and mold removal.
Regular acrylic shower maintenance is not only super simple but also a great way to keep your shower looking lustrous and new for years to come. These steps are best for a weekly or biweekly cleaning:
If you fall behind on your routine maintenance (who doesn’t from time to time?), you may discover a build-up of soap scum, especially on the bottom half of your shower wall panels. Here are the steps you can take to remove soap scum from an acrylic shower:
Bonus tip: Interestingly enough, you may notice more soap scum if you use bar soap, which is thicker and tends to leave behind more residue. If you use bar soap regularly, allow your cleaning spray to sit for five to ten minutes every time you clean your shower.
If you have built-in acrylic shower accessories like soap niches, corner shelves, and seating, your shower will have a few nooks and crannies that might require a bit of TLC from time to time. Every two months or as needed, grab a soft-bristled toothbrush and follow these steps:
Fortunately, acrylic is a solid surface wall material with a 100% waterproof finish and no grout lines. As a result, it’s rare to see mold and mildew in an acrylic shower–but it’s not impossible. If you do discover mold in your acrylic shower, follow these steps to eradicate it:
Bonus tip: Unless you address the source of mold growth, you’ll find yourself completing these steps every few weeks. Most of the time, mold growth in an acrylic shower is caused by poor bathroom ventilation. Always run your bathroom fan for at least 20 minutes after using your tub or shower. If doing so doesn’t bring down the humidity level, you may need to clean your bathroom vent.
Acrylic really is one of the most low-maintenance shower wall materials out there. With this guide, you can keep your acrylic shower clean and like-new for years to come.
Worried about damage, not just cleanliness? When you’re choosing your shower remodel company, it’s crucial that you assess the warranties they offer. Take a look at our ZINTEX warranty page to learn everything you need to know about our limited lifetime warranty on both products and labor.
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