Germs in Your Bathroom: Everything You Need to Know

Most bathrooms get a quick wipe-down regularly and a proper clean occasionally. The problem is that occasional cleaning often skips the parts that matter most: grout, limescale, drains, the extractor fan, and the underside of the toilet rim. This guide covers all of it. Follow it for a weekly clean, a monthly deep clean, or both. Why you should clean your bathroom regularly The main advantage of regular cleaning is it gives a more enjoyable and relaxing bathroom experience. Moreover, an unhygienic bathroom can create a hazardous environment in which harmful germs breed. Unclean bathroom surfaces will quickly become a favourable environment in which disease-causing microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, can thrive for several days. Over time, these microbes pose a grave health hazard that needs to be neutralised on a day-to-day basis. Evidently, the most effective way to eliminate the risk of infection and illness is to clean your bathroom regularly. Your routine weekly cleaning tasks must include scrubbing the toilet, wiping the shower enclosure, swabbing the sink, and mopping the floor. How often should you clean your bathroom? Different parts of the bathroom need different attention. A rough guide: A weekly clean takes 20–30 minutes if the bathroom is maintained. A monthly deep clean takes 45–90 minutes, depending on the room size and how much has built up. What you need before cleaning your bathroom Before starting, open the window or switch on the bathroom extractor fan. Cleaning products produce fumes, so good ventilation also helps surfaces dry faster after cleaning. Also, ensure you wear rubber gloves, as bathroom cleaning involves disinfectants, acids, and bacteria. Products to have on hand · Multi-surface bathroom spray · Toilet cleaner · Glass cleaner or diluted white vinegar in a spray bottle · Bicarbonate of soda · White vinegar · Washing-up liquid · Limescale remover (for hard water areas) Tools · Microfibre cloths (several – one per surface type) · Toilet brush · Old toothbrush or grout brush · Squeegee · Mop and bucket One safety rule that matters:never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaning products. Together, they produce toxic chlorine gas. Use them separately and rinse between applications. What is the correct order to clean a bathroom? Clean dry before you clean wet, meaning you should dust and vacuum the room first. This includes the light fittings, the top of the toilet cistern, shelving, and skirting boards. If you spray surfaces first, dust and hair combine with moisture into a sticky residue that’s harder to remove. Then work top to bottom. Ceilings and walls before surfaces. Surfaces before the toilet and floor. Whatever you dislodge from a higher surface falls to a lower one you haven’t cleaned yet. Step-by-step order 1. Dust and vacuum (top to bottom) 2. Apply toilet cleaner inside the bowl and leave it to work while you clean the rest of the room 3. Clean mirrors and glass 4. Wipe down all surfaces and shelving 5. Clean the shower enclosure, tiles, and bath 6. Clean taps and fixtures 7. Clean the toilet (outside, then seat, then bowl) 8. Mop the floor 9. Finish with the toilet brush on the bowl, then flush How to clean bathroom floor tiles The right method depends on the tile material. Using the wrong product causes permanent damage. Here we’ve outlined how to clean a bathroom floor per type of tile: Ceramic and porcelain tiles The most common bathroom floor tile and the most forgiving to clean. Avoid bleach-based cleaners, ammonia, and abrasive scouring pads – these dull the surface over time. Sweep or vacuum to remove hair and loose debris. Then mix 1 part white vinegar with 5 parts warm water and mop or sponge across the floor. For stubborn marks or soap residue, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda directly on the area, add a splash of vinegar, leave to fizz for 2–3 minutes, then scrub gently. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a microfibre cloth. Natural stone tiles (marble, granite, slate) Do not use vinegar or any acidic cleaner on natural stone. The acid etches the surface, creating permanent dull patches. Use only a cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone. To clean, sweep thoroughly, then apply a stone-safe cleaner per the manufacturer’s instructions. Scrub with a soft brush, rinse, and dry immediately. Natural stone should never be left wet. Luxury vinyl flooring Sweep or vacuum first, then mix 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda per litre of warm water. Wring the mop out well, as the floor should be damp, not wet. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel. Never use a steam mop on vinyl. The heat warps and degrades the material. How to clean bathroom wall tiles Wall tiles are cleaned less often than floor tiles, but are more prone to soap scum, toothpaste splashes, and limescale near the basin and shower. For ceramic and porcelain wall tiles, a bathroom multi-surface spray and a microfibre cloth handle most weekly cleaning. For deeper cleaning, use the same vinegar solution as the floor. For tiles near the shower, soap scum builds up on the surface. Spray with a diluted white vinegar solution, leave for 5–10 minutes, then wipe down. A squeegee after every shower prevents most of it from building up in the first place. For natural stone wall tiles, use only stone-safe products. Pay attention to grout lines in wet areas as these are the first place mould appears. How to clean bathroom grout Dirty grout is one of the most visible signs of an uncleaned bathroom. It cleans up well with a bicarbonate of soda and vinegar method: Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the grout lines using an old toothbrush and work it in thoroughly. