Getting a sparkling clean shower doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. With some simple cleaning solutions and techniques, you can have a bathroom that shines in no time. Here are some tips for getting a gleaming clean shower:
Use a Daily Shower Spray
One of the easiest ways to prevent soap scum and mildew buildup is to use a daily shower spray. These sprays contain ingredients like vinegar, lemon oil, and tea tree oil that help break down residue each day.
I simply spray my shower walls and doors with a shower spray after getting out of the shower. The spray sits on the surfaces and breaks down soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew. Then when it comes time for deep cleaning, scrubbing is much easier. Daily shower sprays help prevent stubborn buildup.
Do a Deep Cleaning 1-2 Times Per Month
While a daily spray keeps the soft gunk at bay, you still need to deep clean your shower 1-2 times per month. This removes more stubborn hard water stains, soap scum, and mildew.
To deep clean, I mix together baking soda and either vinegar or lemon juice into a paste. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that lifts dirt, while vinegar and lemon work to cut through soap scum. I spread the paste onto shower surfaces and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The paste bubbles and fizzes, loosening up residue.
For extra stubborn stains, I also use a scrubbing pad designed for showers. It provides extra abrasion to get rid of hard water deposits and rust stains that build up over time. Scrubbing thoroughly with the paste and pad leaves my shower sparkling.
Prevent Mildew and Mold
Mildew and mold thrive in the warm, wet environment of the shower. To prevent mildew from taking hold, it’s important to:
- Let the shower air dry completely after use
- Keep bathmats and towels hung up to dry
- Clean shower curtains regularly
- Use an exhaust fan or open a window during and after showering
I make sure to pull back my shower curtain after showering to allow airflow. I also treat my shower curtain liner and shower walls with tea tree oil, which has anti-fungal properties. This helps inhibit mildew growth.
Deep Clean Showerheads
Don’t forget to deep clean the showerhead! Hard water deposits and mineral buildup can clog showerheads over time, leading to diminished water pressure.
To clean, simply unscrew the showerhead and soak it in a bowl filled with white vinegar for 30 minutes. If there is stubborn buildup, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the showerhead while it’s soaking. Rinse thoroughly before replacing. Deep cleaning the showerhead ensures strong water pressure.
Stay On Top of Grout Cleaning
Grout can be a magnet for dirt, grime, and mildew buildup in the shower. Keeping grout clean requires getting down at eye level and focusing on scrubbing the grout lines.
I try to clean my shower grout at least once a month when I deep clean. Using a grout brush with some baking soda paste or diluted bleach, I scrub the grout lines until they look fresh. White vinegar can also help remove soap scum and hard water stains from grout. Staying on top of grout cleaning keeps my whole shower looking sparkling clean.
With some simple cleaning solutions and techniques, keeping a shower clean doesn’t have to be a loathsome chore. Daily upkeep along with regular deep cleaning and grout scrubbing will lead to a fresh, spotless shower. A little effort pays off with a pristine and inviting bathroom space.
