Corrugated metal showers are great to enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom or have an outdoor bathroom altogether. But unfortunately, some of these corrugated metal showers can be difficult to clean. Keep reading this article to know the difference between corrugated metal and galvanized metal sheets and how you can clean your corrugated metal shower with step-by-step instructions.
Is Corrugated Metal the Same as Galvanized?
A galvanized metal sheet is a corrugated sheet of carbon steel shielded with a galvanized coating. The metal is carbonized by coating the sheet in hot molten zinc. A galvanized metal sheet creates a shiny and rust-free finish surface. This process is called galvanization. All corrugated metal sheets are not and don’t have to be galvanized. A corrugated metal shower is excellent for when you want an outdoor shower or to create an aesthetic one in your home. The metal is easy to work with and integrates easily with any environment.
Why Should You Clean Your Corrugated Metal Shower
A simple answer to this question is: it will rust. Yes, your corrugated metal shower will rust in no time if you do not clean it regularly. You should clean your corrugated metal shower at least once a month. Since, it is not a material that is used traditionally in showers, a corrugated metal sheet is not waterproof on its own unless you coat it with waterproof liquid. Holes and cracks in the metals can also allow the water to seep inside and cause rust faster. Properly cleaning your corrugated metal shower can ensure no rust ever builds up, and the metal lasts long in your shower.
How to clean corrugated metal shower
Cleaning a corrugated metal shower is easy. All you need is hot water, a sponge, and a giant brush. Bleach and vinegar are a strict no when cleaning any corrugated metal.
Materials for cleaning
Below are some materials you might need while cleaning your corrugated metal shower:
- Dish soap
- Water
- Bucket
- Huge soft-bristle brush
- Cloth
- Metal polish
Step by step instructions
Follow these easy steps and keep your corrugated metal showers clean:
- Mix 2 gallons of hot water and half a cup of dish soap in a bucket.
- Dip the soft-bristle brush into this mixture.
- Use the soft-bristle brush to rub the metal surface in a soft and circular motion.
- Let the mixture sit on the metal for about 20 minutes.
- Take a clean washcloth and dip it into clean hot water.
- Use this to wipe the metal surface clean.
- Make sure there is no residual soap mixture left on the metal surface.
- To ensure, rub the surface with the cloth in circular motions again.
- And that’s it! This is all you need to do to clean your corrugated metal shower.
For stains that will not go from these steps, follow the below instructions and keep your corrugated metal shower clean:
- Mix 2 gallons of hot water with half a cup of dish soap and some Comet or Simple Green.
- Dip the soft-bristle brush into this mixture.
- Let the mixture sit on the metal for about 20 minutes.
- Take a clean washcloth and dip it into clean hot water.
- Use this to wipe the metal surface clean.
- Ensure there is no residual soap and Comet or Simple Green mixture left on the metal surface.
- To ensure, rub the surface with the cloth in circular motions again.
- You can remove the most stubborn stains with this mixture!
How to remove rust from corrugated metal shower
You should aim to remove rust from your corrugated metal shower and recoat it with metal polish once you are done. However, rust on metal is common, especially in humid areas. So you should never forget that with rust, prevention is better. And even if you do face metal rust, cleaning it often is the best thing you can do.
Rust fighting materials
Here are some materials you can use to fight the rust on your corrugated metal showers:
- Wire brush
- Vinegar
- Sand paper
- Broom
- Zinc spray or galvanizing spray
- Cloth
- Face mask
- Protective gloves
Step by step instructions
Cleaning your corrugated metal shower and keeping it clean is the first step to preventing rust. However, if you do find your corrugated metal shower rusty, you can follow the steps below to know how to clean it properly!
- Take a clean cloth and dip it in hot water.
- Take this cloth to clean the rusted metal surface of any debris and dust sitting on it.
- Take wire wool and dip it into some vinegar.
- Use this to rub the rusted surface in circular motions.
- Use sandpaper as an extra step to make sure you get all the rust on the surface.
- Use the broom to sweep the area clean.
- Take another fresh, clean cloth and dip it in hot water.
- Use this to wipe the entire area clean.
- Allow this to dry completely.
- Remember that you should do all of this while you wear protective gear. This includes a face mask and hand gloves.
Sometimes, the rust will not come off using just this method. You can choose a heavy rust remover that is readily available in the market. Each of these comes with different instructions based on the manufacturer. Please follow the instructions on the individual bottle and make sure you wear protective gear while doing this.
Also, Read – How to stop water from running out of shower
The best way to ensure your corrugated metal shower doesn’t rust is to prevent rusting in the first place. Here’s how you can do that:
- Use a primer to shield the metal from moisture and humidity in the bathroom. Follow this up with two coats of paint.
- Keep your corrugated metal shower clean and dry every time you use it.
Wrapping up
A corrugated metal shower will last about 10 to 15 years in your shower before the galvanized protective coating starts completely rusting away. You can replace this, and the metal can last you longer. However, since corrugated metal is not a traditional material used in the shower, it is harder to keep clean and rust-free. You can keep your corrugated metal shower clean by keeping it dry and moisture-free and coating it with a primer and paint.