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray over the paste. Leave for 5–10 minutes as it fizzes. Scrub along the grout lines with the toothbrush. Rinse well with clean water Never use vinegar on grout near marble or granite tiles. Use bicarbonate paste with plain water only. You can use bleach, but only occasionally in a well-vented room, rather than as a regular method, as it removes surface staining quickly but weakens grout structure over time. Repeat on stubborn areas. For heavily stained or darkened grout, a grout-specific cleaner will be more effective than the DIY method. To prevent rapid re-staining, you should apply a grout sealer once a year. It fills the porous surface and stops grime from embedding as quickly between cleans. How to deep clean your bath Knowing how to clean a bath also depends on the material as if you use the wrong cleaning solution you could cause more damage than good. Acrylic baths These scratch easily. No abrasive cleaners, no scouring pads, no harsh chemicals. This includes most freestanding baths in modern homes. To clean: Mix bicarbonate of soda with warm water to form a light paste. Apply with a soft cloth and wipe in gentle circular motions. For soap scum or limescale lines, apply a white vinegar and water solution, leave for 10 minutes, then wipe clean. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Cast iron baths Steel and cast iron baths have an enamel surface that requires specific care. Do not use vinegar, acidic cleaners, or abrasive products on cast iron as they strip the enamel. To clean: Use an enamel cleaner only. Test on a small area first. Apply a small amount to a damp soft cloth. Clean from one end to the other. Scrub gently at any persistent staining. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Natural stone baths Cleaning these can be time-consuming because they’re usually carved from a single stone block. Apply a mild, stone-safe cleaner to a soft cloth and work across the entire surface in small circular motions. Rinse well and dry immediately. How to clean your bathroom sink and basin Bathroom basins take a daily battering – toothpaste, soap residue, limescale, and general grime. The right cleaning method depends on the material. Ceramic and porcelain basins The most common type and the easiest to maintain. Use a bathroom spray and soft cloth for weekly cleaning. For a deeper clean, apply a diluted white vinegar solution, leave for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft non-scratch brush and rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasive scouring pads – they dull the glazed surface over time. Acrylic basins Acrylic scratches easily, so abrasive cleaners and scouring pads are out entirely. Make a thin paste of bicarbonate of soda and warm water, apply with a soft cloth using gentle circular motions, then rinse well. For stubborn soap scum, a diluted white vinegar solution left for five minutes before wiping works without damaging the surface. Natural stone basins Marble, granite, and slate basins are beautiful but need careful handling. Never use vinegar, bleach, or any acidic cleaner – they etch the surface permanently. Use only a cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone, applied with a soft cloth in small circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately. Leaving water sitting on natural stone accelerates staining and watermark build-up. Browse our range of basinsif yours are overdue for an upgrade, including countertop basins, wall-hung basins, and stone bathroom basins. How to clean the sink drain Hair and soap residue collect quickly in bathroom drains. Do this monthly to prevent slow drainage or blockages: Remove the drain cover and pull out any visible hair or debris. Pour a generous handful of bicarbonate of soda down the drain. Follow with a cup of white vinegar and leave for 15–30 minutes Flush with hot (not boiling) water. Replace the drain cover and run the tap for a minute. Do this monthly and you will rarely have a slow-draining or blocked sink. How to clean bathroom taps and remove limescale Taps pick up fingerprints and soap residue constantly. In hard water areas, limescale builds up around the base and outlet of taps. For daily maintenance:Wipe with a damp microfibre cloth and dry immediately. Water spots on chrome form when water evaporates rather than being wiped off. For limescale on chrome taps: Soak a cloth in undiluted white vinegar. Wrap it around the affected area and secure it in place for 30–60 minutes. Scrub with a soft brush to remove the loosened scale. