Shower Panel Maintenance: Tips for Keeping It Clean and Functional

Shower panels have a remarkably long lifespan, making them cost-effective in the long run.

Both acrylic and PVC panels can last 15 – 25 years if professionally installed and well-maintained. It’s exciting to know that you can extend that durability even further with proper care and maintenance.

This post uncovers the best tips to enhance your shower panels’ efficiency and longevity.

Cleaning Shower Panels

Regular cleaning is central to the longevity of shower panels.

Cleaning your shower panel consistently prevents staining caused by bath products (soaps, shampoos, etc.). Besides, it minimizes the growth of mold and bacteria by keeping moisture off the enclosure.

While there’s no hard-and-fast rule on how often to clean shower panels, many experts recommend cleaning these accessories at least once a week. That shouldn’t be a problem if you already follow a weekly general household cleaning routine.

Note that how often you use your shower panels ultimately determines their ideal cleaning frequency. For instance, larger households means frequent bathroom usage and, consequently, more regular shower panel cleaning.

Other critical factors to consider include the nature of your bathroom water (hard versus soft) and the type of bath products used.

What You’ll Need

• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Sponge or other soft cloth
• Soft-bristled brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional solutions, such as baking soda paste and vinegar solution

Cleaning Directions

1. Add warm water to a bucket or other holding container.
2. Mix a few drops of dish soap into the water. Dish soap is recommended for its mild properties. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can damage the delicate finish of your shower panel material. If you must use a bathroom cleaner, insist on bleach-free ones.

• Drench the shower panel in soapy water.

1. Let the solution sit for about five minutes. This helps to loosen dirt or grime.
2. Use a sponge or soft fabric to wipe down the entire length and breadth of the shower panels. Wipe in a circular motion to avoid streaks, with a special focus on the most stained or scummy areas.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the panels’ nooks and crannies, including the corners, joints, seams, and crevices.

• Carefully brush the other bathroom components, including shower heads and plumbing fixtures. Avoid hard-bristled brushes due to their abrasive properties. You may also use cotton swabs instead of a brush.
• For molds or stubborn stains, you may try soda paste or a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Apply the compound directly on the stained spots and let it sit for ten minutes, before rubbing or scrubbing it off.

1. Rinse the shower panels thoroughly with clean water.
2. Dry the panels using a microfiber cloth to prevent any streaks.

Implementing Preventive Maintenance

Although shower panels are considerably easy to clean, adopting a proactive approach is necessary to enhance their overall efficiency. Some preventive maintenance tips include;

1. Rinsing the Shower Panels Thoroughly

While this may sound like a no-brainer, it’s surprising just how often we skimp on it.

Rinse your shower panel for about five minutes after using any bath product. Spraying water throughout the entire panel helps prevent soapy residue from sticking to the surface and possibly becoming stubborn stains.

2. Installing a Water Softener

If your property is connected to hard water, installing a water softener can remove the hard water chemicals (calcium and magnesium salts) and inhibit limescale buildup.

Besides, soft water is recommended as it lathers easily and doesn’t dry up the skin.

3. Increasing Ventilation

Adequate ventilation can dehumidify your bathroom, guarding against moisture damage to the shower panels.

Excess moisture can promote mold growth and accelerate rusting of the panels’ metallic components.

Keep your bathroom ventilated by leaving its windows open. During humid months, an exhaust fan will come in handy.

4. Remediating Mold and Mildew Quickly

Mold and mildew are notorious for flying under the radar. Thankfully, routine inspections can help detect both issues early on.

The trick is to act as soon as you discover the first signs of mold and mildew growth.

Use a white vinegar solution and baking soda to wipe these panels regularly, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.

5. Descaling the Shower Head

Even if your property is connected to soft water, mineral deposits can still accumulate on ill-maintained shower panels.

These deposits may block your shower heads and the bathroom’s piping, reducing water pressure.

Disconnect the shower head and soak it in a vinegar solution for about 20 minutes at least every fortnight. Then, rinse the component and reattach it.

6. Lubricating the Controls

Frequent lubrication can prevent rust formation on a shower panel’s controls.

Check for abnormal stiffness on these components, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to improve their efficiency.

7. Re-caulking

While these panels can last up to 25 years, the caulk used on their perimeter seals often requires annual inspection.

Cracks or shrinkage of the caulking material can encourage water intrusion and, consequently, mold growth. Therefore, check the state of your shower panel’s caulking and reseal any gaps uncovered.

For the best outcomes, prioritize acrylic caulks over silicone-based ones.

Troubleshooting Common Shower Panel Problems

1. Low Shower Head Pressure

Reduced shower head pressure indicates a blockage in your shower panel’s plumbing system.

Consult a licensed plumber to get the system addressed.

2. Mold and Mildew

As mentioned, proper air circulation can be pivotal in keeping mold and mildew off your shower panels.

If these fungi are already growing on your shower panel, clean them using a solution of diluted vinegar solution or baking soda paste.

3. Rust and Corrosion

The two most common shower panel materials – acrylic and polyvinyl chloride – are both incredibly rust-resistant. However, we cannot say the same about the panel’s metallic components.

Regular lubrication is critical in preventing rust and corrosion. If your panel has already rusted, clean the stains off using a rust remover and an extra-fine steel wool.

3. Structural Damage

Inspecting shower panels regularly can help identify structural issues and fix them before they escalate to costly repairs.

Check the panels for signs of mechanical stress, such as warping and cracking, and get them repaired immediately.

The Bottom Line

Shower panels are one of the most resourceful home improvements. Besides their ability to minimize moisture damage to your bathroom walls, these accessories can also transform your bathroom’s interior design.

Most shower panels are constructed from 100% waterproof and mold-resistant materials. As such, they’re exceptionally durable compared to traditional bathroom tiling.

But while these panels are designed to last up to a quarter of a century, their actual lifespan depends on proper care and maintenance. Implementing the above pointers can enhance the durability of your shower panels, saving you from hefty repair and replacement costs.