Fastest Ways To Clean Shower Tiles

If you are frustrated by how filthy your shower tiles are, rest assured that you are in great company. Through regular use, soap scum, mildew, and other filth can accumulate. While there are many chemical cleaning products on store shelves that promise to remove soap scum and mildew, you may still struggle to get your shower tile as clean as you need it to be. What does it take to clean shower tiles properly? These steps will help you to see the results you want.

• Loosen the Soap Scum

Before targeting mold and mildew, focus on removing soap scum from the tiles and grout. Choose a non-abrasive scrubbing device, such as a plastic scrubber, to avoid damaging the tiles and grout. Scrub all surfaces while they are still dry. This will loosen soap scum so that the other steps are more effective.

• Steam the Shower Stall Tiles

After dry-scrubbing the tiles and grout, turn the shower on using the hottest temperature setting. Allow the area to remain steamy for approximately 10 minutes. This pre-cleaning step may help you to remove some of the debris that has become deeply embedded in the tile and grout pores for easier cleaning. You can then use the non-abrasive scrubber to wipe down the tiles and grout. Allow the surfaces to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

• Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

White vinegar is effective at breaking down soap scum and disinfecting surfaces. Using a spray bottle that is filled with a balanced mix of water and white vinegar, spray the entire stall until it is thoroughly covered. Allow the surfaces to remain moist for approximately 15 minutes. Once again, use the non-abrasive scrubber to scour the entire surface area. Rinse away the grime, and spray down the surfaces again with your blend of water and white vinegar.

Using a bowl, combine a liberal amount of baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Cover the entire surface area of the shower stall with the paste. You may notice that the combination of vinegar and baking soda has a bubbling or fizzing effect. This is a chemical reaction that has a profound impact on soap scum and mildew. You can spray the surface with the vinegar and water blend again after the paste is in place.

Once you notice the bubbling action subsiding, use a brush or scrubber with stiff bristles. Apply pressure in a circular motion. To reach the corners of the shower stall, use an old toothbrush. Rinse the area thoroughly, and use a clean towel to dry it by hand.

• Choose Hydrogen Peroxide as an Alternative

If grime remains after you clean your shower stall with the white vinegar and baking soda method described above, choose hydrogen peroxide as an alternative to the white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with a two-to-one ratio of hydrogen peroxide to water. Then, follow the full instructions described above for using the hydrogen peroxide spray in place of the white vinegar. The vinegar will not react with the hydrogen peroxide to create bubbles, but you will still need to allow the paste to remain on the tiles for 15 minutes before scrubbing the surfaces. Remember to thoroughly rinse and dry the area at the end of your cleaning session.

• Keep Tiles Clean

Soap scum and mildew unfortunately will be problematic as long as you use your shower. However, you can dramatically reduce the accumulation and keep your shower cleaner for a longer period of time by following a few important steps. For example, after each shower, wipe down the surfaces with a clean towel. Then, allow the dehumidifier fan to run for at least a few minutes. Several times each week after your regular shower, spray down the surfaces using your blend of white vinegar and water. Wipe the liquid away with a clean towel. If hard water is an issue, investing in a water softener may be a smart idea.

• Reach for the Bleach

For stubborn mildew stains, you may need to use either oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach. Bleach combined with vinegar will produce toxic gas, so ensure that all of the vinegar has been rinsed away before cleaning the shower stall with bleach. Dilute the bleach with a small amount of water, and dip your scrubber in the mixture. After scrubbing, allow the bleach to remain on the surface for 10 minutes before rinsing it away. Because bleach can lead to grout erosion, this method should be used as a last resort.

• Schedule Professional Cleaning Service

Cleaning a filthy shower stall and keeping it clean going forward are significant undertakings. The good news is that you do not have to spend your valuable energy and time soaking and scrubbing the shower stall on your own. Our professional maids are thrilled to do the hard work for you. If you want to enjoy the benefits of an immaculate home without stress, contact us today to schedule maid service for your home.