How to clean the shower
As you use your shower cabin, dirt and limescale will gradually build up, making your shower feel less fresh. Fortunately, cleaning a shower cabin isn’t particularly difficult.
In this article, we go through all the steps needed to get your shower cabin truly clean and give you tips on how to care for your shower so it lasts longer.
How to clean the glass in your shower cabin
When it comes to glass surfaces, it’s primarily the limescale in the water that causes buildup and makes the glass look dirty. The absolute best habit is to quickly use a squeegee after every shower to prevent limescale from setting. When cleaning shower glass, you can use vinegar, which is effective against limescale. We’ll return to exactly how to use vinegar for cleaning your shower later on.
Remove dirt from the shower tiles
Dirty tiles instantly make the whole shower feel unclean. Use a cleaner made specifically for tile and let it sit for about 30 minutes after spraying it onto the tiled surface. Then use a brush to scrub the grout lines. One tip is to use an old toothbrush to reach the small spaces between the tiles.
Depending on the type of tile you have in your shower, you’ll need to choose the appropriate cleaner. It’s important not to use one that is too strong, as it can cause etching, especially if you have stone tiles. If you have light tiles, such as marble, you can use bleach to clean and prevent yellowing.
Use vinegar
A traditional but very effective trick for cleaning a shower is using vinegar. The most efficient method is to make a vinegar and dish soap solution. Here’s what you’ll need:
250 ml liquid dish soap
250 ml heated 12% vinegar
Heat the vinegar on the stove until it’s slightly warmer than lukewarm. Then pour it into a spray bottle using a funnel. Add the dish soap, then gently shake the bottle to mix without creating too much foam. Spray the mixture onto the shower surfaces, then scrub with a clean, soft sponge.
Have you found mold in your shower?
Unfortunately, mold can sometimes appear in the shower. In many cases, you can remove it by scrubbing with a good cleaner, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone for good. Mold in bathrooms is usually a sign of poor ventilation, which leads to high humidity. If you suspect that your ventilation isn’t sufficient, try opening a window during or after your shower to let the moisture escape.
Don’t forget to clean the drain
If you notice a bad smell in your shower cabin, it’s most likely due to a clogged drain. You may also see that water is draining slowly, indicating buildup of dust or hair.
To clean the drain, start by removing the drain cover. Wipe it down thoroughly. Then clean the drain trap (also called the water trap). Make sure the rubber seal is properly fitted around the drain to prevent odors from escaping. Finally, refill the trap with fresh water before replacing the drain cover.
Scrub plastic shower curtains
If you have a plastic shower curtain, the easiest way to clean it is by putting it in the washing machine with baking soda, detergent, and a few towels. Wash on a high temperature. Alternatively, you can clean it by hand by mixing detergent and a bit of water into a thick paste, then scrubbing the stains.
Maintain your shower cabin regularly
In addition to cleaning your shower regularly, it also helps to have routines for maintaining it as you use it. Wipe down the shower walls quickly after each use, as glass surfaces easily attract dirt, soap, and residue. Using a squeegee after each shower helps prevent buildup and limescale. Another tip is to rinse the shower walls with cold water after showering.
To extend the life of your shower cabin, it’s also wise to occasionally replace the shower seals. They wear out over time but are easy to replace.