How to Clean a Shower Like a Pro in 7 Easy Steps

The shower is one of your home’s most used and abused areas. It’s where you wash away the day’s dirt, sweat, and stress, but it’s also where soap scum, grime, mold, and bacteria can build up over time. To enjoy a clean and healthy shower daily, you must clean it regularly and properly. But don’t worry, cleaning a shower doesn’t have to be a hassle or a chore. You can clean a shower like a pro in just 7 easy steps with simple supplies and tools.

This article will show you how to clean a shower from top to bottom and make it sparkle like new. It also shares tips and tricks for keeping your shower fresh and clean longer. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a shower that looks and smells amazing in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Supplies and Tools

Before cleaning your shower, you must gather the necessary supplies and tools.

Necessary supplies and tools

  • Vinegar: This natural cleaner is great for dissolving dirt and grime, killing mold and mildew, and removing soap scum. You can use white or apple cider vinegar, but make sure it’s distilled and not flavored.
  • Baking soda: This natural abrasive is great for scrubbing stains, whitening grout, and deodorizing your shower. You can use any brand of baking soda, but make sure it’s pure and not mixed with other ingredients.
  • Sponge: This tool is great for wiping and scrubbing your shower surfaces. You can use any sponge, but ensure it’s non-scratch and non-abrasive to avoid damaging your tiles or fixtures.
  • Brush: This tool is great for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas, such as corners, edges, or fixtures. You can use any brush, but make sure it has soft bristles and a long handle to avoid scratching your surfaces or hurting your hands.
  • Squeegee: This tool is great for removing excess water and moisture from your shower walls and door. You can use any squeegee, but make sure it has a rubber blade and a comfortable grip to avoid leaving streaks or marks on your surfaces.
  • Spray bottle: This tool is great for applying vinegar and water to your shower surfaces. You can use any spray bottle, but make sure it has a fine mist setting and a large capacity to avoid refilling too often.
  • Towel: This tool is great for drying your shower surfaces after rinsing them. You can use any towel, but make sure it’s clean and absorbent to avoid leaving lint or residue on your surfaces.

To use these items, you’ll need to mix equal parts of vinegar and hot water in your spray bottle. You’ll also need to make a paste of baking soda and water in a small bowl. You’ll use these solutions in the following steps.

Step 2: Clear Any Clutter and Accessories From the Shower Area

Before you start cleaning your shower, you must clear the area of any clutter and accessories. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Remove any products, bottles, mats, or other items from your shower stall or tub. Place them in a basket or a bucket outside the shower area.
  • Wash or replace dirty or moldy items like loofahs, razors, or brushes. You can wash them with soap and water or soak them in vinegar and water for a few minutes. You can also toss them in the trash if they’re beyond saving.
  • Wipe down any shelves, racks, or hooks that hold your items with a damp sponge or cloth. You can also spray them with vinegar and water solution and let them sit for a few minutes before wiping them.

Clearing the shower area of any clutter and accessories makes it easier to clean your shower surfaces and prevent dirt and bacteria from accumulating on your items.

Step 3: Apply the Vinegar and Water Solution to the Shower Walls and Floor

Now that you’ve prepared your supplies and tools and cleared the shower area of clutter and accessories, you’re ready to start cleaning your shower walls and floor.

Here’s what I recommend:

  • Turn on the hot water in your shower and let it run for a few minutes. This will help loosen dirt and grime on your shower surfaces and create steam in the bathroom.
  • Turn off the water and spray your vinegar and water solution evenly on your shower walls and floor. Cover all the tiles, grout, fixtures, knobs, drains, etc. Don’t spray too much or too little; just enough to coat the surfaces with a thin layer of solution.
  • Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes. This will give it time to break down dirt and grime, kill mold and mildew, and remove soap scum from your shower surfaces.

Step 4: Wipe the Tiles, Grout, and Fixtures With Baking Soda and a Sponge

After letting the vinegar and water solution sit for about 10 minutes, you’re ready to start wiping your tiles, grout, and fixtures with baking soda and a sponge.

Here’s what I recommend:

  • Dip your sponge in the baking soda paste you made earlier. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the sponge; you want it damp but not dripping.
  • Wipe your tiles gently but thoroughly with the sponge. Cover all the tiles with a thin layer of baking soda paste. Don’t scrub too hard or fast; just enough to remove dirt and grime, whiten grout and deodorize your shower.
  • Use your brush to scrub hard-to-reach areas like corners, edges, or fixtures. Make sure to dip your brush in the baking soda paste as well. Don’t scrub too hard or fast; just enough to remove dirt and grime, whiten grout and deodorize your shower.
  • Repeat this process until you’ve wiped all the tiles, grout, and fixtures with baking soda and a sponge.

Step 5: Wash the Shower With Hot Water and Dry It With a Squeegee or a Cloth

After wiping your tiles, grout, and fixtures with baking soda and a sponge, you’re ready to start washing your shower with hot water and drying it with a squeegee or a cloth. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Turn on the hot water in your shower and rinse your shower walls and floor thoroughly. Remove any residue or dirt from the vinegar, water solution, and baking soda paste. You can rinse the surfaces with a handheld shower head or a cup of water.
  • Turn off the water and dry your shower walls and floor with a squeegee or a cloth. Make sure to remove any excess water or moisture from the surfaces. You can use a squeegee to wipe the surfaces from top to bottom in a downward motion. You can also use a towel to pat the surfaces dry.

