Maya Ellison
Keeping your shower spotless can be a gruesome task, but it's necessary to keep your tiles bacteria-free and your bathroom sparkling clean. The best shower cleaner for you will depend on the type of surfaces you want to clean. Most shower cleaners are not recommended for use on natural stone, but some can work on a variety of surfaces, while others are meant for specific materials like tubs, tiles, or grout. Multi-purpose cleaners are great for tackling multiple surfaces, while specific cleaners can target problem areas. Common household products like vinegar are also great for removing hard water stains. For those with smell sensitivity, there are scentless options available that are also formulated without bleach, ammonia, or harsh irritants.
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What You'll Learn
Multi-purpose vs. specific cleaners
When it comes to keeping your shower spotless, choosing the right cleaner is crucial. While some people enjoy the act of cleaning, finding an effective cleaner can be a challenge. Showers are made of various materials, from plastic to tile, grout, glass, and metal, and each surface requires special care. Before settling on a cleaner, it's essential to consider its purpose, ingredients, ease of use, and compatibility with your shower's surfaces. Testing the cleaner on a small, hidden area first can help ensure it won't discolour or damage the surface.
Multi-purpose cleaners are convenient for tackling various surfaces and stains in the average household. They can act as disinfectants, detergents, degreasers, or solvents, wiping away fingerprints, stains, and grime. However, they may not always be suitable for certain delicate surfaces, such as antique furniture. Some multi-purpose cleaners contain corrosive or abrasive ingredients that can damage specific materials. Additionally, they may require extra steps, such as rinsing, to ensure food safety.
On the other hand, specific cleaners are formulated to address particular cleaning challenges, such as removing mould, mildew, soap scum, hard water stains, or rust. These cleaners are tailored to specific surfaces and materials, ensuring effective cleaning without damaging the surface. Specific cleaners may be more expensive and less versatile than multi-purpose options, but they offer peace of mind for delicate or challenging cleaning tasks.
When choosing between multi-purpose and specific cleaners for your plastic shower, consider the type of stains and surfaces you need to address. Multi-purpose cleaners can handle various light stains and surfaces, while specific cleaners are designed for targeted cleaning needs. For example, if you're primarily concerned with removing soap scum and water stains from your plastic shower, a specific cleaner formulated for this purpose may be more effective than a general multi-purpose cleaner.
Popular options for shower cleaners include Clorox Clean-Up, Scrubbing Bubbles, CLR, Kaboom, Soft Scrub, Wet and Forget, Method, Lysol, and Zep. Plant-based and eco-friendly alternatives are also available, such as Blueland Bathroom Cleaner, which offers a strong plastic bottle and a pleasant scent without strong fumes. Additionally, natural solutions like vinegar are effective multi-purpose cleaning agents, tackling stains, limescale, soap, and grime.
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Natural stone and other surfaces to avoid
When it comes to natural stone showers, it is important to be cautious about the type of cleaner used. The wrong product can easily damage the stone. It is best to avoid harsh or acidic chemicals, such as ammonia and vinegar, as these can wear down the stone's sealant, leading to discolouration, scratches, and staining. Instead, opt for pH-neutral products specifically designed for cleaning natural stone. For example, Rock Doctor's Marble Shower Cleaner, Granite and Stone Sealer, and Tile and Grout Cleaner are all suitable for natural stone. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is another pH-neutral option that can be diluted with water and applied with a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth.
In addition to using the appropriate cleaner, sealing natural stone shower surfaces is crucial to prevent water, oil, and stain penetration. A stone sealer will provide stain and water resistance, making maintenance easier. It is recommended to reseal every couple of years or whenever water no longer beads on the surface.
While vinegar is a popular choice for cleaning plastic surfaces, it is not suitable for natural stone. Other vinegar-based or harsh chemical cleaners, such as those containing bleach, should also be avoided. Instead, use natural, non-acidic, or pH-neutral cleaners with a pH level of 7.
It is also worth noting that natural stone tiles require regular maintenance to prevent soap scum buildup and mildew and mould growth. Rinsing the shower after each use and drying the tiles thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or squeegee will help prevent these issues.
By choosing the right cleaner, sealing the stone, and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can effectively care for and protect your natural stone shower.
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Bleach-based vs. plant-based cleaners
When it comes to cleaning your shower, there are various options available, from traditional bleach-based cleaners to plant-based alternatives. The best option for you will depend on several factors, including effectiveness, safety, and environmental impact.
Effectiveness
Bleach-based cleaners are known for their strong cleaning power. They are effective at disinfecting surfaces and removing stubborn grime and stains. For example, Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach is often recommended for its ability to kill pathogens and disinfect hard surfaces. However, it emits unpleasant fumes. On the other hand, plant-based cleaners are generally gentler and may require more effort to achieve the same level of cleanliness. For instance, the Method Daily Shower Spray is praised for preventing soap scum buildup, but it may not be as powerful as bleach-based options.
