6 Simple Steps To Clean An Acrylic Shower Base

Acrylic is a very delicate material, and acrylic shower bases are no different. When cleaning an acrylic shower base, it's important to make sure that you are using the right tools, cleaning solutions, and methods to prevent damaging the base in the process. But how exactly do you clean an acrylic shower base? We've looked into the answer to this question, and in this post, we provide the best solution.

To clean your acrylic shower base effectively, please follow these basic steps:

  1. Gather your materials.
  2. Prepare your cleaning solution.
  3. Apply the cleaning solution to the base.
  4. Gently scrub the shower base.
  5. Rinse the cleaning solution off.
  6. Let the shower base air-dry.

If you are considering installing an acrylic shower base in your bathroom and are unsure how to clean it, this post is just for you. We will discuss the best cleaners to use for your shower base and methods that you can implement to get rid of tough stains. Continue reading to learn about how to clean and maintain an acrylic shower base.

Large sized bathroom with acrylic shower base, 6 Simple Steps To Clean An Acrylic Shower Base

Steps To Clean Acrylic Shower Base

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Small bathroom with toilet and shower in gray tones, How To Clean Shower Base With Baking Soda [6 Simple Steps]

If you have recently purchased an acrylic shower base, be sure to take a look at the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining the base, as well as precautions to keep it from becoming damaged.

Cleaning your acrylic base weekly can prevent common stains such as water spots, mildew, and calcium stains from developing. Try to get into the habit of cleaning the base with an all-natural solution or a safe commercial solution every five to seven days. This will also prevent the base from turning yellow.

Things you'll need:

  • Disposable toothbrush
  • A cleaning cloth
  • Mild dish soap
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Spray bottle
  • Cleaning sponge
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Non-abrasive cleaner

1. Gather your materials

Gather all of your cleaning materials and tools and place them in the bathroom on the floor. This is also when you want to remove any personal items from the shower, including shower benches, cleaning products, shampoos, and razors. Place these items aside; be sure to check the bottoms of them for mold or mildew so that you can clean them later.

When cleaning acrylic surfaces, try to avoid harsh cleaners containing ammonia, acetone, or other acidic ingredients. Cleaners will usually have a list of surfaces meant to clean, so always check the label beforehand.

2. Prepare your cleaning solution

There are several commercial cleaners that you can use on your acrylic shower base. You can also create your own homemade solution if you prefer. One great solution that works on acrylic surfaces is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. To create this solution, mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of water and two tablespoons of baking soda. Next, pour the solution into a spray bottle. If the solution is too thick, add more water to it.

Click here to see this baking soda on Amazon.

3. Apply the cleaning solution to the base

It's always a good idea to do a quick spot test before applying new cleaners to your acrylic base, just to make sure that they are safe to use. If you are pleased with the test result, spray the cleaning solution onto the entire base.

Be sure to apply additional coverage to the areas around the shower drain and the base's edges. These are places where water may accumulate, and as a result, they may harbor mold and other grime. Allow the solution to sit on the base for about two to three minutes to penetrate the surface.

If there are stains on the shower base, allow the solution to sit for about five to seven minutes. If there are tough stains on the shower base, take a tablespoon of baking soda and pour it directly on top of the stains. Next, take your soft-bristled brush or a disposable toothbrush and scrub it away.

4. Gently scrub the shower base

Next, take your soft bristle brush, and starting at the base, gently scrub the shower base. Work your way around the base's perimeter and use circular motions to lift any grime or debris that may have developed. Once you have cleaned the edges, work your way into the middle of the shower base, and be sure to scrub around the drain. If there are small nooks and crannies within the design of your shower base, take a disposable toothbrush to gently scrub in between these areas.

You'll want to stay away from harsh scrubbing pads, abrasive cloths, and rough sponges as they may scratch the base. Never use steel wool on your acrylic base, as it will definitely scratch the surface. If you don't have a soft bristle brush, you can also use terry cloth or microfiber to clean the base.