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not use vinegar on gold, brushed brass, or antique-finish taps.The acid strips the finish. Use a mild washing-up liquid solution or a cleaner specifically formulated for the finish. How to clean a shower enclosure and shower doors Soap scum on glass shower screens is one of the most persistent bathroom cleaning challenges. For regular cleaning: Spray the glass with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution. Leave for 10–15 minutes. Wipe down with a non-abrasive sponge in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and squeegee dry. For heavy soap scum build-up:Make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and a small amount of washing-up liquid. Apply, leave for 5 minutes, scrub gently, rinse. The most effective preventative:Keep a squeegee in the shower and wipe the glass down after every use. It takes 20 seconds and eliminates most of the build-up between cleans. For hinged and pivot shower doors, pay particular attention to the hinges and the sealant strip along the bottom. Mould and limescale accumulate in both. Work an old toothbrush into the hinge joints and along the seal to clear build-up. If your shower doors are beyond salvaging, see our range of shower enclosures including hinged shower enclosures, frameless shower enclosures, and sliding shower doors. How to clean a showerhead A clogged showerhead reduces water pressure, alters the spray pattern, and in hard water areas can become almost completely blocked with limescale within months. Clean it every 4–6 weeks if you’re in a hard water area, or every 2–3 months elsewhere. For a fixed showerhead you can remove: Unscrew the showerhead from the arm. Submerge it in undiluted white vinegar or a proprietary descaler solution. Leave for at least one hour – or overnight for heavy limescale. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the nozzles and dislodge any loosened scale. Rinse thoroughly under running water and reattach. For a fixed showerhead you cannot remove: Fill a plastic bag with undiluted white vinegar. Place the bag over the showerhead so the nozzles are fully submerged, and secure it in place with a rubber band or cable tie. Leave for one to two hours. Remove the bag and scrub the nozzles with an old toothbrush. Run the shower on full for a minute to flush out loosened deposits. Browse our range of shower headsand shower handsets if your current one is beyond descaling. How to clean shower tiles Shower tiles deal with more moisture, soap, and steam than any other surface in the bathroom. Left without regular attention, soap scum, mould, and limescale build up quickly, particularly in the grout lines. For weekly maintenance:Spray tiles with a bathroom multi-surface cleaner or a diluted white vinegar solution. Leave for a few minutes, then wipe down with a microfibre cloth or sponge. Rinse with the shower head and squeegee the tiles dry. For deeper cleaning:Apply a white vinegar and water solution (equal parts), leave for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush, paying particular attention to grout lines. Rinse thoroughly. On grout between shower tiles:This is the area most prone to mould. Use a bicarbonate of soda paste applied with an old toothbrush, spray with diluted white vinegar, leave to fizz for 5–10 minutes, scrub along the grout lines, and rinse. For black mould in grout, a diluted bleach solution is more effective – apply carefully with a grout brush, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Keep ventilation running throughout. On natural stone shower tiles:Do not use vinegar or bleach. Use only a stone-safe cleaner and dry the tiles after cleaning. Natural stone shower tiles are particularly prone to watermarking if water is left standing. Preventing build-up between cleans:A squeegee on the tiles after every shower removes most of the moisture that leads to soap scum and mould. It takes seconds and makes a significant difference to how quickly the tiles need a proper clean. How to clean shower trays Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda across the tray, spray with white vinegar solution, scrub with a stiff brush paying attention to corners and the drain surround, then rinse. How to clean a shower drain Shower drains block gradually. Hair, soap residue, and mineral deposits accumulate over time and slow drainage long before a full blockage develops. Cleaning monthly prevents the serious blockages that need professional attention. Monthly maintenance: Remove the drain cover – most lift or unscrew. Pull out any visible hair and debris with your fingers or a drain hook. Pour a kettle of hot (not boiling) water down the drain. Follow with half a cup of bicarbonate of soda. Add a cup of white vinegar – it will fizz as it reacts with the bicarbonate. Leave for 15–20 minutes. Flush with another kettle of hot water. Replace the drain cover. For a stubborn slow drain:A purpose-made drain unblocker gel is more effective than the bicarbonate and vinegar method for established blockages. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Preventing blockages:A drain hair catcher sits over or inside the drain and catches hair before it enters the pipes. Empty it after every shower. They cost very little and save considerable effort in the long term. See our range of bathroom wastes and traps if your drain cover or waste fitting needs replacing. How to clean a toilet properly The correct order matters. Start on the outside and work inwards. First spray the cistern, lid, sides, and base and wipe from top to bottom. Then spray and wipe the underside, top, and rim of the seat. Now, apply toilet cleaner under the rim and allow it to run down the sides of the bowl. Leave for 5–10 minutes. