Cleaning a shower is not difficult, but it is one of the most neglected and seldom cleaned areas in the home. The bathroom gets a lot of traffic in most homes and the typical shower can get multiple uses a day. While it would seem as though the shower should be fairly clean due to the amount of hot water and soap that gets used, it actually is a breeding ground for soap scum, mildew and residue. With a good top to bottom cleaning and maintenance cleaning thereafter, a clean shower is yours.
What’s the Best Way to Start?
The first thing to tackle is the soap scum and residue that tends to build up. Begin by mixing equal parts of dish washing soap and white vinegar in a clean and empty spray bottle. The vinegar works as a catalyst to break down the scum while the soap serves as the solution to clean and remove the build-up. Spray the entire interior of your shower with the solution and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes to penetrate the grime. Arm yourself with a scrub brush or sponge with a scrubbing surface and begin scrubbing in a circular motion, working from top to bottom. Be sure to scrub the handles and drain as well. After thoroughly scrubbing the entire interior of the shower, rinse well with warm water to remove all the suds and residue.
How Do I Clean the Glass Door?
After you have cleaned the surround, the next job is the glass door. This task uses the same two cleaning agents, white vinegar and dish washing soap, as well as a dish wand. Dish wands are readily available in the cleaning aisle at supermarkets and big box stores. Mix an equal amount of vinegar and soap in the wand, secure the cap and squeeze the handle to release the solution. Scrub in a circular motion from top to bottom. Rinse with warm water until the water runs clear and no soap or residue remains.
What If I Have a Shower Curtain?
If you have a shower curtain and liner rather than a glass door to enclose your shower, begin by removing the shower curtain liner and shower curtain. These can be easily washed in the washing machine with regular laundry detergent. Be sure to run the cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking the curtain or damaging the liner. Avoid putting it in the dryer and either line dry the liner and curtain or allow it to hang in your shower until dry.
How Can I Keep My Shower Clean?
To maintain a clean shower, simply use a shower squeegee daily on the shower walls and doors. This is best done after showering and it removes excess water and prevents soap scum build up.
Use this simple method to deep clean your shower. The trick is to keep it clean in between cleanings to prevent the soap scum and grime from building up in the first place.
