A walk-in tiled shower is a very modern and stylish addition to a bathroom. However, to maintain it, cleaning it regularly is crucial. Regular cleaning not only keeps your tiles and grout looking good, but it also helps kill germs and mildew. In today's time, when we are trying to be more hygiene-conscious in our homes, proper cleaning of a walk-in tiled shower is even more important. Let's take a look at a step-by-step guide that will help keep your shower fresh and clean for a long time.
Detailed Method for Cleaning a Walk-in Tiled Shower
Here are some important tips and steps to keep your walk-in tiled shower neat and clean gather the required tools.
You need to gather all the right tools and cleaning materials before you start cleaning. This makes the cleaning process smoother, and you won't need anything else. So, gather these things first:
- White vinegar or mild tile cleaner: Vinegar is a natural cleaner that easily removes hard water stains and soap scum.
- Grout brush or old toothbrush: A special brush is needed to clean grout because that's where dirt tends to accumulate the most.
- Spray bottle: Want to make and use a homemade cleaner? A spray bottle is a must.
- Squeegee: This is used to clean up water after a shower.
- Microfiber cloth or soft sponge: A microfiber cloth or soft sponge is perfect for gently cleaning tiles.
- Baking soda: This is a natural abrasive that is best for tough stains and grout.
- Essential oils (optional): If you want to balance the smell of vinegar, you can use essential oils.
Keep all these things ready in one place so that you do not have to look for anything again and again during cleaning.
Prepare the Shower
It is important to prepare the surface prior to cleaning. First, wet your shower area by rinsing it thoroughly with warm water. This step is important because warm water helps loosen dirt and soap scum, which makes the cleaning process easier.
After pouring warm water on the walls and everywhere in the shower, be ready to spray some cleaning products. If you are using a specific tile cleaner, read the instructions properly, but if you want to use a homemade cleaner, you can easily make it at home.
How to Make a Homemade Cleaner?
Many homeowners avoid harsh chemicals available in the market and prefer to use a natural, homemade cleaner. Therefore, a mixture of vinegar and water can be made, which is effective and safe.
Steps to Make the Homemade Cleaner
- Put one part white vinegar and one part warm water in a spray bottle.
- If you don't like the smell of vinegar, you can also add 5-10 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil.
This homemade cleaner is best for cleaning tiles and grout and is also safe for health as it is chemical-free.
Spray on Tiles and Grout
Now that your cleaner is ready, generously spray it on the shower tiles and grout lines. This solution not only dissolves soap scum but also cleans the dirt and germs hidden inside the grout. Focus particularly on grout lines, as they tend to get dirty and discolored.
After spraying, give the solution some time to work. Leave it for 10-15 minutes so the vinegar can do its job.
Scrub the Grout Well
Cleaning grout can be a tedious task, but if you follow a regular routine, the process becomes easy. Use a grout brush or old toothbrush to scrub the grout lines. Scrubbing in a circular motion is more effective and removes more dirt.
If there is too much mildew or soap scum on the grout, you can make a paste of baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the grout, then scrub with a toothbrush. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that removes grime easily.
Cleaning the Tiles
After scrubbing the grout, it is important to clean the tiles. Take a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and gently scrub the tiles with it. Avoid applying too much pressure so as not to damage the tiles. In this step, pay attention to removing any soap scum and dirt that has accumulated on the tiles.
If you get tough spots where there is a lot of soap scum, spray a little extra cleaner and take time to scrub. This will ensure that the tiles remain absolutely spotless.
Rinse Well
After scrubbing, it's important to rinse the shower thoroughly. Use warm water to rinse away all the dirt. This ensures that no cleaning residue is left on the tiles, as this can cause water spots or streaks later.
A detachable shower head makes it easier to rinse the corners. If a shower head is not available, use a mug to pour water over the tiles and rinse them thoroughly.
Dry the Surface
After cleaning and rinsing the tiles, use a microfiber cloth or squeegee to dry the surface. This step is important because water spots and mineral deposits are formed from leftover water. Drying can help preserve the shine of your tiles and keep your shower spotless.
Using a squeegee after each use can also help keep your shower clean.
Weekly Maintenance Routine
If you don't want to deep clean your shower often, a weekly maintenance routine is a must. This routine involves a few simple steps:
- Spray the vinegar and water solution onto the tiles and grout lines once a week.
- After 10 minutes, gently scrub with a sponge and rinse thoroughly.
- Then, dry the surface with a squeegee.
This routine will save you from having to deep clean it every month.
Monthly Deep Cleaning
Walk-in showers need to be deep cleaned once a month. This routine keeps the shower fresh and well-maintained for longer.
For monthly deep cleaning, you can:
- Clean the grout using a baking soda paste.
- Apply a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to the tiles and scrub.
- After scrubbing everything, rinse the shower thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a squeegee.
Deep cleaning removes hard water stains, soap scum, and mildew easily, leaving tiles and grout sparkling like new.
How to Avoid Mold and Mildew Buildup?
The biggest issues with walk-in tiled showers are mold and mildew, which form because of moisture. These can be avoided if you take a few preventive measures:
Ventilation: After using the shower, turn on the exhaust fan or leave the shower door open to allow moisture to escape.
Drying: Drying the tiles with a squeegee after each use is an important step to help prevent mold.
Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning significantly reduces the growth of mold and mildew.
If you ever see mold, clean it up quickly so that it doesn't spread and the problem doesn't get worse.
Conclusion
Keeping a walk-in tiled shower clean is as important as keeping the rest of the home clean. It can be significantly easier if you follow a regular routine. Taking some time each day to dry the surface and doing a light cleaning once a week helps maintain the shower for a long time. If you follow proper cleaning methods, not only will the tiles and grout look bright and fresh, but you'll also be protected from germs, mold, and mildew.
