Nothing beats stepping into a clean, fresh shower. But over time, soap scum, grime, and bacteria build up, making your bathroom feel less than inviting. Regular cleaning is the key to keeping your shower looking and feeling great. Let’s dive into the best cleaning methods for ceramic, stone, and fiberglass showers.
How Often Should You Clean Your Shower?
A thorough cleaning once a week keeps your shower in top condition. If you can manage a quick one-minute wipe-down after each use, you can extend deep cleaning to every two weeks.
Wipe down shower walls and doors with a squeegee or bath towel after each use. Rinse cleaning tools like brushes and poofs, and clear hair from the drain to prevent clogs. These simple steps make weekly cleaning much easier!
Cleaning Ceramic Tile Showers
Ceramic showers are stylish and durable but require extra attention to keep grout clean and free from mildew.
Prep the Shower
Remove all shampoo bottles, body washes, razors, and poofs. Wipe down remaining bottles with a damp cloth and clear hair from the drain.
Ventilate and Wet the Walls
Turn on the exhaust fan, open windows, and wet the shower walls with a showerhead or bucket.
Tackle Mildew First
Mix one part chlorine bleach with two parts water. Apply the solution with a sponge, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the grout with a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Rinse with hot water.
Important: Never mix bleach with ammonia—it creates toxic fumes.
Apply Cleaning Solution
Use a commercial tile cleaner or a homemade solution. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to break down soap scum.
Scrub and Rinse
Use a plastic mesh scrubber to clean walls and floors. Avoid harsh brushes that can scratch the surface. Rinse from top to bottom.
Dry the Surfaces
Use a squeegee or an old towel to prevent water spots.
Cleaning Stone Showers
Stone showers (granite, marble, etc.) require special care to avoid damage.
Remove Items & Spray Cleaner
Take out shower accessories and spray a stone-safe cleaner. Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of warm water.
Wipe and Rinse
Use a microfiber cloth to remove soap scum, then rinse with clean water. Dry with another microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
Treat Mildew
Apply a bleach and water solution (1:1 ratio) with a sponge. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub and rinse.
Seal the Stone
Apply a stone sealer twice a year to protect against moisture and bacteria. Use a soft cloth and polish for best absorption.
Note: Avoid vinegar and harsh cleaners, which can etch stone surfaces.
Cleaning Fiberglass Showers
Fiberglass showers are durable and easier to clean, but can scratch easily.
Prep & Spray
Remove shower items and spray walls with distilled white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Wipe & Squeegee
Wipe with a soft cloth or squeegee to break down soap scum.
Scrub the Floor
Fiberglass floors have texture, which traps grime. Use a soft-bristled brush and scrub away buildup, then rinse thoroughly.
Apply a Protective Coating
Use fiberglass boat wax on walls to repel water stains, but never apply it to the floor—it will be slippery.
Remove Tough Shower Stains
Sometimes, showers develop stubborn stains that require extra effort. Here’s how to deal with them:
Rust Stains: A paste of baking soda and lemon juice works wonders. For larger stains, use a cleaner containing oxalic acid.
Adhesive Residue: If sticker residue remains, apply olive oil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrape gently with a plastic card and remove leftover glue with rubbing alcohol.
Need a Professional Deep Clean?
Sometimes, showers need more than just a DIY scrub. If tough stains, mildew, or deep-seated grime are making your bathroom feel unclean, Fixlaa is here to help. Our experts provide top-tier deep cleaning services, ensuring your shower looks brand new, without the hassle. Book a professional home cleaning service with Fixlaa today and enjoy a sparkling clean bathroom effortlessly!