How to Clean a Shower | Quick and Easy Shower Cleaning

Learning how to clean a shower and keep it that way keeps your bathroom tidy, maintains your shower, and boosts your home's cleanliness. Regularly cleaning with various cleaning products microfiber cloths, and the shower spray can clear up soap scum buildup and mildew, as well as prevent discoloration, and deterioration. We walk you through preparing to clean the shower, what you need to clean your shower, the process, and aftercare. Previously, we have talked about how to clean fiberglass shower.

Preparing the Shower for Cleaning

Before getting into how to clean a shower efficiently, you need to prepare the shower and surrounding area:

1. Start by clearing the shower of any items or clutter to make moving around the shower easier. You'll be able to access every nook and cranny better this way too!
2. Next, use hot water to rinse the walls and floor of the shower. The hot water will help to loosen and dissolve any oils or other substances clinging to the surfaces.
3. Use a Microfiber cloth or a scrub brush to remove any loose dirt or debris that may be on the surfaces of the shower or glass door.
4. Then, check the drains and remove any hair or other debris that may be blocking them. This will prevent water from pooling in the shower while you clean and make the cleaning process more effective.

Repeat as needed and make sure to choose the best glass cleaner for your shower door and recommended products for other areas.

Tips for Protecting Surrounding Areas from Splashing or Overspray

Protect surrounding areas from splashing or overspray and make the cleaning process easier by making sure to:

• Clean the area thoroughly
• Use hot water and a shower head to clean the surrounding area
• Use a white cloth or towel to see where dirt has accumulated
• Use baking soda and water, a mild abrasive that can help to remove stains without damaging the surface.
• Use barrier tape or plastic sheeting as a precaution to protect any surrounding area.

Cleaning the Shower Walls and Doors

Cleaning the walls and doors of a shower can be a bit tricky, as these surfaces are often covered in soap scum and mildew. Here's how to clean a shower door and walls:

1. Create a cleaning solution of warm water and mild detergent. For a more heavy-duty cleaning you can use a combination of baking soda and water to create a paste, or you can use a commercial bathroom cleaner.
2. Apply the cleaning solution to the walls and doors of the shower. Use a scrub brush or a microfiber cloth to work the solution into the surfaces, paying extra attention to areas that have built-up grime or mildew.
3. Let the solution sit on the surfaces for a few minutes to work
4. Rinse the walls and doors with hot water, using a squeegee to remove the suds and excess water. If you don't have a squeegee, you can use a clean, damp cloth.
5. Dry the walls and doors with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots.

Tips for Removing Soap Scum and Stains from the Walls and Doors

Removing soap scum and stains from the walls and doors of a shower can be a bit challenging but can be made a little easier if you:

• Use a specialized cleaner specifically formulated to remove soap scum and stains. You can find such products in the cleaning aisle of most stores.
• Use the power of white vinegar, it's an inexpensive and effective solution for tackling soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the walls and doors, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub with a brush, and rinse with hot water.
• Say yes to lemon juice. Simply spray the walls and doors with lemon juice, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse with hot water.
• Try using a pumice stone. Pumice stones can be used to gently scrub away soap scum and stains. Wet the pumice stone and gently rub it over the affected areas, then rinse with hot water.
• Use a magic eraser, these can be very effective in removing soap scum and stains. Wet the eraser, gently rub it over the affected areas, then rinse with hot water.
• Use a microfiber cloth. Dampen the cloth and wring it out, use it to scrub the walls and doors, and then rinse with hot water.

These tips, along with regular cleaning and using effective cleaners, can help keep your shower walls and doors looking and feeling fresh and clean.

Cleaning the Showerhead and Faucet

When cleaning a shower, the showerhead and faucet are often overlooked but these parts can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mineral buildup. Here are the steps on how to clean a shower faucet and showerhead:

1. Remove any debris or buildup on the showerhead and faucet using a brush or a toothbrush.
2. Create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, or use a specialized cleaner for showerheads and faucets.
3. Apply the cleaning solution to the showerhead and faucet and let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to work on the buildup.
4. Use a brush or a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining buildup or mineral deposits, then rinse the showerhead and faucet with hot water.
5. For extra tough buildup, you can remove the showerhead and soak it in a mixture of white vinegar and water overnight. Scrub it with the brush the next day and reattach it.
6. Dry the showerhead and faucet with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.

Cleaning your showerhead and faucet keeps your bathroom looking fresh and ensures good water pressure and flow.

Tips for Maintaining the Cleanliness of the Showerhead and Faucet

Here are some tips for maintaining the cleanliness of the showerhead and faucet:

• Run hot water through the showerhead and faucet for a few minutes each week. This will help flush out any debris or buildup that may be present.
• Clean the showerhead and faucet regularly.
• Use a descaler solution or a specialized cleaner for your showerhead and faucet surface to keep the mineral buildup under control
• Regularly check the showerhead and faucet for any leaks or drips, and have them fixed if needed.

Aside from regular cleaning, keep these in mind to keep your showerhead and faucet working like new!

