Taking a shower is supposed to feel refreshing, not dirty! Unfortunately, showers can easily accumulate grime, mildew, and dirt over time. No one wants to step into a filthy shower. Luckily, there are many ways to keep your shower sparkling clean between deep cleansings.
Use a Shower Liner
Using a shower liner is one of the best ways to keep dirt, hair, and grime from sticking to your shower walls and floor. Shower liners create a barrier between the shower surfaces and the dirty water going down the drain.
- I prefer using clear vinyl shower liners. They allow the beauty of the tile or fiberglass to show through while protecting the surfaces.
- Change the shower liner every 3-6 months. Mildew and soap scum will build up over time.
- Use caution when choosing a plastic shower liner. Cheap plastic can release unhealthy chemicals in the hot shower environment.
Squeegee After Each Shower
A shower squeegee is a must-have for keeping showers free of grime. Simply wipe down the walls, floor, and doors of the shower after each use. The squeegee removes pooled water and picks up dirt and hair.
- I use a large squeegee with a long handle so I can reach all areas without stretching.
- Wipe in a continuous S or Z pattern without lifting the squeegee.
- Start at the top and work down to the floor.
- Dry the squeegee thoroughly between uses to prevent mildew from growing.
Use Shower Spray Cleaners
Daily shower sprays make cleaning a breeze. Spritz the walls, floor, and doors after showering and let the cleaners do their job. No need to scrub or rinse.
- Look for sprays with tea tree oil to inhibit mildew growth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage surfaces and irritate skin.
- DIY shower sprays with distilled white vinegar disinfect without harsh fumes.
Install Water Filtration
Hard water results in lime and calcium buildup on shower walls and glass. Water filtration systems for the whole house prevent these pesky mineral deposits.
- A whole house water softener removes minerals by exchanging them for salt.
- For chlorine removal, activated carbon filtration is ideal. Chlorine damages surfaces.
- Preventing mineral buildup in the first place saves hours of tough scrubbing!
Apply Rain-X or Wax
Rain-X and automotive wax form protective barriers on shower walls and doors that cause water to bead and glide off. This prevents standing water and mineral spots.
- I apply Rain-X Shower Door Water Repellent about once a month. A little goes a long way.
- Using car wax on fiberglass shower walls fills in scratches and protects the finish.
- Re-apply when water no longer beads on the surface.
Clean the Showerhead
Don’t neglect the showerhead when cleaning. Mineral buildup in the showerhead restricts water flow.
- For a basic cleaning, remove the showerhead and soak it in white vinegar overnight.
- For stubborn buildup, use a showerhead cleaning spray that dissolves minerals.
- Replace old showerheads with a new high-efficiency model. Newer models resist mineral buildup.
Conclusion
A clean shower is a healthy and inviting place to start your day. By using a few convenient tools and habits like a squeegee, shower spray, and water filtration, I keep my showers free of dirt and grime with minimal effort. Shower cleaning is never my favorite chore, but these tips prevent grimy buildup and keep cleaning fast and easy. Give them a try for shower bliss!
