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The shower is a daily refuge: a place where we relax, have kid-free quiet time, and win pretend arguments. But its intended purpose and regular use means that it’s also a place where dirt, grime, hair, and soap scum tend to accumulate. For these reasons, cleaning the shower should top the list of must-do weekly chores.
As simple as it sounds, learning how to clean a shower stall properly isn’t just about cleaning. Keeping your shower clean is also about minimizing the growth of mold and keeping germs and bacteria at bay.
The best way to clean a shower is any method that gets your shower clean, prohibits mold, reduces bacteria, and is easy enough that you’ll actually do it. Read on for more details on how to clean a shower the right way.
- Before getting started, remove all shower accessories and products from the area. Open the door, turn on the bathroom fan, and gather supplies.
- Everyone’s favorite step: unclog the drain. If you’re inclined to get grossed out, hopefully you’re also a parent to a teenager who can take this one off your hands for a small fee. There are plenty of contraptions on the market for this, but a straightened out wire hanger will also do the trick.
- Rinse the shower walls, apply the cleaner, and give it about 10 minutes to break down dirt and grime. A natural solution made of equal parts distilled white vinegar and hot water works well on soap scum and grime. White vinegar is safe on ceramic tile and fiberglass, but will not work on marble.
- Using a soft-bristled brush or sponge, scrub the tiles and grout. Then, rinse the walls completely.
- For the tub or floor portion of the shower, apply the same mixture to the floor. For added scrubbing assistance, sprinkle baking soda over the saturated area. Allow it to sit for at least ten minutes and rinse.
- With a tool of your choice—we recommend the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers—scrub the space, spending extra time on areas where grime tends to accumulate. When the surface is smooth and clean, rinse it completely.
- If you have a shower door, rinse it with water first, and then coat it with the same natural cleaning mixture. After letting it sit for ten minutes, wipe with a microfiber cloth or sponge, and then rinse. Using a squeegee or a clean cloth, wipe the door dry.
- If you have a curtain, remove it and the liner. Both of these items (unless otherwise noted) are washing machine safe. Toss them in the wash together, along with a couple of light–colored towels to assist with scrubbing. Run a regular cycle with warm or hot water; remove the liner and hang up immediately after wash.
- If your shower head is clogged with buildup, grab a sandwich bag and fill it with two teaspoons of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar. Attach it to your shower head with an elastic band so the shower head is completely submerged in your cleaning solution. Leave it overnight and remove it in the morning. Turn your hot water on full strength and blow out the lime and mineral deposits.
The Easiest Way To Clean a Shower
The easiest way to clean a shower is to keep the buildup of soap scum, grime, and dirt to a minimum. With brief, regular cleaning and some enhancements, you can make cleaning the shower the easiest task on your cleaning checklist.
Turn Up the Steam
Steam is a great cleaner and disinfectant. After every shower, turn on the hot water and let the steam loosen all the dirt and grime on the shower walls and door. Rinse everything with hot water and you’re done!
Grab a Squeegee
Buy a squeegee and hang it in the shower. After each shower, squeegee walls and shower doors to remove most of the moisture. This preventive maintenance helps prohibit the growth of mold and the buildup of residue.
Turn On the Fan
Moist, warm areas are perfect for mold and mildew to take hold. Every time you take a shower, leave the exhaust fan running for 15 minutes afterward to dry out the shower and bathroom.
Get Everyone Involved
You’re probably not the only person in your home that uses the shower. Make it a team effort to keep your bathroom and shower clean and fresh by sharing these tips. The more everyone does their part, the less often you’ll need to deep clean—and the easier the job will be when you do.
Install a Plug Guard
Cleaning out the drain and getting hair all over the shower when you clean it isn’t fun. Invest in a plug guard that sits over your shower drain to catch hair and other debris that could clog your drain.
Overall, we’d say the best way to clean a shower is to make it an easy task and adopt a “clean as you go” approach. With everyone’s help, you can keep your shower clean and more sanitary for the whole family.
Now that you know how to clean a shower, what’s next? Check out our professional cleaning guides to help make your home more manageable. And if you need help cleaning your bathroom or want someone to tackle your entire house, give us a call! The Maids is standing by to help you attain a cleaner, healthier home. Get your free estimate today and find out what a difference just one visit can make to your home!
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