The Best Ways to Clean a Fiberglass Shower or Bathtub

Fiberglass is a common material used in showers and bathtubs because it’s light and affordable. However, it’s also easily damaged, so it’s important to use gentle products when cleaning it. We interviewed a cleaning specialist to teach you how to clean a fiberglass shower with vinegar, other DIY cleaners, and commercial cleaners. Plus, we’ll explain which cleaners to avoid and how often you should clean your shower.

How do I clean a fiberglass shower?

Cleaning specialist Ahmed Mezil recommends using vinegar to clean your fiberglass shower. Mix ⅓ cup (79 mL) of dish soap with 1 cup (237 mL) of warm white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your shower, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub it into the surface with a sponge, then rinse with cold water.

Section 1 of 6:

How to Clean a Fiberglass Shower with Vinegar

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Empty out your shower. Remove all bottles, soap, razors, and accessories from your shower. Wipe down the items to remove any grime that may be transferred back into the shower, especially mildew. Mildew on the bottom of the bottles can immediately rub back onto your freshly cleaned shower surfaces.^{[1]
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- If you have any empty or worn-out items, throw them away.
- If you have a shower curtain, it’s best to take it down and clean it.
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Ahmed Mezil is a cleaning specialist and the CEO of Hellamaid, a cleaning service based in Southern Ontario, Canada. He specializes in house cleaning, deep cleaning, commercial cleaning, and more.
A pre-rinse will ensure that you do not accidentally grind dirt or debris into the surface of your tub. Turn on the hot water and rinse your shower floor. The steam will loosen any dirt and debris so you can wipe it away. Pre-rinsing also allows the cleaning product to work directly on the stuck-on grime.

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Open the bathroom door to prevent the fumes and moisture from building up. Then turn on your fan. If you have a window in your bathroom, open it as well. While you’ll be using a natural cleaning solution, it’s still strong and will release fumes that you’ll want to air out.
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Pour ⅓ cup (79 mL) of liquid dish detergent into a spray bottle. The dish detergent will cut through the oils and grease that make up your soap scum, making it easier to wipe away the stuck-on grime.^{[2]
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- You can use any dish detergent that is formulated to cut through grease.
- If you use too much detergent in your cleaning solution, it will not ruin your cleaner; however, the cleaning solution will be harder to wash away.
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Heat 1 cup (237 mL) of white vinegar in the microwave. Mezil says vinegar is an excellent solution for removing stains from fiberglass showers.^{[3]
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Ahmed Mezil
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview} White vinegar also attacks bacteria and mildew. Warm vinegar is easier to mix than cool vinegar, so heat it in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it’s slightly warm, but not hot.^{[4]
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- If the smell of vinegar really bothers you, try adding a few drops of a pure essential oil, such as lemon or orange oil. The smell may be off-putting, but it will go away once the vinegar dries.
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Add the vinegar to the spray bottle, and spray the solution on your shower. Pour the vinegar into the bottle with the dish soap, and swirl it around so the ingredients blend together and foam slightly. Spray the mixture directly onto the surface of your shower and tub. Let it set for 10-15 minutes so that the ingredients have time to penetrate the dried-on soap scum, mildew, and mineral deposits.^{[5]
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- Don’t shake the bottle, or the solution will suds up too much.
- You can increase or decrease the quantity of cleaner that you prepare by adjusting the amount of the ingredients, as long as you maintain the 3-to-1 ratio of white vinegar to detergent.
- If your shower doesn’t have soap scum, mildew, and mineral deposits, then you don’t need to let the product set.
- If you’d prefer, we’ll share some commercial cleaning products that are safe for fiberglass below. Check the label to make sure that the product does not contain abrasive cleaning agents or bleach.
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Use a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush to work the product in. Scrub your shower surfaces with your non-abrasive applicator, paying special attention to areas with thicker grime.^{[6]
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Research source} As you clean, apply additional cleaning solution as needed. For example, if your cleaner dries before you reach that section, apply more cleaner.
- Do not scrub with hard-bristled brushes, scouring pads, or metal pads, as they will scratch your fiberglass.
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Rinse with cold water and dry. Use a cup to splash cold water over all surfaces to remove the cleaning solution and grime. You will likely need to rinse areas more than once to remove all of the product. To avoid streaks or water spots, wipe the shower down with a microfiber cloth or squeegee.^{[7]
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- If you have a handheld shower head, you can use it instead of a cup.

