Posted on October 5th, 2020
Few things are more relaxing than a hot shower: After a long day, many of us look forward to soothing our sore muscles and washing away grime under jets of steamy water. Unfortunately, the same warm, moist environment that makes showers so appealing to us also provides the perfect home for mold, mildew, and bacteria. This is why shower curtains and tile grout so frequently develop dark streaks, film, and other forms of discoloration.
Not only are mold stains unpleasant to look at, some species of shower mold are associated with an increased risk of asthma attacks, infections, fatigue, and even depression. As such, experts recommend cleaning your bathroom at least once a week to make sure your showers are as healthy as they are calming. In the guide below, we’ll outline the most effective and efficient ways to keep your shower sparkling and look at what causes mold in the shower and if you’d rather not do it you can get the help of professional cleaning technicians from Edmond, Oklahoma to take care of it for you.
7 Essential Shower Cleaning Tips From the Experts
Do some light maintenance cleaning all week long.
To keep weekend deep-cleaning manageable, try wiping your shower stall down every time you shower. Keep a spray bottle of diluted white vinegar and a cleaning sponge in the bathroom, so you can easily grab them during showers. While you’re waiting for your hair conditioner to set, wipe down your shower tiles, shower liner, and tub with white vinegar. Then, quickly scrub the tiles and tub with the cleaning sponge. As you rinse your hair, the water coming from the shower head should wash away any vinegar residue.
If you can’t use white vinegar due to the materials your shower is made of (acidic cleaners should never be applied to marble or travertine tiles), fill the spray bottle with one-part shower cleaner to ten parts water. Clean using the process outlined above, then use a squeegee to remove excess moisture and soap residue after you’re done showering. To ensure everything dries thoroughly, leave your bathroom window and door open (if possible), in addition to running the fan.
Clean grout the right way.
Next to toilet cleaning, scrubbing shower tile grout is everyone’s least favorite housekeeping task. After all, few people look forward to spending hours battling stubborn stains with an old toothbrush… But what if we told you there’s an easier way to keep grout gleaming?
First, it’s essential to know what not to use when whitening grout: We spoke with FreshSpace Cleaning to confirm that you should never apply chlorine bleach to grout, as it breaks down the grout’s water-repellent outer coating. Over time, this makes grout more prone to developing mold stains and other signs of water damage. Instead, choose gentle, natural cleaners for your grout, like baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Combine these ingredients into a thick paste, apply it to tile grout, and let it sit for at least half an hour. Then, use a manual grout scrubbing tool or a battery-powered scrubber to quickly get rid of discoloration.
Along with using gentle cleansers, sealing your grout twice a year is a great way to prevent stains and damage. Grout sealer is easy to apply, and you can find it at most local hardware stores.
Switch to liquid bath products.
Have you ever wondered why soap – something that’s meant to keep us clean – leaves so much scum behind? The problem lies in the composition of bar soap, which typically includes oily fats. When these fats mix with the minerals in water, a chemical reaction occurs, forming a crusty, yellow-white substance that hardens over time. You can therefore save a lot of scrubbing by switching to liquid soap, which usually contains fewer oils.
Use your washing machine to make short work of curtain liner mildew.
As long as your shower curtain liner is machine washable, throwing it in the wash with your towels is a safe, easy way to get rid of mildew. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash, then run your towels and liner through a normal hot water cycle. Cloth liners can be left in the wash throughout the whole cycle, while plastic liners should be removed prior to the spin cycle and hung to dry.
Use white vinegar to unclog a slow shower head.
Mineral build-up can gradually clog shower heads, reducing or even stopping water flow. Before you call a plumber, try this simple trick: First, scrub away debris from your shower head with a stiff bristle brush. Then, fill a water-tight plastic bag with one cup of white vinegar and one cup of hot water. Tie the bag around your shower head and let it sit for at least two hours before removing it and turning the water on to flush the holes.
Clean your shower tiles at least once a week.
There are a few different ways to clean shower tiles, so which method you choose is up to you: The most affordable way to keep them sparkling is to make a DIY shower cleaner out of items you already have at home, such as baking soda and lemon juice. Cover the tiles with a thin coat of baking soda paste and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then, spray the tiles with lemon juice and scrub them vigorously with a non-abrasive cleaning sponge before rinsing. (If you don’t have these ingredients on hand, you can use a few dabs of all-purpose cleaner instead.)
If you’re looking for a less labor-intensive solution to soap scum, you can switch to using a daily shower spray. These “no scrub” sprays are applied after each shower and left in place until the next time you run the water, essentially doing the job of cleaning for you.
For really stubborn stains, call a pro.
Though using the techniques described above can expedite your shower cleaning routine, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some bathrooms require more extensive, specialized care, particularly older bathrooms and bathrooms with delicate or costly materials. If you’re unsuccessfully battling persistent grout stains or you’re worried about damaging your shower, it’s best to discuss your concerns with a professional cleaner.
At HappyCleans, we have the tools and expertise needed to transform even the dingiest bathrooms back into refreshing, rejuvenating places. To learn more about our affordable domestic cleaners in Oklahoma, review our services or book an appointment today and spend the day relaxing in Edmond Park instead with friends and family.