How to Clean a Shower
Cleaning a shower boils down to a few simple steps.
Since soap scum, bacteria, and mildew can form on shower walls, it may take scrubbing to get them clean, depending on the severity. You can follow the same basic methods for cleaning every type of shower, but depending on the material, you may need to swap products.
Here’s how to clean the three most common types of showers.
What to Do Before Cleaning a Shower
Before cleaning your shower, remove all toiletries and ventilate the room. If you have a cloth shower curtain that looks dirty, wash it according to the care instructions. (Leave the plastic shower curtain liner in place.)
How to Clean a Fiberglass Shower
Fiberglass is a common shower surround. While it’s durable and easy to clean, it shows dirt and soap scum more than other materials since it’s white. Also, fiberglass is not scratch resistant, so skip abrasive cleaners and brushes.
To clean a fiberglass shower, you’ll need the following:
- Soft-bristled, non-abrasive shower scrub brush with a long handle
- Spray bottle filled with half vinegar and half water OR your favorite non-bleach shower cleaner
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- A dry towel
Step 1: Steam up the Shower
Turn on the hot water and rinse the shower walls and floor. Let the hot water run for five minutes to loosen dirt and soap scum.
Step 2: Spray with Your Cleaner
Spray the entire shower with your cleaner, including walls, shelves, and floors. Allow the cleaner to sit for five minutes.
Step 3: Scrub with Your Brush and Rinse
Use your soft-bristled scrub brush to clean the shower. If you don’t have a brush, use a microfiber rag instead.
After cleaning, rinse with hot water.
Step 4: Tackle Stains with a Magic Eraser
Dampen a Magic Eraser and use it to tackle any stains that the cleaner didn’t get. It’s one of the best ways to clean your shower walls. You can also use the Magic Eraser on moldy caulk lines.
Step 5: Dry with a Towel
Dry the shower surround and floor with a fresh towel.
Tips for Tackling a Dirt Fiberglass Shower Floor
If your fiberglass shower floor doesn’t come clean with a tub and tile cleaner or magic eraser, treat it with baking soda. Add ½ cup of baking soda to a bowl and enough water until a paste forms.
Use a damp microfiber rag to apply the solution to the floor in circular motions. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda will lift the dirt without scratching the surface. Allow the baking soda to dry, then rinse it down the drain.
How to Clean a Ceramic Tile Shower
Ceramic tile is durable and can withstand most cleaning products. The biggest issue is the development of mold and mildew in the grout lines. You can tackle this problem using a bleach-based cleaner.
Tools you need to clean a ceramic tile shower:
- Shower Cleaner (Recommended: Clorox Tilex as a shower wall cleaner to kill mold and mildew, safe for glazed ceramic tile.)
- Soft-bristled, non-abrasive scrub brush with a long handle
- A towel to dry
Step 1: Run Hot Water in the Shower
After removing toiletries, rinse the shower wall and floor. Then, turn the hot water on and let it steam for five minutes to loosen the grime.
Step 2: Spray the Shower with Your Cleaner
Spray the tile, shower floor, and grout lines with Clorox Tilex and let it sit. Within five minutes, it will start breaking down mold and mildew, cleaning your shower walls.
Step 3: Scrub and Rinse
Use your soft-bristled scrub brush to scrub the grout lines and tile. Rinse with hot water afterward.
Step 4: Dry with a Towel
Dry the shower with a fresh towel.
Prevent Mold Growth on Your Grout Lines
To prevent the recurrence of mold and mildew on your tile and grout lines, spray them with a daily shower cleaner.
Also, if you’ve never sealed your grout, consider doing it. When left unsealed, grout is porous, which means it absorbs moisture, leading to mold growth.
How to Clean a Natural Stone Shower
Natural stone showers are the most delicate, requiring careful scrubbing and a Ph-neutral cleaner. Because you can’t use harsh cleaners on natural stone, cleaning the shower at least once per week is essential to prevent build-up.
Tools you need to clean a stone shower:
- Acid-free stone cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- A dry towel
Step 1: Spray the Shower
Spray the shower with your stone cleaner. If you don’t have a stone cleaner, add ½ teaspoon of gentle dish soap to two cups of water and place it in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Wipe with a Soft Microfiber Cloth
Wipe the shower walls and floors with your microfiber cloth. Use extra elbow grease when necessary.
For the grout lines, use your stone cleaner plus a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Step 3: Dry the Shower
Use a fresh microfiber cloth or towel to dry the shower walls and floor.
Prevent Mold and Soap Scum Formation on a Stone Shower
You need to add a stone sealant to your shower as the manufacturer recommends – most often twice per year. The sealant protects the stone from absorbing bacteria and soap scum.
After Cleaning the Shower
Wipe down your shampoo, soap, and conditioner bottles before placing them back on the shelf. If you want to eliminate the rings caused by your toiletries, consider adding a dispenser to your shower.
How Often to Clean Your Shower
Clean your shower once per week. After the initial deep clean, weekly cleanings will be quick and efficient. To cut down on soap scum and mold build-up, consider spraying your shower with a daily tub and tile cleaner after each use.