23 Apr Sparkling Sanctuary: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Shower
Your shower should be a place of relaxation and rejuvenation, but over time, soap scum, hard water stains, and lurking mildew can turn it into anything but. A quick rinse often isn’t enough. To restore its sparkle and ensure a hygienic space, a proper deep clean is essential. Ready to tackle the grime? Here are a few tips from our Water Damage Restoration Long Beach experts on how to deep clean your shower effectively.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, assemble your cleaning arsenal. You’ll likely need:
- A good quality bathroom cleaner (commercial or a DIY mix like vinegar and water, or a baking soda paste)
- Scrub brush (medium bristles)
- Grout brush or old toothbrush
- Squeegee
- Microfiber cloths
- Rubber gloves
- Spray bottle (if using DIY cleaner)
- White vinegar (for shower head)
- Plastic bag and rubber band (for shower head)
Empty and Prep the Space
Remove everything from your shower – shampoo bottles, soap, loofahs, razors. This gives you clear access to all surfaces. Give the shower a quick pre-rinse with hot water to loosen surface dirt.
Tackle Soap Scum and Stains
Spray your chosen cleaner generously onto the shower walls, floor, and fixtures, paying extra attention to areas with visible soap scum or hard water stains. Let the cleaner sit for 10-15 minutes (check product instructions) to allow it to break down the grime. For tough soap scum, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective when scrubbed.
Scrub Walls, Floor, and Fixtures
Put on your gloves! Using your scrub brush, work from the top down, scrubbing the walls in overlapping sections. Don’t forget the corners and edges where buildup often accumulates. Scrub the shower floor or tub basin thoroughly. Use gentle pressure on fixtures to avoid scratching.
Focus on the Grout
Grout lines are notorious for collecting dirt and mildew. Apply your cleaner directly to the grout (a specialized grout cleaner or a baking soda paste works well here). Use your grout brush or toothbrush to scrub vigorously along the lines. This often takes the most elbow grease but makes a huge difference.
Clean the Shower Head
Mineral buildup can clog your shower head. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, submerge the shower head in it, and secure the bag with a rubber band. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for heavy buildup). Remove the bag and run the shower to flush out loosened debris, using a toothbrush to scrub any remaining spots.
Address Glass Doors or Curtains
Spray glass doors with cleaner or vinegar solution and use a squeegee or microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. For shower curtains and liners, check the care label – many can be machine washed on a gentle cycle (add a few towels to help scrub). If mildew is severe, replacement might be best.
Rinse and Dry
Thoroughly rinse all surfaces with clean water, ensuring no cleaning residue remains. For best results and to prevent water spots, dry the shower walls, floor, and fixtures with a clean microfiber cloth or use a squeegee.
Performing a deep clean every month or two, combined with regular light cleaning (like squeegeeing after each use), will keep your shower looking its best and prevent heavy buildup, making your bathroom a true sanctuary.