FOLLOW US
hello@happydogplumbing.london
0208 8797372

How To Clean Any Type Of Shower

Ugh, cleaning the shower – who doesn’t dread this job? It’s like this whole workout routine where you’re bending, stretching, and scrubbing away. Plus, dealing with soap scum, mould, and mildew can just be plain grim. And don’t even get us started on those strong-smelling cleaning products – they can make you feel like you need a gas mask.

Despite being a bit of a bore, it’s an important job to do regularly to maintain healthy hygiene levels in the bathroom. Not to mention ridding unpleasant odours and preserving the overall aesthetic appeal of your shower. Regular cleaning will also extend the lifespan of the shower fixtures and surfaces, saving you money on potential repairs or replacements.

There’s no escaping it, so if we must do it, let’s ensure we’re all doing it efficiently. Here are our tips on how to clean any type of shower:

How to clean a shower quickly

If time is of the essence, the easiest and fastest way to clean a shower is by rinsing the shower and using a multipurpose cleaning spray on the walls, bath and shower walls. Then rinsing down with water from your shower.

Remove hair from your shower or bath’s plug to prevent a blockage and a build up of debris.

Complete the task by using a squeegee to dry the shower unit and walls after use. If you have time, use a towel to further dry off the tiles.

Neglecting to let the shower area dry fully can lead to the accumulation of mould on silicone seals, eventually causing them to deteriorate. Once these seals fail, water can infiltrate behind them, seeping into the area behind the tiles and causing extensive damage. This domino effect tends to escalate. Surprisingly, 9 out of 10 showers we encounter as plumbers exhibit signs of mould, leaks, and damage, often resulting from inadequate cleaning and drying practices. Employing a simple tool like a squeegee after shower use proves to be an effective way to remove excess water and stave off these potential problems.

Natural solution:
If you have more time on your hands, you may want to try some of the following:

How to clean black mildew and mould in a shower

Before you start, make sure the bathroom window is open to allow as much fresh air into the space as possible to allow humid moist air and cleaning spray smells and toxic fumes to escape.

When removing mildew and mould from shower screens, tiles and sealant follow these easy steps:

  1. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl (or use a multipurpose cleaning spray if you prefer).
  2. Apply the mixture directly to the affected tiles or sealant, ensuring thorough coverage.
  3. Let the solution sit for at least 15-20 minutes to allow it to penetrate and break down the mould.
  4. Scrub the tiles/silicone sealant with a soft brush or an old toothbrush to remove the loosened mould.
  5. For stubborn stains, consider using a baking soda paste (mix baking soda with water) for added abrasion while scrubbing.
  6. Rinse the treated areas thoroughly with water.
  7. Wipe the area dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Take care with marble: Combining equal parts distilled white vinegar with water is an effective and natural cleaning solution to tackle soap scum and grime and is safe for ceramic tile and fibreglass. However, it is not suitable for use on marble.

Mould found on sealant can be notoriously hard to remove.  If the above method doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace it. In this scenario, simply lift the sealant away using a flat-headed screwdriver and apply a new layer. 

What about a shower curtain? If your bathroom still boasts a shower curtain, cleaning it regularly in the washing machine will help rid the mould that can develop at the bottom where the liquid tends to collect as well as moisture that has settled on other parts of the curtain. 

How To Clean The Showerhead

Cleaning a showerhead is important to ensure a steady and clean water flow. Overtime, mineral deposits and limescale can build up, leading to poor flow, blockages, and potential leaks. We recommend placing the showerhead in a bowl with some kettle descaler granules and warm water. If it is a fixed showerhead, then this would need to be disconnected from the arm beforehand or a spray type limescale remover would be required to clean it in position. It is very important not to use boiling water when cleaning as this will damage rubber seals inside the showerhead, and always rinse and chemicals off thoroughly afterwards.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a showerhead effectively:

