Showers become dirty due to mildew, soap residue, body oil, and mold accumulation. To avoid all this, make cleaning your shower a daily ritual to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. If you don’t clean your shower frequently, bacteria, mold, and mildew will grow on the walls and shower curtains. On top of that, mold is harmful to people.
To begin, simply follow these instructions to clean a shower, including one with fiberglass, natural stone, or ceramic tile. In addition, we have also included instructions on how to remove stubborn shower stains. So, let’s begin!
How Often to Clean Your Shower (Known Facts)
Frequent cleaning will reduce the buildup of unattractive soap scum or unhealthy mold and mildew. Every week, a shower should be completely cleaned. However, you may extend the deeper cleaning to every two weeks if you perform a one-minute maintenance after every shower or during the shower. As for the shower curtains, they should be cleaned at least once a month, or more frequently if necessary so keep a close eye on them.
You can use a Mr. Clean Sponge or absorbent cleaning towel to clean the shower doors and walls after each shower by quickly wiping down the tiles and glass doors. This will make it easier to clean when you are ready to give it a thorough cleaning.
Hang any shower accessories (washcloths, brushes, poufs, etc.) so they drip dry entirely and remove any extra hair from the drain. Your weekly cleanings will be a lot easier with this short regimen, which will also keep shower walls made of stone, fiberglass, and ceramic tile looking their best.
Tools You’ll Need:
The hardest part of cleaning a shower is cleaning the grout, which makes it the perfect host for mildew and other ugly particles. This is because grout is very absorbent, meaning it is porous. The only way to prevent the growth in your shower from becoming very dirty is to clean it regularly.
1. First, remove all items from the shower.
2. Make sure to remove any hair from the drain
3. Wash or wipe down all bottles, such as your shampoo bottles, soap dispensers, and any other items lying around in your shower.
4. Remember to remove the shower curtains, if there are any.
Ventilate:
Most cleaning agents are very harsh and not good for inhaling so before you begin to clean your shower, make sure the room has enough air. Start by opening all windows if there are any doors and make sure to turn on the fan. Wetting the walls will also help to absorb any harsh chemicals in the air. If you are unable to do any of these, make sure to put on a face mask. Okay, let’s begin!
How to Clean Stone Showers
If your shower has been refinished with marble, granite, or another type of natural stone, cleaning procedures should be good for you, as cleaning should be slightly different and easier. Cleaning the stone should only be necessary once a week if you wipe down the walls after each use.
To effectively clean stone showers, use Dawn dish soap, Clorox bleach foamer, and hydrogen peroxide.
Instructions:
- Follow these steps: Begin by mixing a solution of Dawn dish soap and warm water and applying it to the stone surfaces, using a toothbrush to scrub the grout. Scrub gently to remove surface dirt and soap scum.
- Next, use a separate application of Clorox bleach foamer to target any mold or mildew stains; allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the grout and tiles. Rinse thoroughly, ensuring all cleaning products are washed away.
- For added disinfection, mix hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle and mist the stone surfaces, letting them sit for a few minutes before wiping or rinsing, and then drying with a cleaning cloth.
- Always check the compatibility of cleaning agents with your specific stone type and perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area before full application to prevent any potential damage.
Tips:
When mixing cleaning chemicals for your shower, avoid combining acidic products to prevent harmful reactions. Always use mild, non-abrasive cleaners to protect surfaces like tile and glass. Keep in mind to follow product instructions, test in a small area first, and opt for soft brushes to prevent scratches.
Ensure proper ventilation during cleaning to disperse fumes and rinse surfaces thoroughly to remove any residue. These precautions safeguard both your shower and your well-being.
How to Clean Fiberglass Showers
To clean your fiberglass shower using 1/2 lemon, distilled vinegar, and Dawn dish soap, follow these steps using a squeegee, sponge, spray bottle, and old newspaper:
Cleaning Solution Preparation:
- Squeeze half a lemon into a bowl.
- Add a quarter cup of distilled vinegar and a few drops of Dawn dish soap.
- Mix for a natural and effective cleaning solution.
Application:
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Liberally spray onto fiberglass surfaces, ensuring even coverage on walls and glass.
Cleaning Process:
- Gently scrub fiberglass with a soft sponge to break down soap scum and grime.
- Use a squeegee on glass surfaces to prevent streaks and water spots.
Rinsing:
- Rinse the entire shower thoroughly with water to remove the cleaning solution.
- Ensure all soap residue is washed away.
Finishing Touches:
- Add extra shine by rubbing lemon directly onto glass surfaces for its natural acidic properties.
- Dry and polish surfaces with old newspaper to absorb excess moisture and leave glass streak-free.
Post-Cleaning: Ensure proper bathroom ventilation to allow surfaces to dry completely and dissipate any residual vinegar scent.
Cleaning the Floor in Your Fiberglass Shower
Typically textured, fiberglass flooring requires some scrubbing to get rid of dirt. The filth on the textured floor can be removed using a decent scrub brush or a brush with soft bristles.
Use warm water to rinse.
How to Clean Ceramic Tile Showers
To effectively clean a ceramic tile shower using Dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps with the assistance of a squeegee, Mr. Clean Sponge, rubber gloves, an old toothbrush, and dry towels.
- Begin by mixing equal parts Dawn dish soap and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl, creating a powerful yet gentle cleaning solution. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands, then dip the Mr. Clean Sponge into the mixture and scrub the ceramic tiles, paying extra attention to grout lines and stubborn stains.
- * For intricate areas and corners, use an old toothbrush. Once the tiles are scrubbed, use a squeegee to remove excess water and cleaning solution from the surfaces.
- * Finally, wipe down the tiles with a dry towel to absorb any remaining moisture and reveal the refreshed, clean ceramic tile surfaces. Always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area before widespread application to ensure compatibility with your specific tiles.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains in the Shower
As a scouring powder, it’s best to use a combination of sea salt and baking soda. Simply apply this scrubbing powder to sinks, shower walls, and floors for optimal results. Most stains, mildew, and hair product residue can be removed by using a scouring pad (preferably Mr. Clean Sponge) on flat surfaces and a scouring brush on stone or tile surfaces.
The Take-Away
In conclusion, maintaining a pristine shower space is essential for both hygiene and aesthetics. Whether you have a stone, ceramic, or fiberglass shower, the key lies in a systematic cleaning approach. For stone showers, gentle yet effective cleansers and soft brushes will preserve their natural beauty. Ceramic showers benefit from regular cleaning using non-abrasive solutions to prevent grime buildup. Fiberglass showers, on the other hand, respond well to mild cleaners and soft cloths to maintain their glossy finish.
By incorporating these tailored cleaning techniques into your routine, you’ll not only ensure a sparkling clean shower but also extend the longevity of your chosen materials, leaving your bathroom a sanctuary of cleanliness and comfort.
