You probably have used your shower panel for quite a long time, and it may have lost its look or, worse, stopped serving you the same way it used to. With time, shower panels lose freshness in both looks and functionality due to lime scale, mold, and soap accumulation.
A shower panel can only serve you for as long as you take good care of it, and you would actually benefit from regular maintenance. This way, the panels can retain their fresh and beautiful look for years without the constant maintenance that traditional tiles often require.
If you struggle with maintaining shower panels effectively in your bathroom, read through this blog to learn simple tips that'll help you keep them in their best condition.
What Constitutes a Shower Panel?
Essentially, a shower panel is a waterproof panel, custom-made to your specifications, fitted on and around the top of the bathroom shower in a flat pattern. It is among the very best upgrades to consider when renovating your bathroom for good aesthetics and a better shower experience.
These shower panels will allow you to decorate the whole bathroom wall space and provide a watertight finish without the bother of plaster. Normally, shower panels are made in various materials like PVC, plywood, and Medium-Density Fiberboard.
Before you start cleaning, you need to understand each one in terms of their style and what care they may require. For example, most come in different styles that include:
- Body showers
- Rain showers
- Multifunction showers
Each shower panel has unique features that determine how you can clean and maintain them.
Tips to Maintain Your Shower Panel Effectively
Your shower panel needs regular maintenance to perform correctly and last a long time. These simple tips can help you keep your shower panel in perfect working condition:
1. Clean the Shower Panel Regularly
Cleaning at least once a week is a great way to ensure your shower panel is well-preserved and in good working condition. To begin, focus on just the surface of the panel because this is where dirt and residue build up over time, and discoloration takes place.
The material or detergent to use for surface cleaning can vary depending on the panel material as follows:
- Mild Detergent: Use a mild, non-abrasive bathroom detergent consistent with the type of shower panel material. Mild detergents are especially recommended if your shower panel is made of acrylic, PVC, or laminate material.
- White Vinegar Solution: Mildew and thick soap scum from around your shower panel and can be challenging to remove. Spray undiluted distilled white vinegar over the visible stains around the tub and shower panels. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse away.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda in water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the stained shower panel surface area and let it stay for some time. Then, brush over the stain with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
2. Maintain the Shower Head in Top Condition
When you keep your shower head in top condition, you enjoy a much better shower experience and maintain that pristine look your shower panel had when you first installed it. A clean shower head also indicates that you're taking good care of it, and there's a limited chance of mineral buildup or mold growth around the shower panel.
Consider these simple tips to keep your shower head clean and in the best condition:
- Descale regularly: When your shower head is in contact with hard water, there will always be mineral buildup and eventual blockages. Perform regular descaling by soaking the showerhead in white vinegar to keep it free from bacteria or mold.
- Clean the shower nozzles: Remove the shower head from time to time and put it in a bowl of vinegar. Gently scrub shower head nozzles with a soft brush to remove debris.
3. Address Common Problems Promptly
As you use your shower from time to time, there are a few problems you may begin to notice, such as low water pressure and, at times, weird noises. Your shower head is an important part of your shower panel and should never be anything but the best.
Any of these signs mean it's high time to look for an immediate solution. Here is how to go about it:
- Low water pressure: This is common in instances where the nozzles have mineral deposits. Repairing it would include soaking the nozzles in vinegar and water or any other descaling agent that can help restore the pressure.
- Strange Noise: The strange noise you hear from the shower head usually arises due to clogging or a malfunction in the internal mechanisms. A temporary solution could be running the shower at full pressure for some time to clear the inside blockage.
4. Replace Seals to Avoid Leaks
The seals around your shower panel prevent water from seeping through, but they can become moldy or wear out, eventually allowing water to leak. Regularly have the panels checked for any minor problems that could become major ones. Begin by identifying any worn-out seals and find ways to reseal or replace them if they're badly damaged.
Conclusion
As a proud homeowner, it's important to maintain the shower panels so that your bathroom remains beautiful and functional. Overall, shower panels are usually cost-effective and easier to maintain than traditional tiles, and they require less cleaning to look great for a long period.
The above shared is a simple step-by-step guide with some valuable tips that will help you maintain your bathroom panels effectively for longer.
Keep in mind that not everything can be handled unless you have professional training or experience in maintaining shower panels. Therefore, it is best to let the problems that you feel are beyond your capabilities remain in the hands of the professionals, as they know all about the maintenance of the shower panel and will give the best service it deserves.
