Most people don't get a whole lot of pleasure from cleaning showers, but the truth of the matter is that the more often you do it, the easier it is. Making sure you regularly give your shower a good clean will save you extra effort in the long run, and help keep your shower running properly.
Tidy and prepare
First, get everything out of the shower area. Clean out shampoo and conditioner bottles, cleansers, loofahs, soaps and brushes; make sure every surface is clear and accessible. Remove the bath mat if you have one and take the opportunity to throw out any empty bottles and other accumulated rubbish. The best time to clean a shower is just after it’s been used. If it hasn’t, give the walls a quick rinse with warm water by twisting the shower head around to angle the spray.
How to clean tiled shower walls
Next, wipe down the tiles starting from the top of the wall with a soft sponge. Use a non-corrosive detergent and avoid anything acidic, as this can eat through grout. Your best bet is to use something that's specifically designed for the purpose. Scrub all the way down to the base of each wall, and then rinse the walls off again. To keep tiles looking amazingly clean, after you’ve scrubbed them rub them down with some furniture polish. Don’t use any on the floor though - it can make it too slippery. If you need to remove tough stains such as mould and hard water deposits, then see the relevant section below.
How to clean shower screens
Shower screens can collect water film and lime deposits, making them difficult to clean with regular detergents and cleaning solutions. There are customised solutions that work very well, but in most cases you can do a good job of cleaning the glass on your shower screen with a solution consisting of equal parts water and white vinegar. This will easily eliminate water marks and bring even the dullest of glass back to a clear sparkle. You can use white vinegar in many other parts of the shower too; it’s great for flushing out shower door tracks to get rid of any stubborn build up there. Vinegar works best when it has been warmed up a little. Try putting some on the stove (being careful not to boil it). Once it's warmed up a little, pour it into a spray bottle.
How to clean shower heads
To give a shower head a really good clean, you will probably need to remove it. Cover it with a thin towel to protect the chrome, and using some pliers, unscrew the fastenings. Pull it apart, taking care to remember how it fits back together, and then soak all the metal parts in warm vinegar overnight. Replace any worn washers or other components. In the morning, use an old tooth brush to clean the inside of the shower head and gently scrub the back of the holes to loosen up any mineral deposits. Flush water through it once it’s cleared out to rinse off any remaining vinegar, and then reassemble it. If you don’t have the time (or the courage) to do all of this, the next best option is to tie a small plastic bag full of vinegar over the shower head and leaving it there to soak overnight.
