Cleaning the shower is no one’s idea of a fun time–but making cleaning mistakes is worse. Missing or avoiding small chores eventually leads to bigger problems like mold, mildew, leaks, and repairs. Cover all your bases with these tips.
Not Turning On the Fan
Bathroom exhaust fans are a big aid to shower cleaning. The humid air left in the bathroom during and after showers helps dirt, dust, soap particles, and aerosols adhere to the shower walls, tub, and curtain. Your fan should be able to move enough cubic feet per minute (CFM) to exhaust moist humid air quickly.
Run the fan during your shower and for an hour after to get the moisture out of the bathroom. Install a timer switch to prevent it from running continuously. Run the fan when you are cleaning the shower to exhaust chemical fumes and open the window if your bathroom has one.
Not Drying the Shower After Each Use
Leaving water drops in the shower invites dirt and dust to stick–especially on tile grout. Mold grows on wet dust. Eventually, it will start growing on tile grout, caulking, and shower curtains. Use a squeegee or rag to wipe down the walls, door or curtain, and shower floor after each shower.
Mold growth on caulking eventually separates it from the surfaces it is supposed to seal. Water getting onto drywall and framing members causes mold growth and eventually rot. Drying and cleaning the shower regularly saves expensive repairs.
Procrastinating
Ignoring cleaning the shower until it is really dirty only makes the job more difficult. You have to spend more time and work harder when you finally tackle it. Dirt and grime are more difficult to remove and you may have to deal with mold growth. Set a regular schedule and stick to it.
Using Abrasive Cleaners and Harsh Chemicals
It is tempting to use stronger chemicals and scrub harder to clean very dirty surfaces. Don’t. Abrasive cleaners and stiff brushes damage tile grout. Water can then seep behind the tiles and damage the drywall or loosen the adhesive holding the tile onto the wall.
Abrasive cleaners also scratch acrylic tub surrounds and shower doors. They can etch glass doors. Scratched surfaces hold more dirt and moisture-making future cleaning more difficult and less successful.
Breathing in harsh chemicals is a health risk. Only use them as a last resort. Start with vinegar and baking soda, dish detergent, or gentle non-VOC products. Do not use bar soap. It will only add soap scum to the mixture of dirt already there and encourage mold growth.
Ignoring the Small Stuff
When wiping down or cleaning the shower walls and doors don’t ignore faucets, shower heads, spouts, drains, soap shelves, and shampoo holders. These all have areas where dirt, mold, and limescale build-up are unseen. The longer it is left the more difficult to clean and the shorter lifespan they have.
Remove shower heads, tap handles, and spouts periodically. Soak them in vinegar to remove lime. Use a toothbrush to remove all grime.
Not Preventing Mold
Ignoring mold growth–pink, black, brown, or white–until the next cleaning is unhealthy. It can be controlled by spraying the shower with a weak bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) weekly. Spray and let sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse it off and dry the shower enclosure. It only takes a few minutes but saves a lot of cleaning time and mold removal.