Safety
Plant-based cleaners are typically considered safer than traditional bleach-based cleaners due to their more natural ingredients. For example, the Seventh Generation bathroom spray uses thymol (from thyme oil) as a natural disinfectant and is recommended by experts. In contrast, bleach-based cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat. They often emit strong fumes, which can be unpleasant and potentially harmful.
Environmental Impact
Plant-based cleaners are usually more eco-friendly than traditional bleach-based cleaners. They often use sustainable and biodegradable ingredients derived from natural sources such as coconut oil and sugarcane. However, it is important to note that even plant-based cleaners can have environmental impacts, especially when it comes to packaging and waste. For example, compostable cleaning wipes may have specific limitations and restrictions.
In summary, both bleach-based and plant-based cleaners have their advantages and disadvantages. Bleach-based cleaners are generally more effective at disinfecting and removing tough stains, but they can be harsher and less environmentally friendly. Plant-based cleaners, on the other hand, are gentler, safer, and more eco-friendly, but they may require more effort and may not be as powerful. Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific needs and priorities when it comes to cleaning your shower.
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Cleaning tools for hard-to-reach areas
Extendable Scrubbers and Brushes
These tools are designed with long, adjustable handles that make it easy to reach high or tight spaces without straining your back. The bristles are usually soft enough to prevent scratching delicate surfaces like plastic, yet strong enough to effectively remove soap scum and hard water stains. Some brushes even have different coloured bristles, each suited to a specific cleaning job, like the yellow brush with medium bristles, ideal for bathroom cleaning.
Lightweight Dusters with Extendable Poles
Lightweight dusters with extendable poles are perfect for cleaning ceiling fans, chandeliers, and AC vents. The ability to extend the pole makes it easy to reach high places without the need for a ladder. For best results, some users recommend soaking the brush in a diluted vinegar solution before dusting.
Drill Brush Attachments
Drill brush attachments are a game-changer for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Attach them to your drill, and they'll do the scrubbing for you, making it easier to clean tight spaces without having to kneel or bend.
Microfiber Window Blind Cleaner
This tool is designed specifically for cleaning window blinds, which can be time-consuming due to the need to clean each slat individually. With this tool, you can clean two slats at once, thanks to its flexible design and microfiber material that effectively captures dust.
Portable Stain Cleaners
For small, hard-to-reach areas, portable stain cleaners are a handy solution. These compact devices dispense cleaning fluid through a brush, allowing you to target crevices and tight spaces. They are convenient for on-the-go stain removal and can be easily stashed in your bag.
With these specialised cleaning tools, you can efficiently tackle hard-to-reach areas in your shower, leaving it sparkling clean.
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Removing mould and mildew
Keeping your shower clean and mould-free is important for your health and the longevity of your bathroom. Mould and mildew are fungi, with mildew being a surface fungus and mould being more invasive and unhealthy. It can eat away at your grout and grow on porous and non-porous surfaces.
To prevent mould and mildew, you can take some simple steps. Firstly, keep your shower curtain drawn when taking a shower, and ensure it is tucked into the bathtub. Keep the shower curtain open after use, and consider using a decorative fabric shower curtain with a disposable plastic liner. Remove sponges, products, and loofahs from the shower after use, as water can accumulate underneath them, creating a breeding ground for mould. If you have tiles, reseal the grout every 10-12 months to prevent moisture from seeping into hairline cracks.
If you do find mould or mildew, there are several ways to remove it. You can use a natural product like borax, a white mineral powder, mixed with hot water. Simply pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it onto the affected area, then scrub with a clean rag or sponge. You can also use a 10:1 water-to-bleach solution on non-porous surfaces like tubs, sinks, and showers, but ensure the area is well-ventilated. Distilled white vinegar is another effective solution, which can be diluted or used neat on showerheads. Undiluted vinegar can have a strong odour, but it is an excellent natural cleaner.
For mould or mildew on grout, use cotton balls soaked in hydrogen peroxide and leave them for a few hours before rinsing with warm water. To prevent mould and mildew from returning, ensure your bathroom has good ventilation, and use an exhaust fan during and after showering. Regular cleaning with a disinfectant cleaner or vinegar solution will also help to keep mould at bay.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for cleaning a plastic shower. Firstly, a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water can be used to scrub away hard water stains and is suitable for plastic shower curtains. Microban's bathroom cleaner is another good option, as it sanitizes and disinfects surfaces, leaving behind added protection to keep bacteria at bay for up to 24 hours. Grout-EEZ is also a great product for cleaning grout stains with minimal effort and time.
Clorox Clean-Up, Scrubbing Bubbles, CLR, Kaboom, Soft Scrub, Wet and Forget, and Method are all popular products for cleaning showers.
Natural alternatives to chemical-based cleaners include vinegar, which is a great multi-purpose cleaning agent, and plant-based cleaners.
