How to Clean a Shower

Experiencing the freshness of a sparkling clean bathroom shower is incomparable. Maintaining cleanliness here is not just about hygiene; it’s crucial because the moist environment of a bathroom is a breeding ground for mildew and bacteria. Learn how to clean a shower effectively, tackling tasks like cleaning glass, showerheads, and doors. This guide ensures a hygienic, mildew-free bathroom.

How Often to Clean Your Shower

The frequency of cleaning your shower can vary depending on usage and the number of people in your household. As a general rule, aim to clean your shower at least once a week. This routine helps in controlling the buildup of soap scum, mildew, and grime, which are common in frequently used showers. In households with multiple users, or if your water is particularly hard, increasing the cleaning frequency can prevent the formation of stubborn stains and mineral deposits.

For a deeper clean, including tackling areas like grout, shower tracks, and showerheads, a monthly schedule is recommended. This doesn’t just keep the shower looking clean and fresh; it also maintains a hygienic environment, reducing the risk of bacteria and mold growth. Paying special attention to corners and crevices where moisture can accumulate is crucial. Additionally, daily practices such as wiping down the walls and leaving the door open to improve ventilation can significantly reduce the need for intense cleaning sessions.

The Tools Needed to Clean the Shower

A spray bottle and soft brush are universal tools (an old toothbrush works great, too!). But the cleaning solution you put inside that spray bottle will change depending on your shower’s materials. 

Be mindful when it comes to selecting or making your own shower cleaning solution. And never combine cleaners that could potentially cause toxic fumes. 

Additionally, tools anyone cleaning their shower can benefit from include a squeegee or a rag to help absorb excess water as you go. It’s also smart to wear rubber gloves when performing deep cleans and using any sort of chemical. 

The more often you perform spot cleans on your shower — quickly using a cleaning solution on the enclosure and squeegeeing or wiping walls and doors — the longer you can extend the time between a more extensive, deep clean. Still, a deeper clean should be conducted every few weeks, and shower curtains should be washed at least quarterly. 

As you clean, keep an eye out for any leaks, cracked tiles, or other signs of damage.

The Best Way to Clean the Shower

When cleaning your shower, following the right order and method is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Ventilate the Area: Begin by turning on the bathroom fan and opening windows and doors to reduce humidity and increase airflow.
• Clear the Shower: Remove all items from the shower, including bottles, brushes, loofas, toys, and razors, to avoid obstructions.
• Tackle Mildew and Grout: With a clean space, use a soft brush on areas with mildew and dirty grout. Start with a hot water rinse.
• Apply Cleaning Solution: Apply a cleaning solution from top to bottom, covering walls to floor.
• Focus on Corners and Joints: Concentrate on corners and where walls meet the bathtub. Follow the cleaner’s instructions for soaking time, usually at least 10 minutes, before scrubbing, rinsing, and drying.
• Scrub and Rinse Walls: Using a sponge or brush, clean off the mold and mildew cleaner, paying attention to the grout and corners. Use the showerhead to spray down the walls, if adjustable, and follow with the sponge for a thorough rinse.
• Clean the Doors Last: Finally, clean the shower doors to avoid spots from the wall rinse.

This methodical approach ensures a thorough and effective cleaning of your shower.

Cleaning Different Parts of the Shower 

Because showers have several different components, different methods are needed to clean each part. 

Here’s an overview of how to clean a shower, down to the very last speck of dirt: 

Showerheads

To clean a showerhead, which is typically made of metal or plastic, use distilled white vinegar and scrub the nozzles with a soft small brush, such as a toothbrush. 

A popular shower cleaning method is to fill a plastic bag with vinegar and attach it over the showerhead with a rubber band, then allow it to sit for an hour before turning the showerhead on to rinse and dry.  

Glass Shower Door

You can use a commercial glass cleaner or warmed vinegar mixed with dish soap in a spray bottle to clean glass doors. After soaking, scrub, rinse, and dry. 

Shower Curtains

Shower curtains and liners are typically machine washable — the tags should say. Some liners are better off being replaced altogether. When machine washing, make sure to remove any hanging rings or clips before placing the curtains on a gentle cycle in warm water. 

Shower Drain

Clear the drain of any protruding hair or pet fur that’s easily removable. Using a snake or DIY element — like a wire hang shaped into a hook – pull out any items clogging the drain. Use a drain cleaning solution or a combination of baking soda and vinegar to flush out remaining buildup followed by hot water. Repeat as needed. 

Ready to move on to cleaning the rest of your bathroom? We’ve got you covered with the best techniques.

Wish you had a whole new bathroom? We can help with that, too!

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