  1. Remove the showerhead: If your showerhead is detachable, simply unscrew it from the shower arm by turning it counterclockwise. If it’s fixed, you may need to wrap it with a cloth and use a wrench or pliers to carefully loosen it.
  2. Inspect the showerhead: Check for any visible debris or mineral deposits. If you see a significant amount of buildup, this is a clear indication that cleaning is needed.
  3. Soak in white vinegar, or as we recommend in some kettle descaler granules mixed with warm water: Fill a plastic bag or a small plastic container with your chosen cleaning solution.
  4. Submerge the showerhead in the solution, making sure the nozzles are fully covered. If the showerhead is detachable, you can also remove the nozzles and soak them separately.
  5. Secure the bag or container with a rubber band or zip tie to hold it in place.
  6. Let it soak: Allow the showerhead to soak in the cleaning solution for at least a few hours or overnight. The acidic nature of vinegar/descaler will help dissolve mineral deposits.
  7. Scrub the nozzles: After soaking, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the nozzles and remove any remaining deposits. Be gentle to avoid damaging the showerhead.
  8. Rinse thoroughly: Remove the showerhead from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any solution residue.
  9. Reattach the showerhead: If you detached the showerhead, screw it back onto the shower arm. Use a wrench or pliers, if necessary, but be careful not to overtighten.
  10. Test the water flow: Turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris. Check the water flow to ensure that it’s consistent and without any blockages.

How To Clean A Glass Shower Screen

At the very least, always rinse your shower down after each use to remove soap scum, hair or debris and clean it regularly with all-purpose bathroom cleaner or a homemade vinegar-based cleaning solution if you prefer.

Simply coat the shower door/screen with the solution and leave it for an hour or so. Then with a cloth or sponge, wipe the cleaning solution (and any grime) away. Lastly, rinse the door with clean water until all the cleaning solution has been removed and dry the door with a microfibre cloth. Alternatively, you could also use a squeegee to do the hard work for you.

How To Clean A Shower Floor

Frequent daily showers can lead to the buildup of an unpleasant amalgamation comprising water, minerals, dirt, body oils, skin cells, and soap lather. This accumulation is commonly observed on the surfaces of your shower, such as the door, walls, and particularly, the floor. Homes with hard water, characterised by elevated mineral levels, are particularly prone to the rapid formation of this residue.

Once you have selected an effective cleaning solution (whether that be a shop bought one, or a homemade one such as baking soda and water or vinegar and water), apply the solution evenly across the surface and let it sit for a while to break down grime and stains.  Then get scrubbing with a circular motion to agitate the dirt and grime. 

When you are satisfied with the result, thoroughly rinse the shower floor with the showerhead or a bucket to wash everything away. Lastly, use a clean cloth or squeegee to wipe down the surface to remove residue.

8 Top Tips For Cleaning Showers From A Plumbing Professional

Here are 8 shower cleaning tips from our Happy Dog Plumbing team:

Regular cleaning:

Clean your shower regularly to prevent the buildup of soap scum, mould, and mildew. This not only keeps the shower looking good but also prevents potential plumbing issues.

Use mild cleaners:

Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage plumbing fixtures and seals. Opt for mild cleaners or natural solutions like a mixture of vinegar and water.

Ventilation is key:

Ensure proper ventilation in your bathroom. Use exhaust fans or open windows during and after showers to reduce humidity and prevent mould growth.

Squeegee after use:

Consider using a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls and doors after each use. This helps to remove excess water and prevents mould and mineral deposits.

Inspect seals and caulking:

Regularly inspect and maintain seals and caulking around the shower. Replace any damaged or deteriorating seals to prevent water leakage.

Address leaks promptly:

If you notice any leaks, address them promptly. Leaks can lead to water damage and mould growth and fixing them early can prevent more significant issues.

Clean showerheads:

Mineral deposits can affect water flow. Remove and clean the showerhead periodically to ensure optimal water pressure.

Avoid DIY fixes for plumbing issues:

If you encounter plumbing issues beyond basic cleaning, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber rather than attempting DIY fixes, as improper interventions can worsen the problem.

By following these tips, you can keep your shower clean, prevent plumbing issues, and ensure a longer lifespan for your bathroom fixtures.