How to Remove Stains from the Shower Floor

A grimy shower floor is never a sight to behold. However, a stained shower floor is not only unsightly, but it also leaves you feeling semi-clean after a shower. All you have to do is remove the stains, and you will be looking forward to showering in your gleaming shower.

Keep reading to learn how to remove stains from your shower floor.

How to clean and remove stains from plastic shower floor

Use the methods to clean a plastic shower floor;

Clorox Bleach Gel

Clorox Bleach Gel is the perfect solution for discolored spots on your otherwise white-plastic floors. The solution is milder than pure bleach and has a thick consistency so that the solution stays on the surface instead of running off into the drains. Use only on your white or undyed plastic shower floor.

Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover

Not just for tiles! The Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover are one of the most effective shower cleaners on the market. The heavy-duty solution kills, removes, and prevents mold and mildew, thus, ridding your bathroom of that musty odor.

Dish Soap

Our bodies naturally produce oils which we wash off in the shower. Lotions, conditioners, and other greasy care products also contain oils caught by the plastic shower floor. Dish soap is perfect for degreasing.

Like Dawn Dish Soap, Dish soap works for more than just dishes. Dilute dish soap in a spray bottle, and use the solution to clean your plastic shower floor. The soap tackles even the toughest grease stains, prevent mold growth, and sanitizes the surface.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

To use the product, simply wet the sponge with water, and use it to scrub out heavy stains and dirt spots around your plastic shower pan. Make sure to use gloves while scrubbing to prevent cleaning chemicals from damaging your skin.

Mr. Muscle All-purpose Cleaner

The Mr. Muscle All-purpose Cleaner is a strong sanitizer and grime remover that works on nearly every surface and leaves a clean lavender scent. Use the cleaner for everyday cleaning to prevent bacteria and germs from thriving on the surface of your plastic shower pan. The cleaner may also be used around drainage holes and to clean bathroom fixtures.

Lemon and Baking Soda

Like vinegar, lemon has acidic properties that dissolve hard water stains, grease, and soap scum. Couple that with baking soda, and you’ve got an effective yet safe natural scrubber to clean your plastic shower pan. As a bonus, this combination leaves a refreshing lemon scent.

To clean your plastic shower pan, sprinkle the entire surface with a thin layer of soda. Next, cut a lemon in half, and use the lemon to gently scrub the white powder on the surface of your shower pan. Scrub gently, circularly, and lightly squeeze the lemon, so the juice comes out. Rinse the area with warm water afterward.

Vinegar

Removing soap scum and watermarks is often tricky and can make your shower look filthy. However, if you have white vinegar in the pantry, you can easily cut through the grime. Because of the acid in vinegar, it is superb at removing grease and oils.

Pour a generous amount of vinegar over the stains and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. Then use a sponge or brush to scrub the marks off. Rinse once you’re pleased with the results.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, a mild bleach, can restore the white surface and eliminate dark stains. However, it’s not a one-minute fix, so ensure no one needs the shower until the next day.

Place a white cloth over the stain and soak it generously in hydrogen peroxide. Allow the cloth to stay on the mark overnight, and then rinse off and dry with a towel.

Baking Soda

A baking soda paste could work if you’re not dealing with hard watermarks but still see stains. Baking soda effectively cleans stains like soap scum. First, make a paste with equal amounts of baking soda and water. Cover the stains and allow it an hour or two to work. Next, scrub using a sponge or brush until the marks give in. Then rinse with water and dry the area.

To make an extra powerful paste, use white vinegar instead of water. Mix equal parts to create a paste and apply it to the stains. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Lemon Juice

If you have recently leaked into your shower, there might be some rust stains on the floor. This can seem challenging, but it’s relatively easy to remove. For rust stains, we like to use fresh lemon juice. First, pour the juice directly onto the stain, using enough to cover it. Then, leave the acid to work its magic for a couple of hours.

Rinse the area once the time is up and scrub using a sponge. Let the water run for a while to neutralize the acid in the juice. You can also use white vinegar if you don’t have lemon juice.

For extra tough stains, create a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Spread it generously over the stains and leave it for up to three hours. Then, scrub vigorously using a sponge to dislodge the rust.

How to remove mildew with bleach

Mildew is, unfortunately, commonly found in and around the shower due to the moist environment. Mildew and mold can cause frustrating stains that make your shower floor look old and dirty. It can also be a significant health concern for you and your family.

For this method, you’ll need chlorine bleach and a non-abrasive brush. Start by applying a small amount of bleach to the stain — be careful not to splatter as you pour. Leave it to soak for a couple of minutes and then scrub the area with a brush — rinse the floor thoroughly once you’re done.

Note: Chlorine bleach can have an overpowering scent, so keep the room ventilated. Wear protective gloves and old clothes in case you spill.

