Wondering how to clean a shower without scrubbing? Then try our step-by-step approach and shower cleaning tips.
One of the best ways to clean a shower is with reliable products like Cif Bathroom Spray and Domestos Bleach Spray. Follow the directions and include as part of your daily routine.
How to clean a shower in 5 steps
Learning how to clean your shower is quick and easy if you remember these basics:
1. Give everything a quick rinse
Cleaning tiled shower walls and floors starts with a quick rinse of plain water. Using hot water can help to expand the pores of your surface materials and make them easier to clean. If you’re seeing mildew stains, we recommend reading our guide on removing mould on walls.
2. Descale the shower head
An often overlooked part of the process, cleaning shower heads is vital if you want a powerful and hygienic shower. Start by removing limescale build-up. Simply soak your shower head it in a tub of white vinegar and water for a couple of hours before scrubbing.
If the shower head is fixed to the wall, fill a resealable bag with white vinegar and fix it over the shower head with elastic bands or wrap a cloth soaked in the solution over it. You can also use citric acid to descale shower heads. Its chelating properties will help break up the hard water stain and soap scum easily.[1]
Quick Tip: For more bathroom descaling tips, read our guide on cleaning and descaling a toilet cistern.
Watch our video below for more shower cleaning tips that tackle stains and limescale on the shower head:
Safety Warning
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
3. Deep clean shower tiles
Next, you’ll want to get rid of any soap scum, water residue, or other marks from your shower. Products like Cif Power and Shine Bathroom Spray are ideal for this - especially if you want to know how to clean shower tiles without scrubbing. Just spray, leave for approx. 20 minutes, wipe, and rinse.
Always read the label of any cleaning products before use and keep your bathroom well ventilated while cleaning. If you suffer from sensitive skin, considering wearing rubber gloves too.
4. Clean the grout between the tiles
Sparkling tiles showing up your dirty grouting? It's time to learn how to clean between tiles in the shower. Attack the mould in your grouting with a shower tile cleaner or diluted bleach solution and an old toothbrush. Leave your chosen solution to break down the dirt before putting in a little elbow grease to shift stains. Always rinse and wipe down afterwards.
5. De-clog the drain
Be prepared for nasty surprises when de-clogging the drain! Use rubber gloves to pick out tangled hair and clean between the grates using an old crochet hook. Follow up with a specialist drain cleaner to dissolve any remaining deposits - or try a homemade remedy from white vinegar and baking soda. Always rinse the drains with water after leaving your chosen solution to work for around 30 minutes.
Tips for removing soap scum from shower glass
Learning how to remove soap scum from your shower glass doesn’t have to be complicated. If you notice the glass becoming cloudy, follow these tips:
Tip 1: Regularly clean with vinegar
The acetic acid in vinegar effectively breaks down the soap particles on the glass surface.[2] So, create a vinegar-based cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. You can boost the cleaning potency of the solution by adding about two tablespoons of dish soap. Spray the solution on the glass surface and wipe it down using a microfiber towel.
Quick Note: Get more detailed instructions by reading our guide on cleaning shower screens and shower glass.
Tip 2: Use a filtered shower head
The cloudy residue on your glass shower door is not always soap scum. Hard water can also leave stains on bathroom surfaces. To prevent this problem, use a filtered shower head that can reduce stain-causing minerals in the water.
Tip 3: Switch to a different soap
Bar soaps tend to leave more film on shower doors. So, we suggest switching to a liquid body wash. This product is more diluted than bar soaps. Moreover, you can rinse it easily and prevent soap scum buildup.
Tip 4: Wash down the shower glass
One way to avoid soap residue on your shower glass is rinsing it down after every use. While tedious, this can make deep cleaning easier and faster. We also suggest reading our article on cleaning cloudy glasses to learn more maintenance tips.
Keep your shower glass clean
Indeed, regular cleaning can help prevent soap scum buildup on different surfaces in your bathroom. By following the steps we shared in this article, you can have a clean and fresh-smelling bathroom year-round.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning a shower
Q. What removes hard soap scum from a shower?
You can use a mixture of vinegar, water and dish soap to remove hard soap scum from your shower.
Q. Does bleach remove soap scum?
Yes, bleach can also remove soap scum. Moreover, it effectively kills mildew. So, at the same time, you’re disinfecting the item or surface when using bleach.
Q. Does vinegar remove soap scum?
Yes, the acetic acid in vinegar breaks down the soap particles and even kills odour-causing bacteria.
Q. What is the best homemade shower cleaner?
A mixture of white vinegar and dish soap can be a potent homemade shower cleaner. You can store it in a spray bottle to make the solution easier to dispense.
References:
1. Shinta, Y. C., Zaman, B., & Sumiyati, S. (2021). Citric Acid and EDTA as chelating agents in phytoremediation of heavy metal in polluted soil: a review. IOP Conference Series, 896(1), 012023. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/896/1/012023
2. Nsf. (2022, August 22). Reliable and scientific tips for cleaning with vinegar. NSF. https://www.nsf.org/blog/consumer/reliable-scientific-tips-cleaning-with-vinegar