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush, getting under the rim and around the U-bend and flush. The area directly under the toilet rim is where bacteria and limescale accumulate. Use a small, angled brush or an old toothbrush to clean it properly as a standard toilet brush doesn’t reach. How to clean mould off a bathroom ceiling For light surface mould Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and leave for 10 minutes. Wipe with a damp cloth. Wear gloves and avoid touching your face. Dry the surface thoroughly. For more established mould:A solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water is more effective. Apply with a cloth, leave for 10 minutes, then wipe and rinse. Keep windows open and the extractor fan running throughout. The most important step is prevention. Run the extractor fan during every shower or bath, and run it for 15 minutes after. Related: How To Prevent And Get Rid Of Mould In The Bathroom How to clean a bathroom extractor fan Switch off the power at the fuse box before touching the fan. Remove the cover and wash it in warm soapy water. Dry fully before replacing. Use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment or a can of compressed air to clear dust from the fan blades and housing. Wipe the housing with a damp cloth. Replace the cover, restore the power, and test. How to clean a bathroom mirror Bathroom mirrors collect toothpaste splashes, soap residue, condensation marks, and fingerprints, often all at once. A proper clean takes under two minutes when done correctly. The basic clean: Spray with glass cleaner or a diluted white vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water). Wipe with a clean microfibre cloth in horizontal strokes from top to bottom. Avoid circular motions – they spread smears rather than removing them. Buff the surface dry immediately with the opposite side of the cloth or a fresh dry cloth. For stubborn toothpaste or product splashes:Dampen the cloth first and hold it directly against the mark for a few seconds to soften it before wiping. Dried toothpaste in particular needs a few moments to rehydrate before it will shift cleanly. For condensation staining or watermarks:Apply undiluted white vinegar to the affected area, leave for 2–3 minutes, then wipe and buff dry. Repeat if necessary. Preventing condensation on the mirror:Running the extractor fan during and after showering reduces condensation that can cause smearing and staining. A small amount of shaving foam rubbed into the mirror surface and then buffed off creates a thin film that prevents condensation for a few weeks, a practical trick worth knowing for en suite bathrooms particularly. For illuminated or backlit mirrors:Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the mirror if it has lighting integrated into the frame or surround – spray the cloth first instead, then wipe. Keep liquid away from the electrical components entirely. For mirrored cabinet doors:Clean the glass in the same way as a standard mirror. Wipe down the cabinet frame with a damp cloth and dry promptly. Check the hinges periodically – bathroom humidity causes cheaper hinges to corrode over time. If the cabinet sits above the basin, the underside of the cabinet and the hinges are the areas most exposed to steam. Take a look at our range of bathroom mirrorsand mirrored cabinets if yours needs replacing. How to clean a bathroom radiator and towel rail Bathroom radiators and heated towel rails accumulate dust between the fins or rungs, reduce heating efficiency, and can harbour mould in poorly ventilated rooms. Clean them every 1–3 months depending on how dusty your bathroom gets. Before you start:Turn the radiator or towel rail off and allow it to cool completely. Cleaning a hot surface is both uncomfortable and can cause cleaning products to evaporate too quickly to be effective. For a ladder-style towel rail: Dust each rung with a dry microfibre cloth, working from top to bottom. Wipe down every surface with a damp cloth – top, sides, and the wall-facing back of each rung if accessible. For limescale or watermarks on chrome finishes, apply a diluted white vinegar solution to a cloth, wipe the affected area, leave for a minute, then buff dry. Dry all surfaces thoroughly before switching back on. For a panel radiator with fins:Dust between the fins is the main challenge. A long-handled radiator brush is the most effective tool – run it down between each set of fins to dislodge dust. Alternatively, use a vacuum cleaner with a thin nozzle attachment to remove dust from inside the fins. Wipe down the outer panels with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. For designer radiators:Wipe down with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Check the finish before using any cleaning product, abrasive cloths or acidic cleaners can mark some specialist finishes (anthracite, brushed brass, matt black). A mild solution of washing-up liquid and warm water is safe for most finished radiator surfaces. Avoid bleach. On chrome