Cleaning a shower bath might feel like a never ending chore especially in the UK, where homeowners have to deal with hard water and humidity. These 2 team up to produce stubborn limescale,mildew and soap scum which can be very hard to clean.Let’s be honest, no one enjoys cleaning a shower bath.
Between work deadlines and the never ending pile of laundry cleaning the shower bath often gets overlooked. But in the UK where hard water affects about 60% of its households, not cleaning the shower bath can be a disaster. Limescale build up in these areas are a reality which can turn a neglected shower bath into quite a mess.
You don’t have to sacrifice your weekend to keep your shower bath clean.With the right approach you can cut through grime efficiently and keep it gleaming. Drawing on tried and tested methods from mums, here’s your ultimate guide to cleaning every inch of your shower bath,from tiles to drains.
Shower Baths vs Standard Baths
Shower baths have grown in popularity as an ever greater number of homeowners are turning to them for their luxurious and space saving aspect. They allow you to combine the functionality of a shower and a bath in a much smaller area than having two separate units. There are some excellent design options of shower baths at QS Supplies. See the different types of bath shapes and styles available by them. https://www.qssupplies.co.uk/Bathrooms/Bathrooms/Shower-Bath/Product/77.htm. Modern shower baths add a sense of comfort and style to any bathroom.
Why Cleaning a Shower Bath is Different in the UK
Before diving into the steps you can use to clean your shower bath it’s worth understanding the unique challenges UK households face.
- Hard Water
Over 60% of UK homes have to deal with very hard water which leads to a build up of limescale,
- Humidity and Poor ventilation
Older homes do not have extractor fans which can create a breeding ground for mold.
- Compact Spaces
Bathrooms in the UK are normally smaller which means clutter traps moisture and grime faster.
With these in mind, let’s break down the cleaning process.
Step 1: Clear the Clutter
Bottles,toys and loofahs are hiding spots for mildew hence makes cleaning tougher. The first step to make when cleaning is to remove everything that is unnecessary.
You do this by:
- Clearing everything from the shower bath, including caddies and mats.
- Soak plastic toys in hot water while you clean.
- Wipe down bottles with vinegar to remove any sticky residue.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Surfaces
This is to target soap scum,mildew and limescale build up.
The general rule is to:
- Spray vinegar solution on tiles, taps and glass doors.
- For mouldy grout apply Astonish spray and leave it for 10 minutes.
- Spray vinegar solution all over tiles, grout, taps and glass doors.
- Leave products to work while you do the drain.
Step 3: Unclog and Disinfect the Drain
Soap, hair and hard water minerals clog the shower bath drainage and make it smell bad. To unclog and disinfect the drain do the following:
- Remove visible debris from the drain. You can use a drain snake to pull out hair from it.
- Disinfect the drain by pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz for about 15 minutes before pouring hot water.
- To prevent future clogging you can get a silicone drain cover.
- For very stubborn blockages use Mr.Muscle drain gel from Tesco. It dissolves gunk in 15 minutes.
Step 4: Disinfect The Shower Bath Floor
Bacteria love damp corners. Sprinkle baking soda on the floor and scrub with a scrubbing brush. Rinse with hot water and Zoflora disinfectant for a fresh scent. This will make the floor clean and bacteria free.
Step 5: Scrub Tiles and Grout
You need a stiff bristled brush, baking soda paste and a microfiber cloth for this step.
How to do it:
- Dip the brush in the baking soda paste then use circular motions to scrub grout from the tiles.
- For glossy tiles ensure wipe with a vinegar soaked cloth to remove soap scum then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Step 6: Tackle Glass Shower Doors
Hard water is known to leave white deposits on glass shower bath doors.
.
The best way to do this is:
- Spray vinegar solution onto glass and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Wipe with a Kärcher Window Vac for a glossy finish.
- For stubborn limescale buildup use Viakal Limescale remover.
Step 7: Dry and Ventilate
The last step in cleaning your shower bath is to dry and ventilate. Use a squeegee on the walls and shower bath floor to ensure they are all dry. You can then run an extractor fan for 30 minutes and then open your window to reduce humidity.
Maintenance: Keep It Clean Longer
As a daily routine ensure you have a squeegee session every day for 30 seconds, spray tiles with vinegar weekly and descale your drain monthly. This will ensure that your shower bath is always clean.
UK Budget-Friendly Products
There are products that you can stock up on to help you with the cleaning process. They include:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Astonish Mould Spray
- Microfiber cloths
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your shower bath doesn’t require fancy gadgets and backbreaking work By focusing on specific challenges and using simple and affordable products, mums can be able to tackle limescale and soap scums each day.
Whether you are in London’s hard water or a windowless, poorly ventilated bathroom, these tips work wonders. By implementing these mum tested hacks into your daily routine you will save time and reduce stress while having a fresher shower bath.