Professional Cleaning

For truly deep cleaning, look for professional services that have the experience to clean and sanitize every surface of your home.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure you have a clean shower ready at all times, follow these tips:

Rinse the floor: After a shower, rinse the floor using the showerhead. Doing this will remove soap and other grime before it gets a chance to stain.
Clean the shower weekly: Cleaning the shower once a week will help to prevent stains and soap residue. Regular cleaning will also reduce the need for strong cleaning products.
Remove stains: When you spot a stain or mildew, remove it immediately to prevent it from settling.
Restore the surface: If your shower floor has taken a beating and looks dingy, you can restore it. By using an automobile polish, you can eliminate scratches and dull spots.

How to clean and remove stains from a fiberglass shower floor

Below are some methods you can use to remove hard water stains on a shower floor;

Using Bleach

Bleach is the go-to chemical when it comes to cleaning a bathroom. This is because bleach not only cleans away dirt, grime, soap scum, and other unmentionables but also kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria.

Cleaning steps;

With gloved hands, mix one cup of bleach in a bucket of hot water.
You can also add a cup of laundry detergent to help scrub off excess build-up.
Plug the tub or shower, ensuring the shower head is mounted on its handle before pouring the mixture to the bottom. Let it sit for about fifteen minutes to allow the cleaner to soak in, and begin to lift the soap scum.
Use a scrub brush on the floor to finish pulling up the grime.
Allow the shower to drain.
Rinse the shower floor.
Repeat if any stubborn spots remain.

Using Ammonia

Ammonia is a strong cleaner while being gentler on surfaces. This cleaner is also not known to discolor clothes and is better on hard surfaces. Ammonia is a perfect choice for cleaning up gummy and greasy build-up when cleaning a shower pan floor. You don’t need to mix the ammonia with anything.

Cleaning steps;

Close the drain on your shower and pour in enough to cover the floor.
Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes, then scrub it with a brush.
After scrubbing, open the drain and rinse the area with cool water.

Using Oven Cleaner

Did you know you can use oven cleaners on your shower floor? Oven cleaner is perfect for dealing with built-up grime. When using oven cleaner on your fiberglass shower base, ensure you purchase the type that states “non-fume.” This particular mixture will not give off strong fumes when cleaning the area.

Cleaning steps;

Spray the oven cleaner on a dry shower floor.
Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge to scrub the entire shower floor.
Rinse the shower clean.

How to clean textured fiberglass shower floor

If you have a textured fiberglass shower floor, you need to use a brush to get rid of the dirt easier.

Items needed

Baking soda
White vinegar
Dawn dish soap
Old towels
Spray bottle
Scrub or hard sponge

Cleaning steps

First, give your shower floor a good rinse with clean water.
Then, grab your baking soda and spread it over the shower floor until it’s completely covered.
Place the old towels on top of the shower floor and cover all areas.
Fill a pot with water, bring it to a boil, and pour it all over the towel-covered shower floor.
Let it sit until the towels have completely cooled down.
Use the towels to scrub the shower floor clean, then rinse the shower floor with clean water.
You can also heat a mixture of 2 cups of white vinegar and one tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle and use the entire content to spray the shower floor.
Let it soak for about 30 minutes, then scrub the rest of the stains with a brush or sponge.
Rinse the shower floor with clean water.

How do I get old stains out of my shower floor?

Use this cleaning procedure to restore your shower floor;

Items needed

Liquid dish soap
Cloth
Baking soda
Vinegar
Ammonia
Rubber gloves
Soft-bristle brush or sponge

Cleaning steps

Squirt several drops of liquid dish soap on the shower floor.
Smooth the soap over the floor with a cloth.
Allow the soap to set overnight.
Dust the shower floor with a thin layer of baking soda, then wet a cloth with white vinegar.
Scrub the stain with the cloth.
If the stain doesn’t come off easily, lay the vinegar-soaked cloth over the mark.
Let it set for a few minutes, then remove the cloth and rinse the floor with water.
Combine 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 cup ammonia if the stain remains.
Put on rubber gloves and open a window for ventilation, if possible.
Pour some of the mixtures over the stain, then scrub it with a soft-bristle brush or sponge.
Rinse with clean water.
If this does not work, add ammonia to the stain-busting arsenal.

Notes:

Keep the shower curtain or door open after bathing to ward off mold and mildew. This lets the shower dry out faster.
To clean porcelain fixtures, make a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part cream of tartar. Smooth the paste over the surface and let it set for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Safety Warning

Never mix ammonia with bleach — when these two substances combine, toxic fumes form.

How to get your shower floor white again

Use these cleaning methods to remove brown stains from the shower floor;

Use borax and lemon juice

Apply a paste made from an equal amount of borax and lemon juice to the stain if it has a red or reddish-brown hue.
This shade of brown often indicates rust or iron build-up.
Allow the paste to dry on the stain, and then rinse it with clean water.

Use cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide

Combine an equal amount of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl if the stain appears brown or black.
Allow the paste to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse the area with clean water.

