A slippy shower tray is one of the biggest safety hazards in the home, and understanding what's actually causing it to be slippy in the first place is the first step towards solving the problem. Whether your shower tray is old, new, or even sold as "anti-slip", maintenance is key.
So What Makes a Shower Tray Slippery?
Shower trays become slippery when soap scum, body oils, or water deposits build up on the surface of the shower tray. This happens very quickly with the use of various soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, which all leave behind a residue. Even an anti-slip tray will lose its "grippyness" if it isn't cleaned regularly. With this "contaminant" sitting on the surface, there is now something between the sole of your foot and the surface of the shower tray, which causes you to slip. A dirty shower tray is a slippy shower tray.
Cleaning Is Everything
Cleaning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your shower tray safe. Use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for bathrooms. Avoid harsh chemicals that slowly strip away the tray's protective surface, especially if your shower tray has an applied anti-slip coating. A soft sponge, mild soap and warm water will help you clean without damaging the tray's surface. If you let grime build up, any shower tray, anti-slip or not, will become a hazard.
Short-Term Fixes
If you need a quick solution, anti-slip stickers, shower mats, and shower shoes can provide additional grip. These products are widely available and easy to install or use. However, they do come with downsides. Stickers and mats will discolor over time and harbor mold if not cleaned properly. Remember - they are not a permanent fix - they will need to be replaced periodically as they begin to lose their grippyness or start to peel.
The Impact of Scrubbing and Chemicals
Be very aware when cleaning your shower tray. Harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaning products will wear down the surface, especially if you have an anti-slip shower tray with an applied coating. Over time, scrubbing this anti-slip will wear it down, making it smoother and, ironically, will become the opposite of why you have an anti-slip surface in the first place. Use a gentle touch and avoid using chemicals that are not designed for your shower tray material.
Longer Term Solutions
For a more permanent fix, investing in a high-level anti-slip shower tray is the best route to go down. There are two main types of anti-slip shower trays. The most common are anti-slip shower trays with what is known as an applied coating. This coating is applied on top of a standard shower tray, like a film across the surface. This coating can be applied by the manufacturer, installer, or homeowner after installation. If applied by the manufacturer, the anti-slip surface will be graded as to how anti-slip the surface is. It's important to understand where your choice of shower tray sits on this anti-slip grading. There are considerable differences in anti-slip surfaces but all will be marketed as anti-slip. If applied by the installer or homeowner, there is no way to guarantee the level of anti-slip achieved. One thing to remember with applied surfaces is that they will need to be reapplied over time as they break down and lose their anti-slip properties.
The other alternative is a shower tray with integrated anti-slip properties built into the shower tray itself. Integrated anti-slip shower trays have a built-in texture, which is designed to provide traction over the long term. Regardless of your choice, regular cleaning is essential to keeping these surfaces working as intended.
Why Every Bathroom Should Have an Anti-Slip Shower Tray
Safety in the bathroom is crucial, especially for children, seniors, or anyone with any level of mobility issues. If your shower tray is slippery, start by addressing the cause - clean it regularly to remove the soap scum and grime that accumulate over time.
While stickers and mats offer a quick fix, a purposely designed anti-slip shower tray is the more reliable solution. It eliminates the need for temporary fixes and will help give you a level of confidence while you shower.
Bear in mind that applied coatings will need to be replaced over time, and integrated anti-slip surfaces, while more expensive, don't have these ongoing maintenance issues. The best way to ensure long-term safety is by investing in the highest quality anti-slip shower tray that your budget will allow and keeping it in good condition with regular maintenance.
Things to look out for are Safety - Comfort - Cleanability.
Things to compare are the slip safety gradings of the various options.
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