How to Clean a Shower the Right Way

A shower is a place where you can relax, refresh, and rejuvenate yourself after a long day. But if your shower is dirty, moldy, or stained, it can also be a source of stress and frustration. Not to mention, a dirty shower can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi that can affect your health and hygiene.

That’s why it’s important to know how to clean a shower the right way, using the appropriate products and methods for different types of shower surfaces. Whether you have a tile, fiberglass, or natural stone shower, there are some simple steps you can follow to make your shower sparkle like new.

Here, we will show you how to clean a shower the right way, depending on the material of your shower. We will also give you some tips and reminders for maintaining your shower and preventing common problems. By the end of this post, you will be able to enjoy a clean and comfortable shower every time.

Before Start to Clean a Shower

Before you start cleaning your shower, there are some things you need to know and prepare. First of all, you need to identify the type of material your shower is made of. Different materials have different characteristics and require different cleaning products and methods. For example, some materials are more porous and prone to staining than others, while some materials are more sensitive and can be damaged by harsh or acidic cleaners.

Secondly, you need to gather the necessary supplies for cleaning your shower. Depending on the type of material and the level of dirtiness, you may need some or all of the following items that we have mentioned for each method.

Thirdly, you need to prepare the area for cleaning. This means removing all the items from your shower, such as bottles, soap bars, razors, loofahs, etc. You also need to rinse the shower with hot water to loosen any dirt, grime, or soap scum. Additionally, you need to ventilate the room by opening the shower door and window or turning on the fan. This will help prevent the buildup of moisture and fumes that can cause mold growth and health issues.

How to Clean a Tile Shower

Tile showers are popular because they are durable, versatile, and easy to maintain. However, tile showers can also accumulate soap scum, hard water stains, mold, and mildew over time. To keep your tile shower clean and shiny, follow these steps:

Supplies You Will Need:

• Spray bottle or a bucket
• Mild detergent, soap, or cleaner
• White vinegar or lemon juice solution
• Baking soda or borax paste
• Soft cloth, sponge, or rag
• Soft-bristled brush or a grout brush
• Squeegee or a microfiber cloth
• Towel or a paper towel

Step By Step Guide:

1. Spray or apply your chosen cleaner to the tile surfaces. You can use a commercial tile cleaner or a homemade solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a more pleasant smell. Avoid using cleaners that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on marble tiles, as they can damage the stone.
2. Let the cleaner sit for about 10 minutes to dissolve the soap scum and mineral deposits. For tougher stains, you may need to let it sit longer.
3. Scrub the tile surfaces with a soft cloth, sponge, or rag. Use circular motions and gentle pressure to avoid scratching the tile. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
4. Scrub the grout lines with a soft-bristled brush or a grout brush. You can use the same cleaner as before or make a paste of baking soda and water or borax and water. Apply the paste to the grout lines and scrub with the brush until they are clean.
5. Rinse the tile surfaces with warm water. Use a squeegee or a microfiber cloth to remove excess water and prevent water spots.
6. Dry the tile surfaces with a towel or a paper towel. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth and keep your tile shower shiny.

How to Clean a Fiberglass Shower

Fiberglass showers are convenient because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install. However, fiberglass showers can also get dirty easily and require regular cleaning to prevent discoloration and damage. To clean your fiberglass shower without scratching or dulling its finish, follow these how to clean a shower steps:

Supplies You Will Need:

• Spray bottle or a bucket
• Liquid dish detergent
• White vinegar solution
• Baking soda or hydrogen peroxide paste
• Soft cloth, sponge, or rag
• Squeegee or a microfiber cloth
• Towel or a paper towel

Step By Step Guide:

1. Pour 1/3 cup of liquid dish detergent into a spray bottle or a bucket. Add 1 cup of white vinegar and fill the rest with warm water. Shake or stir well to mix the ingredients. This will create a mild but effective cleaning solution that can cut through the grease and oil in the soap scum.
2. Spray or apply the cleaning solution to the fiberglass surfaces. Make sure to cover all the areas, especially the stained or dirty ones.
3. Let the cleaning solution sit for about 15 minutes to loosen the dirt and grime. For stubborn stains, you may need to let it sit longer.
4. Wipe or scrub the fiberglass surfaces with a soft cloth, sponge, or rag. Use gentle pressure and circular motions to avoid scratching the fiberglass. If you encounter any tough stains, you can make a paste of baking soda and water or hydrogen peroxide and water and apply it to the stains. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub with the cloth, sponge, or rag.
5. Rinse the fiberglass surfaces with warm water. Use a squeegee or a microfiber cloth to remove excess water and prevent water spots.
6. Dry the fiberglass surfaces with a towel or a paper towel. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth and keep your fiberglass shower glossy.

How to Clean a Natural Stone Shower

Natural stone showers are beautiful and luxurious, but they also require special care and attention. Natural stone is porous and sensitive, so it can easily absorb moisture, stains, and acids. To clean your natural stone shower without damaging its surface, follow these steps:

Supplies You Will Need

• Spray bottle or bucket
• Mild detergent, soap, or cleaner
• Stone-specific cleaner or sealer
• Soft cloth, sponge, or rag
• Soft-bristled brush or grout brush
• Squeegee or microfiber cloth
• Towel or paper towel

Step By Step Guide

1. Use a mild detergent, soap, or cleaner to remove dirt, soap scum, and mineral deposits from the natural stone surfaces. Avoid using products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids, as they can damage the stone. You can also use a stone-specific cleaner that is designed for your type of stone, such as granite, marble, slate, travertine, etc.
2. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or rag to wipe or scrub the natural stone surfaces. Use gentle pressure and circular motions to avoid scratching the stone. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush or a grout brush to clean the grout lines between the natural stone tiles or slabs. You can use the same cleaner as before or a stone-specific cleaner that is safe for grout.
4. Rinse the natural stone surfaces with warm water. Use a squeegee or a microfiber cloth to remove excess water and prevent water spots.
5. Dry the natural stone surfaces with a towel or a paper towel. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth and keep your natural stone shower radiant.
6. Seal the natural stone surfaces periodically to protect them from stains and damage. You can use a stone-specific sealer that is suitable for your type of stone and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to apply it.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Use Liquid Disinfectant

Reminders That’s How to Clean a Shower

Now that you know how to clean a shower the right way depending on the material of your shower, here are some reminders for maintaining your shower and preventing common problems:

• Clean your shower regularly, at least once a week, to avoid buildup of dirt, soap scum, hard water stains, mold, and mildew.
• Remove excess water after each shower use by wiping down the surfaces with a squeegee or a microfiber cloth. This will help prevent water spots and mold growth.
• Ventilate your bathroom by opening the door and window or turning on the fan during and after shower use. This will help reduce humidity and moisture that can cause mold growth and health issues.
• Store your shower items in baskets or containers that allow air circulation and prevent mildew growth on the bottom of the bottles.
• Replace your shower curtain or liner regularly if it gets dirty or moldy.
• Check your shower head for mineral deposits that can clog it and reduce water pressure. You can soak it in vinegar overnight to dissolve them.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Cleaning your shower may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be if you know how to do it right. By following our tips and steps on how to clean a shower depending on the material of your shower, you can make your shower look sparkling clean and inviting. And the best part is, you don’t need to spend a lot of time or money on expensive or harsh products. 

You can use simple and natural ingredients that you probably already have at home, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and dish detergent. These ingredients are not only effective in removing dirt, soap scum, stains, and mold, but they are also safe for your health and the environment. 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies and start cleaning your shower today. You will be amazed by the results and enjoy a more pleasant shower experience.