Use white vinegar and baking soda

Create a paste with equal white vinegar and baking soda for other brown or discolored stains.
Hard water and soap scum are two of the most common culprit of brown stains.
Apply the paste over the stain and let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
Rinse the area with clean water.

Use a mild detergent

Mix 1/4 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent with enough water to create a paste if the brown stain remains.
Stir the mixture with a nonmetal utensil to prevent a reaction from occurring, and apply it directly over the brown stain.
Scrub on the stain with a toothbrush and allow it to remain for 20 minutes.
Rinse the area with clean water.
Combine 2 tbsp of trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon of warm water to remove stubborn stains.
Apply the solution to the stain with a stiff brush or washcloth. Rinse the area with clean water.

Note:

Brown stains on shower flowers often indicate rust, hard water, or mineral stains.
Minerals such as manganese build up on the shower floor and cause an odd discoloration.
The brown stains can cause the shower to look dirty, and they may spread if you do not tend to them.
Treating the stains immediately will keep the shower attractive.
After you clean the brown stains, preventive measures may help to keep the stains away from the shower so that it remains in good condition.

How to clean a porcelain shower floor

Below are steps to use when cleaning porcelain shower floors.

Items needed

Broom or vacuum
Mop
Mop bucket
Materials
Dish soap
Vinegar
Baking soda
Acrylic stone sealer (for unglazed tiles)

For Unglazed Porcelain Floor Tiles

In its raw manufactured state, porcelain is a strong but somewhat porous material that can be subject to staining discolorations over time. Therefore, these materials need to be treated delicately, monitored for spills, and annually sealing treatment.

Cleaning steps;

Damp Mop and Dry the Tile
Use plain warm water to damp mop or mix 1 gallon of warm water with a few drops of relatively mild ph-balanced dish soap.
Do not saturate these floors, as they will be more prone to water penetration than other materials.
Dry the tiles with a clean towel or sponge after mopping.
Apply an acrylic stone sealer to a well-cleaned, dry unglazed floor to keep the surface pores impervious.
Use about 1 cup of sealer to 3 gallons of rinse water after a good cleaning.

Note:

Clean any spills that occur as soon as possible, so they don’t stain the unglazed porcelain.

How to clean Grout Lines

The grout lines are often the most vulnerable points in the installation. They will need to be sealed even if the tiles don’t. Then, using a small brush, you can clean them with equal parts water and baking soda. If necessary, it is possible to remove and replace grout lines completely.

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For Glazed Porcelain Tiles

In most cases, porcelain flooring will be treated with a melted glass glaze, which is poured over the surface of each tile to create a thin protective layer that is completely impervious to water penetration and most stains. As a result, these applications are much easier to care for, requiring less maintenance and no annual sealing treatments.

Note: don’t use hard bristles or steel wool, as it can damage the tile.

Cleaning steps;

Use a vinegar solution on any stains. For example, a solution of vinegar diluted 1-to-1 with water or a diluted commercial ceramic tile cleaner can be used to clean stains.

How to Deep Clean Porcelain Floor Tiles

Mix Vinegar-Water Cleaning Solution
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. If desired, you can add essential oils for scent.
Mix vinegar and water and add essential oil.
Mop the Floor Thoroughly
Use the vinegar and water mixture to mop the floor well.
Deep cleaning porcelain floor with a microfiber mop
Rinse With Plain Water
Rinse the floor by mopping it well with plain water.
Sprinkle baking soda on the porcelain tile floor
Mop Again With Vinegar Solution
Mop the floor with vinegar and water solution.
Mop tile floor with vinegar and water solution
Flush to Remove Residue
Flush the floor thoroughly with plain water to remove any residue.
Cleaning tile floor with plain water
Go Section by Section
Work in small sections to clean, rinse, and allow each floor portion to dry thoroughly.

Tips to Keep Your Porcelain Floors stain free

Sweep, vacuum, or mop your porcelain floors regularly. Small grit particles can wear away at glazed and unglazed protective coatings and scratch the material’s surface, dulling it slightly over the years.
Wipe up stains as soon as possible, and flush away any residue. While these tiles are resistant, they can still slightly shade if messes are allowed to linger for long periods.
While most cleansers won’t do anything to porcelain, some particularly abrasive chemicals can have an effect, so avoid anything too heavy-duty. Always check the manufacturer’s label.
Don’t use colored products on unglazed porcelain tiles, as these may stain them.
Ventilate the area properly when cleaning for evaporation and air quality. Use gloves, eyewear, and open windows to avoid inhalation damage if using any chemical cleaners.
Never use steel wool or other abrasive utensils on a porcelain floor. These can cause scratches and can damage the surface of the tiles.
Regularly sweep or vacuum your floors to remove grit that can damage the glaze.
Mop with a tile-safe product. Most mopping or cleaning procedures, including both natural and chemical, can effectively refresh glazed ceramic floors.
Check and follow any instructions listed on the packaging of the product.