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October 5, 2023

You Won’t Break a Sweat With These Six Shower Cleaning Hacks

Cleaning the shower is a task that often feels daunting, time-consuming, and, let’s face it, sweaty. Soap scum, mold, and mildew can quickly accumulate, turning your once-sparkling shower into a grimy and uninviting space. However, it does not need to be a taxing task. By employing appropriate strategies and methods, you can clean your shower efficiently and effectively, all without breaking a sweat. In this blog, we’ll explore some tips and methods to help you effortlessly maintain a sparkling clean shower.

Regular Maintenance: The Key to Effortless Cleaning

The best shower cleaning hack is prevention. To avoid the buildup of soap scum and grime, make it a habit to perform quick and simple maintenance tasks regularly. Maintenance helps in reducing the presence of bacteria, fungi, and soap residue, contributing to a healthier bathing environment.

Some practical maintenance tasks include:

  1. Squeegee After Each Shower: Invest in a quality squeegee and make it a habit to use it after every shower. Run the squeegee over the shower walls, glass shower door or shower curtain and tiles to remove excess water. This helps prevent soap scum and water spots from happening.
  2. Wipe Down Surfaces: Keep a microfiber cloth or an old towel in your bathroom, and use it to wipe down surfaces that may have residual moisture or soap splatters. Pay attention to areas around the faucets, handles, and soap dishes.
  3. Dry Shower Fixtures: After wiping down the shower, use a dry cloth to polish shower fixtures, such as faucets and handles. This prevents the buildup of water spots and keeps them looking shiny.
  4. Ventilation: Make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated by running the exhaust fan or opening a window if there is one, both during and after showers. Adequate ventilation effectively lowers moisture levels, consequently decreasing the chances of mold and mildew growth.

Use the Right Tools and Products

Having the right tools and cleaning products makes cleaning your shower fast and efficient. When you use tools that are specifically designed for the job, you’re more likely to remove dirt, soap scum, and grime efficiently without the need for excessive scrubbing or multiple cleaning sessions.

Here are some essential tools to clean your shower effectively:

  • Shower Squeegee: A shower squeegee with a rubber blade is essential for quickly removing excess water from shower walls, glass doors, and tiles after each use. This keeps water spots and soap scum at bay.
  • Microfiber Cloths or Towels: Microfiber cloths are highly effective at wiping down surfaces and absorbing moisture. They are delicate on surfaces and effectively remove dirt and grime.
  • Scrub Brushes: Create a collection of a variety of scrub brushes with varying bristle styles and types. Stiff-bristle brushes are great for removing tough stains, while soft-bristle brushes work well on delicate surfaces.
  • Old Toothbrush: An old toothbrush is handy for cleaning small crevices, grout lines, and hard-to-reach areas in the shower.
  • Steam Cleaner: A handheld steam cleaner has the potential to revolutionize your deep cleaning efforts. Steam efficiently tackles dirt, grime, and mold from shower surfaces.
  • Rubber Gloves: Shield your hands from the effects of harsh cleaning chemicals and hot water by wearing rubber gloves. They also provide a better grip when scrubbing.
  • Extension Pole: An extension pole with a cleaning brush attachment allows you to clean high and hard-to-reach areas in the shower without straining or using a ladder.

The right cleaning products are formulated to tackle common shower-related issues like soap scum, mineral deposits, and mold, effectively. These products frequently include unique ingredients that can break down and dissolve these substances with ease.

  • Shower Cleaner: Look for a shower cleaner specifically formulated to combat mineral deposits, soap scum, and mold. Some are tailored for daily maintenance, whereas others are intended for more thorough weekly or monthly deep cleaning sessions.
  • White Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural and versatile cleaning solution. It can dissolve mineral deposits, break down soap scum, and inhibit mold growth. Mix it with water and/or a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle for a homemade cleaning solution.
  • Baking Soda: Baking soda is a powerful abrasive cleaner that can help scrub away stains and grime. It’s also a natural deodorizer.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is excellent for removing mold and mildew. It can also disinfect surfaces.
  • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is effective at breaking down stains, soap scum, and mineral deposits. It also leaves a fresh scent.
  • Tile Grout Cleaner: For tiled showers, a specialized tile grout cleaner can help remove deeply embedded dirt and grime from grout lines.
  • Glass Cleaner: A glass cleaner removes water spots, streaks, soap scum, and fingerprints from glass shower doors and panels, leaving them clear and spotless. Beyond aesthetics, a good glass cleaner also enhances safety by improving visibility and can even disinfect and inhibit mold and mildew growth.
  • Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Consider using eco-friendly or natural cleaning products if you prefer to minimize exposure to harsh chemicals. These will also likely pose fewer health risks.
  • Disinfectant Spray: Using a disinfectant spray can ensure that your shower is not only spotless but also devoid of harmful bacteria and germs.
  • Mold and Mildew Remover: If you have persistent mold or mildew issues, a dedicated mold and mildew remover can be effective in eliminating these problems.

Apply Cleaning Solutions Effectively

When it’s time to clean your shower, apply the cleaning solution evenly on the surfaces, paying extra attention to areas with soap scum or mold. Wait a few minutes after applying the solution so dirt can break down. During this time, you can tackle other cleaning tasks in the bathroom, making your cleaning routine more efficient.

Steam Cleaning for Deep Cleaning

For a deep and thorough clean without the strenuous scrubbing, consider using a handheld steam cleaner. Steam effectively loosens dirt, grime, and mold, so it’s easy to wipe with a cloth or sponge. It’s a speedy and effective way to maintain a sparkling shower without breaking a sweat.

Work from Top to Bottom

When it’s time to scrub, start from the top of the showerhead and work your way down to the shower floor. By doing so, you can avoid cleaning areas a second time that you’ve already addressed. Be systematic in your approach, and don’t forget to use a tiny bit of elbow grease on the shower fixtures, shower doors, faucets, and drains.

Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Following the scrubbing process, thoroughly rinse the shower surfaces with water to eliminate any lingering cleaning solution. Leaving residue behind can lead to streaks and dull spots. After rinsing, use a clean cloth or towel to dry the shower, preventing water spots and streaks from forming as it naturally air-dries.

Keeping a clean shower can be achieved without breaking a sweat. It’s easy to maintain a shower that is both sparkling and welcoming. With a little effort and consistency, you can transform your cleaning routine from a dreaded chore into a manageable and rewarding task, ensuring that your shower remains a fresh and hygienic space for your daily use.

Choose Eight Hour Shower for Your Indianapolis shower remodel

With a focus on speed and efficiency, we specialize in quickly turning around a shower remodel, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. We also offer a wide range of customizable design options, ensuring your new shower perfectly suits your style and needs. We use high-quality materials to ensure the durability and longevity of our work. Contact us today for a free consultation.