April 5, 2024

How to Clean A Shower

Showers might be the place we head to get clean, but the wet, humid conditions and use of soapy products like shampoo can lead to a build-up of grime, soap scum and even mould.

Regularly cleaning your shower is essential to prevent your bathroom from becoming a haven where dirt and mould accumulate.

As Australia’s leading professional hand car wash and detailing provider, at Star Car Wash, we pride ourselves on our cleaning knowledge.

So, if you’re wondering, “How do I clean my shower”, we’ve got some top tips to help.

What You’ll Need

The good news is that you don’t need lots of products to keep your shower sparkling clean.

These household essentials will do the job just as well :

  • White vinegar
  • Castille soap
  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen peroxide

You’ll also need :

  • Rubber gloves to protect your hands when using cleaning products.
  • Stiff brushes to scrub areas where grime has built up.
  • An old toothbrush or small stiff brush for getting into hard-to-reach places.
  • An extendable tile scrubber to reach up high.
  • A squeegee to get rid of excess water after every use.

How Do You Clean Your Shower ?

When it comes to cleaning your shower, it’s best to start by descaling any fixtures first.

Over time, mineral deposits, soap scum, and organic matter can accumulate within various components of the shower, hindering water flow and diminishing performance. To address these issues effectively, descaling with vinegar is a crucial first step.

Why choose vinegar for cleaning? Its exceptional ability to dissolve limescale and organic buildup without harsh chemicals makes it a preferred option. Unlike commercial cleaners that may contain abrasive ingredients detrimental to health and the environment, vinegar offers a safe and eco-friendly alternative.

Vinegar, especially white vinegar due to its high acidic content, acts as a natural solvent, effectively breaking down stubborn deposits clinging to shower surfaces.

Furthermore, descaling with vinegar proves to be a cost-effective solution accessible to all. With vinegar readily available in most households and at a fraction of the cost of specialised cleaners, this method is both convenient and budget-friendly.

White vinegar can be used on most shower surfaces, but you should never use it on porous materials like stone or marble, as it can damage these surfaces. Instead, look for a specialist stone or marble cleaner at your local store.

How To Clean A Showerhead ?

Maintaining a clean and fully functional showerhead is vital for a refreshing bathing experience. Over time, mineral deposits and grime can accumulate within the showerhead, impeding water flow and diminishing its performance.

Fortunately, with a simple and effective cleaning routine, you can restore your showerhead to its pristine condition.

Here is a step by step guide:

  1. Pour vinegar into a plastic bag, ensuring it’s not completely filled.
  2. Position the bag beneath the shower head, gradually lifting it until the head is submerged in vinegar.
  3. Fasten the plastic bag securely around the shower head by tightly tying a piece of string at the top. Release the bag cautiously to ensure it remains in place. Alternatively, you can remove the shower head and soak it directly in the bag.
  4. Allow the shower head to soak for either 30 minutes or overnight, depending on the extent of build up. For brass shower heads, remove the bag after 30 minutes. Rinse the shower head before repeating the process if necessary.
  5. Untie the bag carefully, emptying the vinegar. Turn on the water to flush out any remaining limescale deposits.
  6. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the shower head, paying attention to the nozzles. Turn the water back on to rinse away any residue, then polish with a soft cloth for a gleaming finish.
  7. Once the solution has dissolved any mineral deposits, wash with a mix of castile soap and warm water and rinse clean.

Cleaning Your Tile Grout

The next step to cleaning a shower is tackling the grout between your shower tiles.

Grout is an area that is prone to a build-up of grime, soap scum and mould that can’t be removed with soap and warm water alone.

The best way to remove the unpleasant black marks on your grout is to make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a bowl.

Apply this paste to your grout and leave to work for at least 10 minutes. You can then use an old toothbrush or small bristled brush to scrub the grout clean.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are the best cleaners for grout due to their natural cleaning properties. Hydrogen peroxide is antimicrobial and anti-bacterial, so it kills mould, bacteria and viruses. It also bleaches and whitens the grout, making it look as good as new.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it helps scrub away dirt without causing damage, but it also acts as a degreaser and deodoriser to tackle soap scum and grime.

Cleaning Your Tiles

After getting your grout looking squeaky clean, you can tackle the rest of your shower. It’s best to clean your shower tiles before moving on to the shower screen or door.

Clean your tiles with a simple mix of castile soap and warm water to remove built-up soap scum or grime.

An extendable tile scrubber will come in handy here, allowing you to reach up high and scrub the shower floor without stretching up or bending down.

Cleaning Your Shower Screen And Doors

The final step of cleaning your shower is to clean the shower doors or screen.

Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist onto your shower screens or door.

Wet your squeegee with hot water from your showerhead and run it down the screen or door, removing the vinegar solution. Dry off using a microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish.

If you have a shower curtain in your bathroom, put it into your washing machine and hang it out to dry before replacing it in your shower.

How To Keep Your Shower Clean

Regular cleaning is the best way to keep your shower looking squeaky clean. A quick rinse down with water and a squeegee dry after every use will help reduce the build-up of dirt, grime and mould. But a regular thorough clean, ideally once per week, is essential to keep your shower looking and performing at its best.

Now you know the best way to clean your shower and keep it spotless, you might be looking for cleaning tips and tricks for other household chores. The good news is that when it comes to washing your car, we can take care of it for you.

Star Car Wash is Australia’s largest network of professional detailers. Since 2003, we’ve cleaned and detailed thousands of cars, helping to restore their showroom look and feel once more.

As Australia’s leading 100% hand wash and detailing provider, we take pride in our work and strive for excellence in everything we do. With locations in all major shopping centres across Australia, you can shop, catch up with friends or even grab a movie while your car is lovingly restored.

Contact Us

Contact any participating Star Car Wash today and experience the difference a professional detailing makes.

02 9700 7420
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