What tools do I need to clean a shower?

Cleaning the shower can seem like an overwhelming task, but having the right tools makes the job much easier. With the proper supplies and a little elbow grease, you can get your shower sparkling clean.

Basic Cleaning Supplies

There are a few basic cleaning tools you’ll need to tidy up a shower. Having these supplies on hand will allow you to scrub away dirt, grime, and soap scum.

  • Sponge or scrub brush – Choose a sponge with an abrasive side for scrubbing stuck-on gunk. Scrub brushes also work well for cleaning tile and grout.
  • All-purpose cleaner – An all-purpose cleaner will help lift dirt and residue from shower walls and floors.
  • Tile cleaner – Use a specially formulated tile cleaner to dissolve soap scum and hard water stains on tile and grout.
  • Toilet brush – A toilet brush is useful for scrubbing the shower floor and cleaning the corners.
  • Rags or microfiber cloths – Have some rags or microfiber cloths on hand to wipe down surfaces after cleaning.
  • Bucket – Use a bucket to mix up cleaning solutions and rinse out sponges or rags.
  • Rubber gloves – Protect your hands from harsh chemicals by wearing rubber gloves while cleaning.

With these basic supplies, you’ll be ready to tackle most shower cleaning tasks. Gather them up before you get started so everything you need is within reach.

Cleaning the Shower Walls and Surrounds

Shower walls tend to collect soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew. Here are some tips for getting them squeaky clean:

  • Spray down the walls with an all-purpose cleaner or tile cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate stains.
  • Use a sponge or scrub brush to work the cleaner over the walls in circular motions. Scrub stubborn areas to remove built-up gunk.
  • Rinse the walls thoroughly with warm water to wash away the cleaning solution and loosened grime.
  • Check for any remaining spots and reclean as needed. Pay close attention to corners and along the shower floor line.
  • Wipe shower walls dry with a clean rag or squeegee to prevent water spots.

Getting into the crevices along the bottoms of shower walls requires some extra attention. Use a toothbrush or other small scrub brush to thoroughly clean this area where mildew loves to hide.

Cleaning the Shower Floor

Shower floors take a beating and require frequent scrubbing. Here’s how to make them shine:

  • Use a toilet brush or scrub brush to vigorously scrub the shower floor and loosen dirt and grime.
  • Apply tile cleaner to the floor and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
  • Use a sponge or rag to wash the floor. Get into corners and around the drain.
  • Rinse the floor thoroughly to remove all cleaning solution and residue.
  • Stand in the shower to wash the floor with your feet to remove any remaining dirt.
  • Squeegee or wipe the floor dry so it doesn’t stay wet.

To really make the shower floor gleam, try mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar for an effective bubbly cleaning solution. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly after the fizzing stops.

Cleaning the Shower Head

Hard water can clog shower heads and restrict water flow. Give yours a good cleaning periodically:

  • Unscrew the shower head and remove it from the shower arm.
  • Place the shower head in a bowl or bucket filled with equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
  • Let the shower head soak for 30-60 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the nozzles.
  • Rinse the shower head under running water.
  • Replace the shower head on the shower arm.

For crusty mineral deposits, soak the shower head in vinegar overnight. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly before reinstalling.

Cleaning the Shower Curtain

Your shower curtain takes a beating from moisture and mildew. Clean it regularly to keep it fresh and prevent buildup of soap scum and grime:

  • Take down the shower curtain and spray both sides with an all-purpose cleaner. Let it soak in.
  • Wash the shower curtain in your bathtub using hot water, or throw it in the washing machine on a rinse cycle.
  • If needed, use a scrub brush to clean off any remaining gunk and stains.
  • Rinse the curtain thoroughly and hang it back up to dry.

Adding about 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash will help eliminate odors and brighten dingy vinyl shower curtains.

Getting Rid of Mildew

Mildew and mold are common shower problems you’ll need to combat. Follow these steps to kill and remove mildew:

  • Spray mildewed areas with a tile cleaner or solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach.
  • Let the mildew killer sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
  • Wipe the area down with a damp rag and rinse thoroughly.
  • Allow all surfaces to dry completely to discourage new mildew growth.

To prevent mildew from returning quickly, leave shower doors open or shower curtains pulled back after use so moisture can evaporate.

Deep Cleaning for Neglected Showers

For extremely dirty showers that haven’t been cleaned in quite awhile, you’ll need to break out the heavy artillery. Here are some tips for deep cleaning grimy showers:

  • Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to surfaces with a scrub brush. Let it sit before scrubbing again.
  • Use undiluted white vinegar to tackle really stubborn gunk. Pour it on and let it bubble before scrubbing.
  • Make a baking soda and vinegar paste. Spread onto affected areas, let it fizz for 5 minutes, then scrub.
  • For glass shower doors, make a paste with dishwasher detergent and hot water. Spread on doors, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub off.
  • Use a mold and mildew remover (like Tilex) on surfaces with heavy mildew growth. Let it sit before scrubbing.