Cleaning the Shower Drain

To clean your shower drain:

1. Manually remove debris or hair that may be blocking the drain. You can use a small brush or a bent coat hanger to do this as well.
2. If the drain is still clogged, you can use a plunger to try and remove the blockage.
3. Create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts baking soda and water, or use a specialized cleaner for shower drains.
4. Pour the cleaning solution down the drain and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
5. Use a brush or a cloth to scrub the drain and surrounding tile to remove any buildup. Choose the best shower tile cleaner for the job.
6. Flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining cleaning solution or debris.
7. To prevent future blockages, you can install a hair catcher or use a daily shower spray to keep the drain clean.

Tips for Preventing Clogs in the Drain

A clogged shower drain can be a major inconvenience and cause water to back up in the shower. Best practices include:

• Regularly remove hair and other debris from the drain when you see them.
• Run hot water down the drain after each shower to help flush away debris.
• Keep the grout in and around the drain clean with a grout brush or cleaner. Grout can absorb dirt and debris, which can lead to clogs.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or drain cleaners. These products can cause damage to the pipes and may not effectively remove clogs.
• Make sure to properly dispose of any larger items such as tissues or wipes. Don't try to flush them down the drain!

Steps for Rinsing and Drying the Shower After Cleaning

Now that you've learned how to clean a shower, aftercare is important. Rinsing and drying the shower after cleaning ensures that all cleaning solution is removed and prevents water spots:

1. After cleaning the shower, use a sponge or a clean cloth to thoroughly rinse all surfaces including the walls, floors, and door.
2. Use a squeegee or a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess water from the surfaces.
3. If there's residue from your cleaning agent or solution, spray a mixture of water and dish soap to wash it away.
4. Use a clean, dry cloth to dry all surfaces, including the walls, floors, and doors, to prevent water spots.
5. If possible, open the shower door or curtain and allow the shower to air dry.

Tips for Keeping the Shower Clean on a Daily Basis

After going through how to clean a shower, here's what you need to know about maintaining a clean shower:

• Take a quick shower or wipe down the shower walls and door after each use. This will help remove any soap scum or grime that may have accumulated during your shower and makes it easier for you later on during your routine deep clean.
• Use baking soda and vinegar paste to tackle tough soap scum every week or so.
• Use a squeegee after each shower to remove water from the walls and door. This will help prevent water spots and stains from forming.
• Keep a spray bottle filled with water and a little bit of vinegar nearby to prevent soap scum and mildew buildup.

By following these tips, you can help keep your shower clean and avoid the need for frequent deep cleaning.

Recommended Cleaning Products and Techniques

Here are the products and techniques every household should remember:

• Hot water and a shower head: One of the simplest and most effective cleaning methods is to use hot water and a shower head to wash down surfaces. The hot water can help to loosen dirt and grime, and the shower head can be used to direct the water where it's needed.
• Soap: A mild soap, like dish soap or laundry detergent, can be added to the water to help remove dirt and grime more effectively. It can also be used to clean surfaces, such as walls and floors.
• All-purpose cleaner: All-purpose cleaners are versatile and effective cleaning solutions. They can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including walls, floors, and countertops. Look for a cleaner that is safe for the surface you're cleaning and that does not contain harsh chemicals.
• Scrub brush: A stiff-bristled scrub brush can be used to scrub away dirt and grime from surfaces. It can also be used to help remove stains and is useful for cleaning surfaces such as floors and countertops.
• Vacuum: A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust, dirt, as well as debris from surfaces, floors, and upholstery. It's also useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
• Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are a great way to clean surfaces without leaving scratches or lint. They also effectively trap dirt and dust and can be washed and reused many times.

Bottom Line: How to Clean a Shower

Learning how to clean a shower involves learning how to prepare the cleaning area, then cleaning the walls, doors, showerhead, faucet, and drain, followed by finally rinsing and drying the shower. Regularly cleaning your shower prevents soap scum, mildew, and bacteria growth. You maintain how the shower looks, prevent clogs, and boost your overall cleanliness.

FAQs on How to Clean a Shower

What are the necessary cleaning supplies for a shower?

After learning how to clean a shower you'll need a stiff-bristled brush or scrubber, a scrub pad, a spray bottle, microfiber cloths, and cleaning agents. Prevent damage or discoloration by picking the right equipment, materials, and cleaning solutions for the different parts of your shower.

What are some good reasons to keep your shower clean?

Maintaining a clean shower is important for a number of reasons, like preserving the shower's life and enhancing the overall health or hygienic conditions of your household. Over time, shower surfaces can become stained and deteriorate due to the accumulation of soap scum and mildew and you can prevent that.

How should I care for the hardware and fixtures in my shower?

Extend the life of your shower hardware and fixtures with routine cleaning and inspection. Learn how to remove water stains from shower doors and its fixture properly by reading manufacturer manuals and tips on maintenance as well!

How do I get rid of stubborn stains and deposits from hard water?

Stubborn stains and deposits can be cleaned up with a solution of vinegar and baking soda, a hard water stain remover, or a pumice stone. Test cleaning agents or methods on a small area before moving forward and getting rid of stubborn stains.

How should surfaces be properly dried after cleaning?

Use a squeegee or clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent mildew growth and hard water stains. To help circulate air and speed up drying, open a window or use a fan.

How can I clean the mold out of the shower?

To get rid of caulk mold in the shower, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Let the solution sit on moldy parts of your shower for at least an hour before cleaning it with a stiff-bristled brush. Repeat as needed before letting the area completely dry. Keep your shower well-ventilated and use a mold-specific cleaner if necessary.