finishes:Limescale and watermarks form quickly on chrome towel rails, particularly in hard-water areas. A diluted white vinegar solution on a soft cloth removes most build-up. Polish dry immediately with a clean microfibre cloth to restore the shine. Do not use vinegar on gold, brushed brass, or antique-finish rails, use a specialist metal cleaner instead. Checking the valves:While you’re cleaning, check the thermostatic valves or manual valves at the base of the radiator. Dust and limescale collect around the valve heads and can cause them to stick over time. Wipe them clean with a damp cloth. If a valve is stiff or corroded, it’s worth having a plumber look at it before it becomes a more expensive problem. See our full range of Towel Ring and Towel Railsand designer radiators if yours is due for an upgrade. Common bathroom cleaning mistakes you want to avoid · Using vinegar on natural stone:It causes permanent etching and cannot be reversed. Always check your tile and fixture materials before applying any cleaner. · Mixing cleaning products:Bleach and vinegar together produce chlorine gas. Bleach and ammonia produce chloramine. Use products separately and rinse between them. · Skipping the drying step:Leaving water standing on surfaces, especially stone and chrome, leads to watermarks and accelerates limescale build-up. · Cleaning in the wrong order:Always top to bottom, dry before wet. The floor is always cleaned last. · Leaving products on too long:Bleach and acidic cleaners can discolour surfaces and damage finishes if left longer than directed. Rinse promptly. A clean bathroom doesn’t require expensive products or hours of effort. The key is consistency; a short weekly clean prevents build-up, and a monthly deep clean keeps the room in good condition over time. Get the order right, use the correct products for your materials, and the results last longer between sessions. Need help cleaning your bathroom? If your fixtures are making cleaning harder than it should be through worn sealant, pitted grout, surface damage on older sanitaryware, take a look at our full range of basins, baths, s hower enclosures, and bathroom furniture. You can book a consultationwith our expert team or call into our Birmingham showroom for a chat with the team.

Mould loves bathrooms because they offer perfect conditions for their growth. High humidity and poor ventilation also offer favourable conditions for the proliferation of mould. Bathrooms are naturally wet, damp, and dark at times. Mould can grow virtually anywhere – on walls, in baths, showers, carpets, wallpaper, grout, wood, sinks, and toilets. No place inside your bathroom is safe. In a predominantly mouldy Britain, most people are unaware of the potential dangers of mould. According to the National Health Service (NHS), mould can affect the immune system and cause allergies, asthma, or respiratory infections. If left unchecked, moulds produce allergens. Babies, children, and older people are especially susceptible to these allergens. Hence, they are more at risk of developing respiratory problems when exposed to damp and mould. The downside of mould exposure is that it can result in long-term effects in some people. Health issues can persist even after the mould has been cleared or people have moved to a new home. What Causes Mould in the Bathroom? Find the Mould in Your Bathroom What Products Can Be Used as Bathroom Mould Removers? How to Prevent Mould in Your Bathroom? How to Get Rid of Mould In The Bathroom? Navigate to any section of this post by clicking on the links above. What Causes Mould in the Bathroom? The most common causes of bathroom mould are lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation, leaky toilets, sinks, and plumbing pipes, as well as damp cellulose materials. The high moisture content and heat in the bathroom environment can increase humidity. When coupled with inadequate ventilation, these undesirable conditions will hasten the growth of mould spores. The leading cause of mould in the bathroom is excessive condensation. Condensation occurs when hot and damp air comes in contact with cold surfaces, such as mirrors, walls, or windows. An effective solution to minimise condensation in your bathroom is to leave the windows open or turn on the exhaust fan when you take a shower or hot bath. Damp spots can also cause mould. For instance, when the grout in between shower tiles is damaged, it deteriorates and absorbs water over time. If the damaged grout is not cleaned thoroughly or replenished, it can result in mould growth. Find the Mould in Your Bathroom While some indications of a mould problem – green, brown, or black spots – can be obvious, others are more subtle. Some obvious signs of mould in your bathroom are wall discolouration, crumbling plaster, and peeling wallpaper. If you can smell mould but can’t see it, check out hidden areas such as under sinks, toilets and baths, behind doors, in shower fixtures and screens, crawlspaces, exhaust fans, shower curtains, etc. Mould can start unseen in the bathroom and then spread to other rooms. Mould is better prevented than treated as it can become a big problem if it starts to spread. What Products Can Be Used as Bathroom Mould Removers? Mould not only ruins the appearance of your bathroom but also causes a terrible odour. However, the good news is that even severe cases of mould can be eliminated easily. Some common household products that can be used as mould removers include vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and alcohol. Although these products are safe to use, it’s best to wear a breathing mask, goggles, and protective gloves when using them to minimise exposure to mould spores. 