No matter how shiny and sparkling a shower looks when it’s new, ongoing use can quickly transform that modern shower into a dirty space. The fact is, simply using your shower every day fills it with moisture, humidity and soap scum that tends to build up and worsen over time; so before you know it, you have a shower that no longer looks so great. Knowing this, what can you do? How can you keep your shower enclosure in mint condition? Whether you have shower curtains or a glass shower door, what steps can you take to prevent mold and mildew from accumulating? To help answer these questions, here’s a look at the ins and outs of keeping your shower clean.
What Happens to Your Shower Over Time
The first step in keeping a cleaner shower is to accept the fact that you’re going to have to work at it. By the very nature of the way they’re used, showers require thorough cleaning on a frequent basis. That’s because, through regular use, showers accumulate moisture that can lead to mildew or mold, creating not only unsightly areas but also actual health hazards for the people using them.
Products to Gather
To effectively clean a modern shower, you’ll need the following products:
- Vinegar and dishwashing detergent. Secure a bag of vinegar around your showerhead overnight to instantly restore its shine. Mix vinegar with dishwashing detergent for a quick and effective cleaning liquid to use in the shower any time. Combine vinegar with water to have a powerful, acidic cleanser to combat soap scum.
- Baking soda. Combining good old baking soda with vinegar and salt creates a strong weapon against mineral deposits in the shower. Let the mixture set a few minutes before scrubbing with water.
- Squeegee: For glass shower doors, keep an inexpensive squeegee in the shower and use it to wipe the glass every day. Doing so will only take a few seconds, but it will make a huge difference in preventing soap scum from building.
- Toothbrush: An old toothbrush is a great tool for getting into the tiny nooks and crannies of a shower space. Get into the tracks of your sliding glass shower door, around the rim of the drain, or anywhere that’s usually hard to access and clean.
The Key to Killing Mildew
The arch nemesis of any clean shower enclosure is mildew, particularly in shower creases or grout lines. One option to try is a toothbrush dipped in vinegar, used to scrub/remove the mildew. You can also try attacking this problem with a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. For more stubborn areas, soak the mildew in bleach overnight. In any case, take preventative measures to avoid touching or inhaling the bleach fumes, which can be toxic.
Keeping Clean Shower Curtains
Another notorious problem area in terms of bathroom cleanliness is the shower curtain. Some shower curtains can be thrown right in the washing machine; add a little bleach to combat mildew. Others are cheap enough to discard and replace every few months. When you’re looking for a more effective way to fight against mildew, however, try these tips:
- Saltwater bath. Try soaking the curtain in a saltwater bath for several hours. Afterward, let it thoroughly dry and then rehang it.
- Uneven edges. Give the bottom of your curtain a little extra protection against mold by using pinking shears to cut its bottom edge. This makes the bottom uneven, helping water drip off and away from the curtain before mold forms.
When you have a beautiful bathroom, you want to keep it clean! Use the tips above to get your shower sparkling — and when you want bathroom fixtures or products to update the bath in your home, come to Modern Bathroom!