Cleaning the shower after each use is important to prevent buildup of soap scum, mildew, and bacteria. Using the right cleaning products will keep your shower fresh, clean, and hygienic.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a safe, eco-friendly option for cleaning the shower. The acidic nature of vinegar helps dissolve soap scum, hard water deposits, and mineral buildup on shower walls, doors, and floors. White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well for shower cleaning.
To use vinegar, mix equal parts warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray down the walls, doors, and floors of the shower after use and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing clean with water. For tough stains, allow the vinegar solution to sit longer before rinsing.
The benefits of cleaning the shower with vinegar include:
- Removes soap scum buildup
- Shines and disinfects shower walls and doors
- Descales and removes hard water stains
- Non-toxic and environmentally safe
- Inexpensive and readily available
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive cleaner that can scrub away grime in the shower without damaging surfaces. It’s also alkaline, which helps remove residue from acidic soap scum.
Make a paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Spread the paste onto shower walls, floors, and doors. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. For tougher stains, allow the paste to sit longer.
Benefits of using baking soda to clean the shower include:
- Non-toxic and safe for the environment
- Removes tough soap scum and mineral deposits
- Neutralizes odors leaving a fresh scent
- Won’t scratch tile, glass, or fiberglass
- Inexpensive and versatile
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that can sanitize the shower to prevent mold and mildew growth. Being oxidizing, it also helps break down soap scum and other grime.
Use a spray bottle filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Lightly spritz the shower walls, doors, and floors after each use. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing clean with water. Hydrogen peroxide can also be combined with vinegar for an extra cleaning boost.
The pros of using hydrogen peroxide for shower cleaning include:
- Kills germs, bacteria, and viruses
- Prevents mold and mildew growth
- Brightens grout and breaks down soap scum
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Inexpensive and commonly available
Liquid Dish Soap
Dish soap combined with some water makes an effective shower spray cleaner. Dish soaps like Dawn and Palmolive are formulated to cut through grease and wash away food residue. This makes them great for cleaning soap scum in the shower too.
Add a few squirts of dish soap to a spray bottle filled with warm water. Shake gently to mix. Spray onto shower surfaces after each use and wipe down with a soft cloth or scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly.
Benefits of using liquid dish soap include:
- Removes built-up soap scum and oils
- Cuts through stubborn shower grime
- Leaves a streak-free shine
- Mildly abrasive forscrubbing
- Inexpensive and easy to find
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can disinfect the shower when used for cleaning. It helps inhibit mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.
Add 15-20 drops of tea tree essential oil to a spray bottle filled with 2 cups water. Spray onto shower surfaces after use and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing clean. The tea tree oil smell also leaves a pleasant, spa-like scent.
Reasons to clean your shower with tea tree oil include:
- Natural antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Prevents buildup of mold and mildew
- Leaves a refreshing, uplifting aroma
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic
- Safe for septic systems
Bleach
Bleach is a strong chemical disinfectant that sanitizes and removes stains. Diluted with water, it can be an effective shower spray after each use.
Mix 1/2 cup bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. Transfer to a spray bottle and spray onto shower surfaces after use. Let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing clean. Use caution, as bleach can damage some surfaces with prolonged contact.
The pros of using diluted bleach for shower cleaning include:
- Kills bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew
- Removes tough stains and whitens grout
- Inexpensive and easily accessible
- Works quickly to disinfect
- Prevents soap scum buildup
Essential Oil Shower Sprays
Essential oil shower sprays are a convenient way to clean and naturally deodorize the shower. Look for premade sprays that contain essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, and lavender oil.
Simply spritz onto shower walls, doors, and floor after each use. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing clean with water. No scrubbing required!
Benefits of essential oil shower sprays include:
- All-natural ingredients
- Provide antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Leave a light, pleasant fragrance
- Easy to use with no mixing required
- Safer for you and the environment
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning uses hot vapor to naturally loosen and dissolve soap scum, oils, and mineral deposits in the shower. It can sanitize and deodorize without using harsh chemicals.
Use a handheld steam cleaner after each shower use. Start at the top and work down shower walls, doors, and floors. Wipe with a towel to dry and remove dissolved grime. May require scrubbing for tougher buildup.
Steam cleaning the shower has these advantages:
- Natural and chemical-free
- Kills germs and bacteria
- Removes built-up gunk and stains
- No cleaning solutions required
- Leaves a streak-free shine
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are a useful and eco-friendly tool for quick shower cleaning. Their ultra-fine fibers are great for wiping down shower surfaces to remove grime and soap residue.
After showering, run a damp microfiber cloth over walls, doors, and floors. The microfibers trap and remove dirt, soap scum, and water spots for a streak-free clean.
Reasons to use microfiber cloths for shower cleaning:
- Chemical-free and reusable
- Traps dirt and grime easily
- Safe for all shower surfaces
- Quick and easy way to remove soap scum
- Rinsing may be all that’s required
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can dissolve soap scum, oil, and hard water stains from the shower walls and glass doors. It has disinfectant properties too.
Combine equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle. After showering, spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towels. Rinse with water after cleaning.
Here are the main pros of using isopropyl alcohol shower spray:
- Removes stubborn soap scum and stains
- Disinfects shower surfaces
- Dries quickly without streaking
- Inexpensive and easy to find
- Works well on shower doors and tile
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are useful for scrubbing away tough grime in the shower. The melamine foam gently lifts away soap scum, hard water stains, mildew, and more.
Lightly dampen the Magic Eraser and rub over any dirty shower surfaces after each use. Rinse cleaned areas well. May need a more abrasive scrub brush for thicker buildup.
Advantages of Magic Erasers for shower cleaning:
- Easy soap scum removal
- Won’t scratch delicate surfaces
- No chemicals required
- Can get into tough to reach areas
- Quickly removes stains and mildew
Conclusion
Keeping your shower clean after every use prevents buildup of dirt, bacteria, and soap scum. Using the right cleaning solutions and tools can make the job easier while keeping your shower fresh and hygienic.
Vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and essential oils make excellent natural and affordable shower sprays. For tough grime, magic erasers, steam, and diluted bleach can tackle the job. Microfiber cloths also help for quick daily wipe downs.
Find the best shower cleaning method for your needs. With regular maintenance after each shower, you can prevent major scrub downs and enjoy a pristine, healthy shower environment.