See this corner scrubber, ideal for tight shower areas, on Amazon.

5. Rinse the cleaning solution off

Once the base is clean and free of stains, turn on the shower and rinse it off. It's also helpful to use a cup to help rinse off the base in areas where the shower water may not hit directly. Continue rinsing until the base and drain are free of the cleaning solution. If you notice any additional stains at this time, reapply the cleaning solution and allow it to sit for another five to seven minutes.

6. Let the shower base air-dry

After rinsing the shower base, allow it to air-dry for the next four to eight hours before you use it again. It's also helpful to open up a window or a door and allow a little ventilation. This will help the base dry out faster.

Do acrylic showers turn yellow?

Yes. Unfortunately, acrylic showers and bases can develop a yellowish tint over time from frequent use. More often than not, this comes from the surface's interaction with personal hygiene products such as shampoos, soaps, as well as hard water minerals such as calcium and lime. This is a fairly common complaint with acrylic bathtubs and showers.

The best way to prevent and remove the stains is to clean the shower or tub regularly and to use natural whiteners such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and vinegar to clean the surface of your acrylic shower.

How do you whiten an acrylic shower base?

There are a couple of easy ways to keep your acrylic shower base white and prevent it from becoming discolored. Let's take a look at these methods.

Use Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide

  1. Start by taking two tablespoons of baking soda and mixing it with one cup of hydrogen peroxide. If you don't have baking soda, you can also use cream of tartar from your kitchen pantry.
  2. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl until they form a paste-like consistency.
  3. Next, take a disposable toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush and apply the solution to the shower base. You can also use a sponge or microfiber cloth. Be sure to work the solution into the base. Pay special attention to areas around the edge and center of the base.
  4. Allow the solution to sit for about five to seven minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Use Borax

  1. For this method, you'll need about two tablespoons of borax.
  2. Prepare your cleaning solution by combining one tablespoon of borax with two cups of tap water.
  3. Stir the ingredients together in a small bowl until they form a paste-like consistency.
  4. Next, take a sponge or soft bristle brush and apply the solution to the shower base.
  5. Allow the solution to sit on the base for about 15 to 20 minutes, and then scrub it away.
  6. Next, rinse the base with warm water and allow it to dry for about 48 hours before using it again.

See this Borax on Amazon.

Can you use Soft Scrub on an acrylic shower?

According to its product label, Soft Scrub is not a safe cleaner to use on acrylic surfaces. It will likely be too abrasive for your acrylic shower and may cause it to develop scratches or become discolored with continued use.

Is Scrubbing Bubbles safe on acrylic?

Yes, Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner is safe to use on acrylic surfaces. It's always best to do a spot test first, however, just to make sure that the solution does not scratch the acrylic. If you have fixtures around your acrylic surfaces made of chrome, stainless steel, or fiberglass, you can also use the cleaner on them.

See this Scrubbing Bubbles spray on Amazon.

Is Magic Eraser safe on acrylic?

Yes, Magic Eraser pads are safe to use on acrylic and can help to remove tough stains from the surface showers and bathtubs.

Click here to see this magic eraser on Amazon.

How often should you clean the shower floor? 

Cleaning your shower floor at least once a week can help to minimize the accumulation of harmful bacteria such as E. Coli, staphylococcus, and certain types of fungi. If you use your bathroom daily, it's also a good idea to do a deep cleaning every two to four weeks to disinfect all of the bathroom surfaces.

Wrapping Things Up

Large sized bathroom with acrylic shower base, 6 Simple Steps To Clean An Acrylic Shower Base

We hope that this post has provided you with the information you were looking for to clean your acrylic shower base. Before you go, be sure to check out some of our other posts:

Is An Acrylic Shower Better Than Fiberglass?

Acrylic Bathtubs Pros And Cons: What Homeowners Need To Know

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