Normally our Thursdays are dedicated to providing you with tips on how to clean and maintain your floors, but this week we've had showers on our minds. More specifically, ceramic tile showers. Today we will be looking at how to properly care for your shower so that it stays in great shape and continues to look as nice as the day you bought it.
Tip #1: Don't allow too much time to pass in between cleanings. We can't stress this one enough. If you leave your shower to fend for itself you will only be creating a bigger job for yourself later. Instead, mix together 1 part water to 1 part vinegar and spray your shower down. Let it sit for a five minute dwelling period, and then finish by wiping the mixture off with a sponge. Do this at least once a week.
*Bonus tip: To avoid having to deep clean your shower later on, keep a bottle of this "shower spray" in your shower and give it a quick spray down right before you get out of the shower.
Tip #2: Don't ignore your grout. If your shower has exposed grout you'll need to give it a little extra TLC. Make a paste out of vinegar and baking soda, then use a toothbrush to scrub the paste onto the grout. Rinse after letting it sit for about five minutes.
Tip #3: Keep a squeegee in your shower and don't be afraid to use it! This goes for all showers, not just tile ones, but you should always take a minute after finishing your shower to squeegee excess water off your shower walls. Letting the water sit there can cause mildew or mold, so it's always best to be one step ahead of the game here. You should also use your squeegee to rid your shower of excess water after every cleaning.
Tip #4: Pay attention to your sponge. Certain sponges can scratch and ruin any finishes you might have on your tile, so you'll need to look for a non-scratching sponge. Don't be afraid to spend a little extra money here, because a good quality non-scratch sponge will give you the best results for your shower.
Tip #5: Be methodical with your scrubbing. Start from the upper left corner and work your way right. Continue this process to the bottom of the shower.
Tip #6: Be abrasive if necessary. If you find that your water/vinegar mixture is not getting rid of the soap scum completely, add a teaspoon of baking soda to your sponge. The extra abrasion will help gently scrape that scum away.
Tip #7: Turn on your exhaust fan after every shower and cleaning session for at least 30 minutes. You want to make sure your shower gets completely dry so as to avoid all possibility of mold/mildew growth.
Tip #8: Invest in a detachable shower head. This isn't a necessary investment per se, but it does make the cleaning process much easier. With a detachable shower head you can easily rinse off any leftover shower cleaner or baking soda when you've finished cleaning. If you don't have a detachable shower head you will have to use a container (bowl, bucket), fill it with water, and pour it over your walls. Not a huge deal, but a bit awkward to do.
Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!