Please welcome guest author, Will Tottle, who will be sharing tips for cleaning your shower with us. As always, the benefit I receive from guest authors is time saved.
Home remedies, cleaning products, club soda: what is the best way to really clean your shower? Any search on the web will reveal dozens of different options. Some of them work great. Others may have worked once or twice, but they are not always reliable shower cleaning solutions.
Some shower cleaning techniques will only work on certain messes. What methods work best for what sort of problems? As a homeowner, it is sometimes difficult to answer this question because the right solution for me might not be the best solution for you. Still, it is helpful to consider your options, give a few a try and find the one that will really help your shower to sparkle like new.
The Vinegar Method.
You will need:
– Vinegar
– Non-abrasive sponge
– Baking soda
– Cloths
This is a fairly standard shower cleaning technique and one that is popular with consumers who appreciate “green” methods or are looking to save a little cash. It is so common because it works for basically any shower out there. It can clean dirt, debris and soap scum without a whole lot of scrubbing power behind it, meaning you can clean smarter and not harder.
The vinegar mixture makes it safe to use on glass showers and ceramic tile, so it’s the perfect solution for many master and secondary bathrooms – stand alone showers and tub/shower combos. The only shower you shouldn’t use this on is one made with natural stone. In the case of a stone shower, simply replace the vinegar with a neutral soap.
Start by spraying the shower with vinegar working from the top to the bottom. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the sponge, and begin wiping away the scum. Do not wipe in circular patterns, as tempting as it may be. The baking soda works as an abrasive surface without actually damaging the shower.
Once you have finished with the walls, you can move to the lower tub section. Work from one side of the tub to the other using the same vinegar spray and sponge with baking soda. Once you have finished with the tub, simply turn the hot water on in the shower and use it to rinse everything clean.
Use your cloth to dry the entire surface of the shower and tub – Simple and effective.
Getting Rid of Stains.
For most people, it kind of feels funky to get clean in a shower that is filled with stains. If the environment isn’t clean, how can you expect to wash your daily dirt and grime away and enjoy the experience at the same time? Many stains can be removed by letting baking soda and vinegar rest on the stained area before wiping away. However, some stains are a little tougher. For those, you will need
– Baking soda
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Soft sponge
– Cloth
First, make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. The mixture should include two parts of baking soda per each one part of hydrogen peroxide. Thus, if you use one cup of hydrogen peroxide you need to add two cups of baking soda. This should create a paste-like substance.
Dip your sponge in the paste, and then, apply the paste liberally to the stain. Once a good bit of paste is on the stain, wash the sponge clean in the sink, and leave the bathroom for at least 30 minutes. Use the sponge to rub the stain after you have returned. Turn the water on in the shower to rinse the area. You may need to repeat the process two or three times to completely remove the stain.
What About Rust Stains?
One other problem you might face in your shower is orange or brown rust stains. These can be removed with a simple paste as well. For this you will need:
– One lemon
– Borax powder
– Sponge
Cut the lemon in half, and keep both halves. Take the container of borax powder and sprinkle it over the rust stain. Then, using the flat side of the lemon half, rub it over the borax powder and squeeze slightly (wear gloves if you have any cuts on your hands, or cleaning your shower might hurt more than it’s worth!). The juice from the lemon should create a light paste with the powder.
Leave the bathroom for thirty minutes, and then, return with your sponge. Wipe the area with the sponge, and watch the rust vanish before your eyes. Rinse the area by turning on the shower.
A Remedy for Every Problem.
You don’t necessarily need to rely on store-bought chemical cleaners to keep your shower spotless. Simple mixtures of household ingredients are capable of removing nearly any problem, whether it is soap scum, unwanted stains, or rust. So, the next time you’re at the grocery store, grab some vinegar, a bit of baking soda and a bag of lemons. Add in what you already have in your pantry, and you’ll have a great supply of cleaning products that will leave you with a spotless, shiny shower in every bathroom in your home.
Will Tottle is the content manager for Smart Price Warehouse, providing quality shower and bathtub products for your home bathroom renovation needs. Visit smartpricewarehouse.co.uk to find a large selection of products at fantastic prices and learn more.
Thanks Will. I’m going to try these tips this weekend!
Photo credit: Shower by Jason Puddephatt on Flickr. Used under Creative Commons 2.0.
