Have you ever considered if you are cleaning your shower tray correctly? Or ever questioned, “Why should I waste my time for such minimal results?” Well then we think it’s about time you learn how to clean your shower tray the right way.
In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways and methods on how to clean a shower tray and delve deeper into how to get your shower tray shining back to how it used to be, whether large or small, acrylic or stone, we will make sure it will not waste your precious time! Now, let’s get going.
What’s The Purpose Of Shower Trays?
So what is a shower tray? A shower tray is not just “the thing you stand on when you are in the shower”. A shower tray is a critical component of any shower enclosure. They are responsible for directing water to your drains. and fitting in seamlessly into your stylish bathroom. So why wouldn’t you want to keep it brand spanking clean and looking fresh all year round?
Most shower trays are usually made from acrylic or acrylic-coated stone resin, mainly because acrylic is strong and resistant over time to scratches and heat. Shower trays come in a variety of tray sizes, thickness levels, colours, and from deep shower trays to thin ones. Fitting a shower tray into your bathroom space has never been as easy!
But what are the main styles of shower trays you can have?
- Square Shower Tray
- Rectangular Shower Tray
- Quadrant Shower Tray
- Offset Quadrant Shower Tray
- Wet Room Shower Tray
- Anti-Slip Shower Tray
Now let's get down to the important questions on your mind about cleaning a shower tray and how often they need to be done.
Does A Shower Tray Need Cleaning And How Often?
Questions like “Does a shower tray actually need cleaning?” come to us very often and the obvious answer is yes, but how often should we be cleaning our shower trays and why?
Over time, problems like soap scum, mould, limescale, and rust begin to arise. The standard wiping down simply won’t sort it in the long run.
If you are concerned about how to clean shower tray edges or how to remove stains from your shower tray, our 4 easy ways to clean your shower tray will put all your worries and queries at rest.
4 Ways To Clean Your Shower Tray
So, it’s now time to look into the different ways in which we can clean and deal with our shower trays to maintain a fresh clean look that you will be proud of all year round.
1.Remove Soap Scum
What is Soap Scum and how do you remove it?
Soap Scum forms over time as you shower. It’s a build-up of fatty acids which are usually found in soaps you use, which then reacts with minerals found in hard water from your shower. The appearance of soap scum is often white and filmy and sits on the shower tray itself and can cause your shower to be extra slippy to stand on.
When removing soap scum from your shower tray you will need a simple combination of white vinegar and standard washing up liquid mixed into a bowl together and a sponge. The acidic vinegar will help break down the tough soap scum build-up and enable you to brighten up your shower tray and bring back its former glory again.
2. Remove Mould
How does mould form and how do you remove it?
Mould can form on your shower tray for many reasons like lack of ventilation, the shower condensation not getting wiped down, and leaking pipework. But what’s the best way to get rid of the mould?
To remove any signs of mould growth on your shower tray you can use either bleach or white vinegar. Both work equally as effectively in removing mould, for those tough-to-hit spots in the corners of the shower tray where a standard sponge or hand can't reach, try using toothbrushes to really get into those tighter gaps and brush the mould away.
3.Remove Limescale
What is limescale and how do you remove it?
Limescale is caused by water being left to evaporate on your shower tray and this leaves behind magnesium and calcium deposits.
When it comes to removing limescale deposits on your shower tray, we suggest using lemon juice… Yes lemon juice! Mixing lemon juice with water and a slight touch of vinegar makes removing limescale easy.
4. Prevent /Remove Rust
What is rust and what’s the best tip to remove it quickly?
Rust forms when iron and oxygen combine with moisture to generate iron oxide. It can be quite common in showers. So what’s the best way to deal with it?
If your pesky rust marks are starting to become more of a frustration, we recommend simply removing them by using baking powder mixed with lemon juice or white vinegar. When mixed, it makes an effective paste which you rub onto the rusty spots around your shower tray. Once done, leave it to get work for at least 30 minutes. Then simply wipe away and rinse off with warm water!
Maintaining your shower tray is critical to keeping your bathroom fresh and clean. Following the above suggestions will keep your shower tray clean and sparkling without taking up too much of your time!
FAQ’s
How Often Should I Clean My Shower Tray?
You should clean your shower tray properly at least once a month and give it a wipe or basic cleaning once a week to maintain its brightness and shine.
Is It Expensive To Buy All The Products To Clean Your Shower Tray?
No, not at all, the main items you need are baking soda, lemon juice, and water alongside a sponge and a bowl.
What Type Of Shower Tray Do I Need?
Now that totally depends on your current shower enclosure situation but do feel free to contact our bathroom takeaway team or take a look for yourself!
What Happens If I Haven’t Cleaned It Before?
It’s never too late to get started, if you’ve had your shower tray for a few years you may already notice the signs of limescale or mould. But by all means, get started and show us how you get along we love to see!
How Do I Clean My Bath Taps Or Sink Taps?
Check out our how to clean bathroom taps guide for expert tips on cleaning your bath and sink taps.
Are Black Shower Trays Hard To Keep Clean?
Black resin shower trays tend to need a bit more attention to keep the material looking as good as it did on the first day it was installed. Because of their colour, limescale, soap scum, and other bits can be more visible on black resin shower trays so it needs cleaning a little more often.
Are Anti-Slip Shower Trays Hard To Clean?
No, not at all, they are in fact the same as cleaning standard shower trays. The same rules apply, so go for it!
How Do You Clean Shower Trays Drain?
To keep it short and simple, we recommend taking the drain cover off and adding a scoop of baking soda and vinegar into the drain. Let the scoop sit for a minute or so, before pouring hot water down until it’s fully flushed away.
How Do You Clean Plastic Shower Trays?
Like other shower trays, using key components like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda is the recipe for a super-clean plastic shower tray.
How Do You Clean A Slate Shower Tray?
Follow the same procedures as the above and you will have a gleaming shower tray before you know it!
