Stay away from any type of astringent cleanser, including Comet, Ajax and Scrubbing Bubbles, as well as solvents like acetone. Whenever possible, using natural derivatives to clean your bathroom will be your safest choice. [2] X Research source
Be sure to remove all soaps, shampoos and other hygiene products from the shower before you get started so that you can clean underneath them. Pull back the shower curtain all the way and turn on the overhead fan to keep the bathroom properly ventilated while you clean.
If you’re dealing with particularly heavy soap scum or stains, it may help to reapply the cleaner once or twice. Use this time to take care of any other cleaning tasks you need to complete, like detailing the faucet or shower head.
If you don’t have a detachable shower head, the easiest way to rinse your shower walls is to use a cup or bucket to splash warm water onto the areas that need rinsing. Never use abrasive scrubbers, such as wire brushes or rough kitchen sponges, to clean an acrylic surface. These will leave behind tiny scratches in the finish that will then trap dirt in the future, making it much harder to remove. [5] X Research source
The heat from the water will be even more helpful for releasing dried stains from the surface of the shower. For even better results, add a few drops of mild liquid dishwashing detergent. The soap will emulsify dirt and oil while the vinegar brightens and disinfects. [7] X Research source
Don’t forget to get inside cracks and crevices and along recessed panels and soap dishes. Pure vinegar makes the perfect antidote to mold and mildew growth. [9] X Research source
If vinegar alone isn’t cutting it, sprinkle a little baking soda over the affected area before spraying it again. The foaming action produced by the two cleaners will eat away at stubborn gunk and grime. [11] X Research source A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar can make a convenient substitute for baking soda and vinegar. [12] X Research source
Dig into hard-to-reach spots with your fingertips or the corner of a sponge.
Pick out the seeds before you start scrubbing so they don’t end up at the bottom of your shower. The natural acids in lemon juice are safe enough for you to use them to clean your shower as often as you’d like without having to worry about wearing down the acrylic finish. You may also have success using another type of citrus, such as grapefruit. [15] X Research source
After you’ve worn the lemon down, simply grab the other half or cut a new one and keep going over the area until it’s spotless. Just as a precaution, avoid using lemon in conjunction with other green cleaning ingredients like sea salt. Even water-soluble abrasives may be enough to scratch up acrylic.
Lemon juice is especially useful for dissolving stains that result from exposure to hard water or chemicals. Citric acid will not only clean and disinfect, it will also help brighten up the acrylic and restore it to its original luster. [18] X Research source