Washing your shower with hot water and drying it with a squeegee or a cloth prevent mold and mildew from growing on your shower surfaces and make them shine like new.

Step 6: Clean the shower door or curtain with vinegar and water solution

If you have a shower door or curtain, you’ll need to clean it separately from your shower walls and floor. Here’s what I recommend:

  • If you have a shower door, rinse it with water first, then spray it with vinegar and water. Make sure to cover both sides of the door with the solution. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove a shower curtain and the liner from the shower rod if you have a shower curtain. Check if they are washing machine safe. If they are, toss them in the wash together with some light-colored towels that help with scrubbing. Run a regular cycle with warm or hot water, and add some vinegar or bleach if needed. If they are not washing machine safe, spray them with vinegar and water solution and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
  • After letting the vinegar and water solution sit for about 10 minutes, wipe the shower door or curtain with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Make sure to remove any dirt or soap scum from the surfaces. Rinse them with water if needed.
  • Dry the shower door or curtain with a squeegee or a cloth. Make sure to remove any excess water or moisture from the surfaces. You can use a squeegee to wipe the surfaces from top to bottom in a downward motion. You can also use a towel to pat the surfaces dry.
  • If you have a shower curtain, hang it back on the rod and the liner. Make sure they are not wrinkled or folded.

Cleaning your shower door or curtain with vinegar and water solution makes them sparkle like new.

Step 7: Clean the Shower Head With Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution

The last step in cleaning your shower is cleaning your shower head. This is important because your shower head can get clogged with mineral deposits that affect its performance and appearance. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Make a cleaning solution with two teaspoons of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar in a small bowl. You’ll see some fizzing when you mix them; this is normal.
  • Grab a sandwich bag and fill it with the cleaning solution. Make sure there is enough solution to cover your shower head completely.
  • Attach the bag to your shower head with an elastic band to submerge the shower head in the solution. Make sure the bag is secure and doesn’t leak.
  • Leave the bag on your shower head overnight. This will give it time to dissolve mineral deposits on your shower head.
  • Remove the bag from your shower head in the morning. Turn on the hot water in your shower and run it through your head for a few minutes. This will help flush out any remaining mineral deposits from your shower head.

Cleaning your shower head with vinegar and baking soda solution, you’ll unclog it and make it work better.

Conclusion

You’ve just learned how to clean a shower like a pro in 7 easy steps. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean and healthy shower every day. You’ll also prevent dirt, grime, mold, and bacteria from building up on your shower surfaces and items. Cleaning your shower regularly will also make it easier and faster to clean in the future.

To keep your shower fresh and clean longer, here are some tips and suggestions you can follow:

  • Use natural cleaners, such as vinegar and baking soda, instead of harsh chemicals that can damage your surfaces or harm your health. They are also cheaper and more eco-friendly.
  • Replace your towels and mats frequently, as they can harbor germs and odors. Wash them with hot water, vinegar, or bleach to kill bacteria and remove stains.
  • Use mildew-resistant products, such as shower curtains, liners, or mats, that prevent mold and mildew from growing on them. You can also spray them with vinegar and water solution once a week to keep them fresh.
  • After every shower, turn on the hot water and let the steam loosen any dirt and grime on your shower walls and door. Rinse everything with hot water, and you’re done.
  • After every shower, squeegee your shower walls and door to remove most of the moisture. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing on them.
  • After every shower, turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. This will help reduce humidity and improve ventilation in your bathroom.

Hope this article has helped you learn how to clean a shower like a pro in 7 easy steps.

FAQ

How often should I clean my shower?

The frequency of shower cleaning depends on your usage and dirtiness. Typically, clean it once a week for hygiene, but increase cleaning if used frequently or if you see dirt, grime, mold, or bacteria.

What are some signs of mold or mildew in my shower?

Signs of mold or mildew in your shower include black, green, or pink spots on tiles, grout, fixtures, or items, a musty odor in the bathroom, allergic reactions or respiratory issues, and reduced water pressure from the shower head.

How can I prevent mold or mildew from growing in my shower?

To prevent mold or mildew in your shower, regularly clean with vinegar or natural cleaners, dry surfaces after each use, use an exhaust fan for 15 minutes after showering, use mildew-resistant products like shower curtains, and wash towels and mats frequently with hot water and vinegar or bleach.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning a shower?

To clean a shower well, use gentle cleaners, avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent scratches, never mix cleaners, rinse thoroughly, and regularly clean the shower head, door, and curtain for best results.

How can I make my shower smell good?

Revive your shower with vinegar and baking soda. Use lavender, lemon, or peppermint oils for a pleasant scent. Sprinkle baking soda, rinse with hot water, and add flowers, herbs, or citrus peels for fragrance. Consider scented candles, diffusers, or air fresheners for your bathroom.

How can I make my shower more eco-friendly?

For an eco-friendly shower, clean with vinegar and baking soda, opt for reusable or biodegradable products, install low-flow shower heads and faucets, conserve water by turning it off when not needed and taking shorter showers, and recycle or repurpose unused shower items.