Dirty shower

Question

Need ideas on how to clean a fiberglass  shower that is very dirty with hard water scum and soap scum.  We tried CLR and Barkeepers Friend and neither worked.  We also have a shower/tub combo and the only thing we could get it clean with was a razor blade and it took forever and was very difficult to do. Does anyone have any idea what would work on the shower that doesn't involve a razor blade?  They are in an apartment and there is no water softener so this could be a constant problem.  We appreciate any suggestions.

Connie · Answer

Hi. Had the same problem. Used the Works toilet bowl cleaner. I just put a spray knob spout on the end of the bottle to make it easier to use. Be sure to use latex gloves and a mask. You don't want that stuff on your hands. The fumes can be a little much, so be sure that you ventilate the area. Worked great.

Mickie · Answer

Heat white vinegar in microwave, mix in spray bottle with Dawn. Go with a 50 / 50 ratio. Let it sit at least 20 minutes, spray again, let it sit (hard water and lime deposits take longer for the vinegar to soak through; the Dawn keeps it on the walls). Wipe off with a non abrasive pot scrubber sponge, followed by wipe down with clear wet towel. I was amazed at what this did to a shower in my house that had never been cleaned before. It looked shiny and new and no tears, no scrubbing. Some spots I had to re-spray, but this combination even made the chrome faucets look like new.

Mark Fitzgerald · Answer

I've used LimeAway and that takes care of soap scum and calcium deposits caused by hard water. You spray it on and let it sit for a bit and the gunk comes right off. You might find this article interesting too. I know you said you tried barkeeper's friend but I think they make different formulations so I'm not sure which one you tried. http://www.themanlyhousekeeper.com/2011/03/11/solved-soap-scum-and-hard-water-stains/

Donna-Lynn Garland · Answer

I have used white vinager and baking soda

Mary-Ann · Answer

The manufacturers suggest Vim or similar product. Products like Ajax or Clorox with a powdery consistency will scratch the surface. I find using a body shampoo instead of soap helps to keep the soap scum down.

Judy Commerton Marsh · Answer

I have had a similar problem and what worked best for me was the vinegar and Dawn. Another strange thing that works is wipe a damp dryer sheet on the doors. This probably works best when the doors are fairly clean. I also squeegee the doors after every use. When you do get it clean, put rain ex on the doors. That will prevent future buildup.

Donna Woodard · Answer

See photo. Works very well. Sold at Lowe's
Follow directions and wait like they say. Use regularly.

Nancy Nehr · Answer

Mix white vinegar and dawn 50/50 ratio, glop it on, let it sit and scrub with a scrubbing sponge or mr clean magic eraser. Rinse and voila!

Moxie · Answer

after you get it clean...use boat wax on the fibergalss to help it stay clean longer and squeegee the walls after your done with your shower

Vickie Ramsey · Answer

SOS pads

HouseLogic.com · Answer

Hello Barb, We have two ideas. Citric acid can remove hard water stains. This hack we found on HomeTalk uses lemonade Kool-aid to get rid of hard water stains: http://goo.gl/4jieaX Also, you can try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It's also tough on hard to remove stains.

Debbie Westgate- Guyot-Sliwa · Answer

Mr Clean sponges work well!

Suzi Black · Answer

I had same problem, I used Brillo pads with the soap already in them. It really worked! My 2 showers are sparkling clean now. The best part--I bought the brillo pads at the dollar store for a buck each and there are 10 in each pkg. I know this will work for you too!

Funnygirl · Answer

No!use Borax!Sprinkle it on the tub,let it sit for a few minutes,use a plastic scrub brush with some elbow grease and a small amount of water to create a paste. Bought a big box at Walmart for about 2.00. works great.would not apply wax unless you have a good tub mat so people don't slip in my tub!Shiny is nice but a broken hip isn't.

Linda Barrett Dirksen · Answer

Blue can of Easy Off Oven cleaner!  Amazing! Spray on wait about 1/2 hr or more if really bad, then sponge off! No scrubbing required. Rinse well and smile!

JC · Answer

When we first bought our home, the master bath shower floor was textured fiberglass. It was nasty! I had tried every cleaner I could and using a scrub brush, The only thins and I mean the ONLY thing was ZUD!!! It was so dirty it took two or three cleanings, now I use it about once a week to keep it clean. It will look like dirty grit but use once a week and just keep rinsing. It is worth it! I live north of Dallas ,Texas and we have the hardest water.

Melissa Evans · Answer

I had luck with the oven cleaner method

Cori H · Answer

I've had luck using a homemade all purpose cleaner. I've used it on everything from the kitchen to the bathroom. And in most cases, just spray it on and let it soak and then wipe down. It uses 2 oz Dawn Liquid Soap, 4 oz lemon juice, 8 oz white vinegar and 10 oz water. Just mix in a spray bottle and spray away!

J K Weigle · Answer

Half white vinegar, half Dawn. Spray on entire shower following your shower. I mean cover the whole thing until it is the color of the Dawn. Leave overnight or all day. Rinse with hot water and scrub where needed. Works every time for me.  Got it on Pinterst.

Dobi · Answer

I think the best thing that I have used for hard water is vinegar. straight! It is not as strong smelling as some of the commercial cleaners for hard water are. And it is a natural cleaner! I use dow bathroom cleaner on anything greasy! It is the worlds best for that! But that is a different subject!

Joanne Costello · Answer

I just used a Mr Clean scrubber pad (not a magic eraser - its blue scrubby type material and can be attached to a long stick to save your back) That with straight Dawn. Finished with the magic eraser to get what little was left. Worked better than the vinegar and baking soda for me but was also just soap scum-not hard water. Good luck! No fun!!!

Heidy · Answer

Have you ever seen a spray cleaner called 'Greased Lightning!?' After discovering this at Home Depot, for under 3 bucks!, we don't waste our money on anything else! The scum on our fiberglass tub enclosures just melted away before I even start scrubbing.  It cleans EVERYTHING!

Denise · Answer

My daughters bathrooms were disgusting when she moved into her house. (Long story) I thought the surrounds had to be replaced, but she used Kaboom and it worked! The tile is now a beautiful leathery brown! Gorgeous!

NANCY · Answer

I use vinegar.

Barb · Answer

Thank you Nancy.

Dirty shower

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Dirty shower

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