Repeat these steps as needed until your shower is sparkling again. It will take some elbow grease, but you can get the grossest shower back to guest-ready status.

Cleaning Schedule

To prevent heavy shower grime buildup down the road, be sure to clean it regularly. Here is a handy cleaning schedule to follow:

Task Frequency
Wipe down shower walls Daily or after each use
Clean shower floor 2-3 times per week
Clean shower doors/curtain Once a week
Disinfect and descale shower head Once a month
Deep clean shower walls and floor Once a month

Stick to this routine cleaning for an easier time keeping your shower glistening.

Removing Hard Water Stains

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits that can stain and discolor shower surfaces. Here are some ways to remove hard water stains:

  • Use white vinegar straight up. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes and scrub with a brush.
  • Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar. Apply to stains and let it fizz for several minutes before scrubbing.
  • Use lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
  • Make a paste with cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Scrub onto stains and rinse.
  • Use a cleaner made specifically for hard water stains, like CLR.

For really tough hard water stains, you may need to repeat these treatments several times. Persistence and some elbow grease will be required.

Conclusion

Cleaning the shower doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. With the right tools and techniques, you can make it look shiny and fresh again. Invest in quality cleaning brushes, sponges, and cleaners. Put in the scrubbing power on a regular schedule. With routine care, you can prevent soap scum, mildew, and mineral buildup.

While cleaning the shower takes a bit of work, it’s well worth it. The satisfaction of having a spotless, sparkling clean shower makes all that effort worthwhile. A clean shower is not only more pleasant to use – it’s also healthier for you and your family.

Bring these supplies and strategies into your shower cleaning routine. You’ll be amazed at the transformation. No more dingy floors, dirty walls, or mildew in sight. Just a fresh, sanitized shower ready for the next use. So grab your scrub brush and cleaner – it’s time to tackle that shower cleaning challenge!

Cleaning the shower doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. With the right tools and techniques, you can make it look shiny and fresh again. Invest in quality cleaning brushes, sponges, and cleaners. Put in the scrubbing power on a regular schedule. With routine care, you can prevent soap scum, mildew, and mineral buildup.

While cleaning the shower takes a bit of work, it’s well worth it. The satisfaction of having a spotless, sparkling clean shower makes all that effort worthwhile. A clean shower is not only more pleasant to use – it’s also healthier for you and your family.

Bring these supplies and strategies into your shower cleaning routine. You’ll be amazed at the transformation. No more dingy floors, dirty walls, or mildew in sight. Just a fresh, sanitized shower ready for the next use. So grab your scrub brush and cleaner – it’s time to tackle that shower cleaning challenge!

Cleaning the shower doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. With the right tools and techniques, you can make it look shiny and fresh again. Invest in quality cleaning brushes, sponges, and cleaners. Put in the scrubbing power on a regular schedule. With routine care, you can prevent soap scum, mildew, and mineral buildup.

While cleaning the shower takes a bit of work, it’s well worth it. The satisfaction of having a spotless, sparkling clean shower makes all that effort worthwhile. A clean shower is not only more pleasant to use – it’s also healthier for you and your family.

Bring these supplies and strategies into your shower cleaning routine. You’ll be amazed at the transformation. No more dingy floors, dirty walls, or mildew in sight. Just a fresh, sanitized shower ready for the next use. So grab your scrub brush and cleaner – it’s time to tackle that shower cleaning challenge!

Cleaning the shower doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. With the right tools and techniques, you can make it look shiny and fresh again. Invest in quality cleaning brushes, sponges, and cleaners. Put in the scrubbing power on a regular schedule. With routine care, you can prevent soap scum, mildew, and mineral buildup.

While cleaning the shower takes a bit of work, it’s well worth it. The satisfaction of having a spotless, sparkling clean shower makes all that effort worthwhile. A clean shower is not only more pleasant to use – it’s also healthier for you and your family.

Bring these supplies and strategies into your shower cleaning routine. You’ll be amazed at the transformation. No more dingy floors, dirty walls, or mildew in sight. Just a fresh, sanitized shower ready for the next use. So grab your scrub brush and cleaner – it’s time to tackle that shower cleaning challenge!

Cleaning the shower doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. With the right tools and techniques, you can make it look shiny and fresh again. Invest in quality cleaning brushes, sponges, and cleaners. Put in the scrubbing power on a regular schedule. With routine care, you can prevent soap scum, mildew, and mineral buildup.

While cleaning the shower takes a bit of work, it’s well worth it. The satisfaction of having a spotless, sparkling clean shower makes all that effort worthwhile. A clean shower is not only more pleasant to use – it’s also healthier for you and your family.

Bring these supplies and strategies into your shower cleaning routine. You’ll be amazed at the transformation. No more dingy floors, dirty walls, or mildew in sight. Just a fresh, sanitized shower ready for the next use. So grab your scrub brush and cleaner – it’s time to tackle that shower cleaning challenge!