There are many replacement shower materials to choose from, but which is the easiest to clean? In short, acrylic comes out on top in terms of low maintenance requirements and easy cleaning.
Out of all of the shower materials on the market, acrylic is by far the easiest to clean!
It is easy to clean a walk-in shower since most of the surfaces are flat and there are fewer corners or areas with less dirt or grime buildup. It takes less time to clean the glass walls and tiled floors as there are fewer crannies and nooks to scrub compared to a traditional shower enclosure.
Sliding shower enclosure doors are preferred as it looks stylish and also saves on space. Alcoves and recesses might look like its hindering the space but ideally, they are the perfect places for your shower. Rectangular or a square shower area tray suits best for a recess or alcove.
Frameless shower doors are an effective alternative to traditional framed doors. You don't have to worry about mildew or mold collecting on your frame. You also don't need to regularly clean your shower door.
Walk-in showers are also easier to clean and maintain and are suitable for bathrooms of all sizes. Shower enclosures, on the other hand, are more affordable and are better suited for smaller bathrooms as they prevent excess spraying of water.
As a rule of thumb, cleaning expert Karina Toner suggests that you deep clean a shower once every month (or two if the space is not used frequently). 'Regular wipe-downs may not be enough especially for hard-to-reach areas like grout lines and tight corners.
Cons of a Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers aren't as separate as tubs, so homeowners with walk-in showers may find themselves with a lack of privacy. You can remedy this issue using curtains or by installing textured glass walls, but it may still bother you if you have kids that occasionally barge in your bathroom.
For smaller bathrooms, most experts recommend a shower enclosure no smaller than 36" x 36". To comfortably fit one adult, a shower measuring 48" x 36" should offer enough space for easy movement.
It cuts down on the amount of cleaning, as there isn't necessarily a door to scrub. Doorless showers also allows for easy access, making them a smart choice for homeowners of all ages. Whatever the size of your bathroom, a doorless shower can add a touch of luxury, comfort, and style.
Acrylic. Along with being beautiful and fully customizable, acrylic shower systems are the easiest to clean. This innovative material is naturally resistant to fading, scratching, and staining, and acrylic showers are installed in one solid piece so no stubborn grout lines are present.
For shower walls that are easy to keep clean, consider investing in porcelain, ceramic, PVC laminate, or even glass. Depending on the material, there is a wide variety of colors, patterns, tiles sizes, and shapes to complete the renovation project.
How do professionals clean showers? Professionals use acid-based cleaning solutions like vinegar for hard water spots and soap scum. For deep-set soap scum, cleaners will use heavy-duty detergents and degreasers. Bleach cleaning solutions are best reserved for cleaning the mold and mildew from grout.
“Showering in the morning washes all this off and allows for a clean (and fresh smelling!) start to the day.” Alternatively, showering at night rinses away all of that grime before you even climb into bed, as Dr. Marcus explained above.
Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health. It depends in part on your lifestyle.
Rubber flooring is a wonderful option for seniors because it is slip-resistant even when it is wet, making it the safest choice. Another great benefit is its absorbency. If someone were to fall on rubber flooring, it would most likely be less painful than hard surfaces.
It doesn't take an engineer to figure out if you use a stationary shower head directed at the opening of a walk-in shower, you're going to get water on the bathroom floor. If you're designing a small walk in shower, use a rain head which is, by design, directed down at your head (not blasting full-force at your body).
What we've discovered, though, is that a shower door is an option, not a necessity if the shower is designed with that in mind. I know you're probably thinking a doorless shower would only work in a home with a huge bathroom, but a door is no longer necessary even in a small space like replacing a tub with a shower.
42x60" is the optimal size for one standing adult, not too big while still allowing good range of motion. 60x60" is optimal for a wheelchair user and leaves enough space for assistance should they need it. 72x72" is how big the sloped area should be if you want a completely open space with no barriers.
A prefab unit with installation costs $3,000–$9,000, according to Angi. Custom walk-in showers are built from the ground up, requiring more labor. They're also typically made of more durable, high-end materials. You can choose the exact size, shape, and configuration that fits your bathroom.