Keep your Onyx shower pan looking new with a simple, safe routine. These tips work especially well for Onyx solid-surface pans (not natural stone “onyx”). If you’re planning a bigger refresh, start with a trusted local bathroom remodeling company in Houston—we’ll help you pair low-maintenance materials with smart drainage and waterproofing.
Keep your drains clean
A common issue with Onyx shower pans is white spots forming on the base. They’re usually minor and come off with neat dish soap (apply, dwell a few minutes, rinse). If that doesn’t do it, use a non-abrasive cleaner like Scrubbing/“Shower” Bubbles.
White spots often mean water sat on the surface. Onyx is non-porous with multiple protective layers, so you’re not in danger—but slow drainage can lead to recurring spots and soap/lime buildup. Keep the drain clear to prevent standing water:
- Use a hair catcher to trap shed hair and debris.
- When deep-cleaning the shower, flush the drain:
• Pour ~½ cup dish soap down the drain.
• Follow with ~½ cup white vinegar (do not mix in the same container).
• Finish with a thorough hot-water rinse from the shower.
Quick Cleaner Guide (Onyx Solid Surface)
Rinse your shower after every use
After each shower, rinse the pan and walls to remove soap film and minerals. The key is removing water fast: if it doesn’t flow down the drain immediately, squeegee or wipe it off so residue doesn’t dry on the surface.
If you keep bottles in the shower, quickly rinse/wipe bottle exteriors to stop suds or mineral drips between uses.
Use dish soap for mild stains
Most mild stains (often dye transfer from body/hair products) lift with dish soap. Apply to the spot, dwell a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Use a non-abrasive cleaner for tougher stains
For stubborn buildup, use a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner (Scrubbing Bubbles-type). It removes tough deposits without harming Onyx. Avoid powders, scouring pads, or magic erasers on glossy finishes.
Periodically clean with vinegar (and rinse well)
A 50:50 white vinegar + water mix is great for lingering soap scum and mineral deposits, especially around silicone edges. Wipe on, brief dwell, then rinse thoroughly. Vinegar also shines glass and makes a solid showerhead soak—about 30 minutes to dissolve calcium/lime.
Important: These tips are for Onyx Collection solid-surface parts, tile, and glass. Do not use vinegar on natural stone (marble, limestone, travertine). Always rinse well so acids don’t sit on coatings or metals.
Use microfiber cloths to prevent streaks
For a perfect finish, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. It removes streaks on all surfaces—including glass. For big glass panels, a squeegee is fastest, then detail edges with microfiber.
Add a protective coating
Onyx pans are tough, but a protective polish makes cleaning even easier. Gel Gloss is a popular pick for pans/surrounds (not glass). Apply a thin coat with a dry cloth, let it haze, then buff. In hard-water areas, reapply every 2–4 weeks (monthly at minimum). ShowerGuard is excellent—for glass only.
Simple Maintenance Schedule
- Daily: Rinse pan/walls; squeegee standing water
- Weekly: Dish soap wipe-down; drain flush (soap → vinegar → hot rinse)
- Monthly: Non-abrasive cleaner pass; Gel Gloss coat (2–4 weeks in hard water)
- Quarterly: Showerhead vinegar soak (30 min)
Safety note: Don’t mix household chemicals in the same bottle. Vinegar + bleach (or peroxide) is hazardous. If you use vinegar after dish soap, that’s fine—just don’t premix and always rinse well.
FAQ: Onyx Shower Pan Care
Q: Are white spots permanent?
A: Usually not. They’re often dried soap/mineral residue—try dish soap first, then a non-abrasive cleaner.
Q: Is vinegar safe on Onyx Collection solid surface?
A: Yes, when diluted 50:50 and rinsed thoroughly. Don’t use acids on natural stone surfaces.
Q: What cleaners should I avoid?
A: Abrasive powders, scouring pads, magic erasers on glossy finishes, and harsh solvents/undiluted acids that can dull coatings.
Q: How often should I apply Gel Gloss?
A: In hard-water areas every 2–4 weeks; otherwise, monthly is a good cadence.
Q: Water lingers in my pan—what now?
A: Clear the drain (hair catcher + soap → vinegar → hot rinse). If pooling persists, the slope or 2″ drain may need attention—consider a shower remodel assessment.