Section 2 of 6:

Using Other DIY Cleaning Methods

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Remove stubborn soap scum with a baking soda paste. Pour 1 cup (237 mL) of baking soda into a bowl. Add a few drops of water at a time, blending until you have a paste. Apply a thin layer of paste directly to the soap scum, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, use a damp cloth, sponge, or soft-bristle brush to scrub the paste into the shower, using tight, circular motions. Wipe the baking soda away, then rinse the shower with clean water.^{[8]
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- Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda directly on the soiled area, then spray it with vinegar in a spray bottle. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub the fiberglass with a cloth or sponge.
- Mezil adds that you can also mix baking soda and vinegar to remove stains.^{[9]
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  Ahmed Mezil
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Citric acid can help remove stains, odors, and discoloration.^{[10]
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Research source} Cut open a citrus fruit, like a lemon or grapefruit, and sprinkle baking soda onto one of the halves. Hold the fruit and scrub baking soda into your shower stains. Let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes, then rinse your shower with hot water. Dry your shower with a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks.
Hydrogen peroxide works similarly to bleach, but it’s less likely to damage the surface of your shower.^{[11]
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Research source} Combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water. Soak a rag in the mixture and apply it to the entire surface of your shower. Let it sit overnight, then rinse the shower with hot water. Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate streaks.

Section 3 of 6:

Using Commercial Cleaning Products

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Remove grime with a gentle all-purpose cleaner. Many all-purpose cleaners are mild enough to use on fiberglass, but read the label to be sure.^{[12]
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Research source} Simply spray the cleaner on the surface of your shower, then use a microfiber cloth to wipe it from side to side. Work in small sections so the cleaner doesn’t drip and leave streaks.
- If you’re worried about drips, spray the cleaner onto your cloth rather than directly onto the shower surface.
Magic Erasers, or melamine sponges, are a gentle way to remove tough stains, like hard water stains and soap scum. They can also remove grime from your grout. To use a Magic Eraser, wet your shower, then dampen the sponge and scrub the stained areas.^{[13]
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Use a Bar Keepers Friend soft cleanser. The original powdered Bar Keepers Friend is too abrasive for fiberglass, but the soft cleanser is a gentle way to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and even rust stains. Follow the instructions on the label to apply it correctly so you don’t damage your tub.^{[14]
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CLR (calcium-lime-rust remover) is also typically safe to use on fiberglass showers, as long as you dilute it first.^{[15]
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Research source} Mix a 1:1 ratio of CLR and water, then spot-test it to make sure it doesn’t damage your shower. Scrub it into the shower with a sponge, then let it sit for no more than 2-3 minutes before rinsing.

Section 4 of 6:

Cleaning Products to Avoid

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Do not use abrasive cleaning products on a fiberglass shower. Fiberglass is a very soft material, so abrasive cleaners can scratch and damage it. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or scrubbers, like the following:^{[16]
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- Hard-bristle brushes
- Scouring pads
- Powdered cleaners
- Bleach
- Acetone
- Ammonia
- Aerosol cleaners

Section 5 of 6:

How Often to Clean Your Shower

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Several factors affect how often you should clean your shower, like how often you use it and whether you have hard water. In most cases, though, plan to give your shower a standard cleaning once every week or so and a deeper clean once a month. Maintain your shower between cleanings by giving it a thorough wipe-down after every use.^{[17]
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Section 6 of 6:

What is fiberglass?

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Most tubs and showers are made of fiberglass because it’s a light, affordable material. However, it’s soft and less durable than other materials, so it’s easily damaged by abrasive cleaning products. When treated properly, fiberglass showers can last about 15 years.^{[18]
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Tips

Because fiberglass is soft, it’s a good idea to spot-test any new cleaning products you try before applying them to the entire surface of your shower.

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Warnings

Fiberglass scratches easily, which diminishes its shine and allows dirt and grime to build up in the scratches.

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Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as these may scratch your fiberglass.

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