] Guide to Shower Base Maintenance
Are you tired of the way your bathroom looks and feels? Then you should definitely think about a remodel that can revive your bathroom and breathe new life into it. Replacing or updating your shower can add a touch of luxury and style to your bathroom creating a truly relaxing and soothing space. However, there is one key element that some homeowners forget about – a shower base.
To put it simply, a shower base is the floor of your shower enclosure. To complement your bathroom design, it has to be not just functional, but beautiful as well. There are different types of shower bases you can choose from. The appearance, longevity, durability and the ease of maintenance are the main factors most homeowners usually consider while selecting a shower base for their enclosure. Keep in mind that different materials require absolutely different levels of care and shower base maintenance. If you want your shower base to be always crystal clear and shiny, but cannot spend too much time cleaning it, prefer the right material. Let’s dig deeper to find out what material is the best fit for you and how you can keep it always clean and shiny.
The Most Popular Shower Base Materials
Shower bases can be made of different materials including fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron, solid surface and tile. Each type has its pros and cons. Fiberglass and acrylic are two of the most popular shower base materials. They are often preferred due to their nice look and an affordable price tag.
Cleaning Your Fiberglass Shower Base
Fiberglass is a cheap and lightweight material. It is popular among homeowners who want to install shower bases by themselves. Fiberglass is durable enough. However, it is prone to cracking and corrosion. You should be really careful while using a fiberglass shower base. Remember that the material cannot withstand extreme heat.
Cleaning a fiberglass shower base will not make you exhausted. You can easily remove dirt by using such household products as vinegar, dishwashing detergent and baking soda. Vinegar is one of the most popular cleaners that remove different types of stains. It is effective and absolutely safe for fiberglass. Baking soda will help you get rid of soap scum, water spots and grime. A dishwashing liquid will remove dirt gently without damaging the surface of your fiberglass shower base. You may also use hydrogen peroxide to remove the most stubborn stains.
Keeping Your Acrylic Shower Base Shiny
Shower bases made of acrylic will last for many years preserving their brilliant look. Acrylic is a water-resistant and non-porous material that will not corrode over time. It is lightweight as well. Scratches are hardly visible on the surface of an acrylic shower base. But even if scratches appear, they can be easily repaired. When it comes to choosing an acrylic shower base, your color options are almost endless. You will easily find the one that elevates your bathroom design and expresses your personal style. Acrylic shower bases are more expensive in comparison with those made of fiberglass.
Acrylic is a soft and gentle material. It is very easy to clean and maintain. However, you should avoid using any harsh chemicals that can scratch the surface of your shower base. Prefer mild cleaning agents such as vinegar or baking soda. Using a lemon will also help you keep your acrylic shower base beautiful and shiny. The natural acids found in lemons are safe for acrylic and will not damage the surface.
How to Maintain a Cast Iron Shower Base
If you are looking for a shower base that will last a lifetime, consider cast iron material. Cast iron shower bases have a sophisticated look. The material is incredibly strong and durable. It is also resistant to scratches. However, the color palette is very limited. There are only several options you can choose from. Cast iron shower bases are extremely heavy and will not suit every bathroom. Plus, they are very expensive.
Some homeowners believe that cleaning a cast iron shower base is a daunting task. In fact, you will easily do that with the right tools and cleaning products. You can use a cleaning agent designed for this type of shower bases or some household products. Vinegar can remove calcium deposits effectively. Just don’t mix this product with other cleaners. A mixture of dishwashing liquid and baking soda removes rust stains and makes your shower base beautiful again. Despite the fact that cast iron is a durable material, you still shouldn’t use any abrasive cleaners. They can scratch the enamel causing rust stains over time.
Solid Surface Shower Base Cleaning Tips
Solid surface is another popular shower base material. It mimics the appearance of natural stone, but is less expensive. However, solid surface is still more expensive than acrylic and fiberglass. Solid surface shower bases look elegant indeed. They can add a touch of romance and style to any bathroom. The material is highly durable.
Solid surface is a non-porous material that resists stains and prevents grime from building up. However, it still requires regular cleaning. To preserve the brilliant look of your solid surface shower base, use a mild detergent, water and a soft cloth. Avoid using scrubbers or any aggressive cleaners.
Tile Shower Base Care and Maintenance
If you want to create an exquisite shower base, think about using tile. It is one of the best options for those shower enclosures that have a unique shape and size. A tile shower base can have any style or color you want. This base usually needs too much time and effort to be installed. Due to the labor required, a tile shower base is one of the most expensive bases you can find today.
Cleaning this type of shower base can be more difficult and time-consuming in comparison with the other bases. Do your best to prevent the tile from getting too dirty. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to get rid of hard water stains and soap scum. To make your tile shower base sparkling indeed, you should clean the grout as well. Take equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water to do the job effectively.
An elegant and functional shower base can completely transform the way your bathroom looks. With regular cleaning and maintenance your shower base will remain attractive for a long period of time. Proper care will extend the life and beauty of your shower base.