1. Vinegar Vinegar is an effective, non-toxic mould cleaner. Despite its strong odour, vinegar is harmless. It’s affordable and available in most grocery stores. Undiluted vinegar at full strength performs best on mould. Transfer white vinegar into a clean spray bottle and spray it straight onto the mould. Let it stand for one hour. Rinse thoroughly, scrubbing with a cleaning brush on surfaces such as walls, floor, and grout. Or, wipe clean with a microfiber cloth in case of tiles and worktops. Mould-affected clothes and shower curtains can be soaked in a solution of white vinegar and water in equal proportion. Leave them overnight and rinse them the following day. 2. Baking Soda Baking soda is a renowned natural remedy for mould removal. It’s an effective solution for both porous and nonporous surfaces. Add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to two cups of water. Pour this solution into a clean spray bottle and spray on the mould-affected areas. Rinse thoroughly and wipe clean. (If the mould infestation is severe, let the solution stand for a few hours or overnight before cleaning it.) 3. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is another eco-friendly cleaning solution to remove stubborn mould growth. Spray 3 percent hydrogen peroxide directly on the mould-affected surfaces. The solution will cause the mould to bubble and fizz. Allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, and dry the clean surface by wiping with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Repeat the process if you still see signs of mould stains. 4. Bleach Bleach is definitely the most powerful cleaning solution to get rid of mould in the bathroom. It can quickly clear the most stubborn mould infestation in just one use. The problem with bleach is since it gives off toxic fumes, you need to use it with extreme caution. Spray on the affected areas and leave for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly and wipe with a wet sponge or clean damp cloth. While bleach is safe to use on rubber, plastic, and metal surfaces, avoid using it on aluminium, varnished, or painted surfaces. Colour change may occur if used on fabrics, wood, and paper. 5. Alcohol Only certain types of alcohol can eliminate mould. Rubbing alcohol (also known as Denatured alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol) has a high alcohol content and works effectively against mould. Spray rubbing alcohol on mould-affected surfaces and allow it to stand for 15–30 minutes. (You can let it stand for a few hours if the mould growth is stubborn.) Since alcohol is a flammable substance, you’ll need to rinse the surface thoroughly with water and wipe the area dry with a clean towel. How to Prevent Mould in Your Bathroom? Use a ventilation fan in your bathroom while you shower or bathe and leave it on for 30 minutes following the end of your bath. If you don’t have one, purchase one immediately or leave windows open frequently after showers or baths until you can install one Keep humidity low by using air conditioning or dehumidifiers. They are best kept below 50% of their performance potential Use a mildew-resistant shower curtain or install a shower screen or enclosure. Clean it frequently Wash your bathroom rugs frequently. Hang up damp towels and bathroom rugs in dry ventilated areas Clean and dry your bathroom more often, don’t skimp on the places you can’t see After your shower or bath, wipe off excess water from the glass surfaces of the shower enclosure with an old towel, or use a squeegee so it doesn't get to sink in Stretch out the shower curtain to its full length and allow it to dry thoroughly Clean curtains and rugs with sanitising products instead of perfumed bleach Use gloss paint where possible, as this creates a harder surface and mitigates the growth of mould How to Get Rid of Mould In The Bathroom? Strip away and replace any grout or sealant that has mould growth Clean your bathroom with mould-killing products such as bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. Don’t mix these products, as the mixture can be toxic and cause chemical reactions. Soap and water will not kill the mould Open doors and windows while cleaning to provide fresh air and to help dry out the mould Wear protective gloves and coverings while cleaning. Do not allow products to have contact with the skin Use anti-mould sprays with caution. Keep areas well-ventilated, and do not allow children in the bathroom while cleaning The best policy is to kill the mould and remove it, as the spores could keep bringing it back If the mould is creeping onto the walls, you need to call a professional as this could be a long-term problem. If you live in rented accommodation, make sure to inform your landlord or letting agency to address structural issues with the property. Bathroom City is one of the nation’s largest bathroom showroom outlets based in Birmingham, UK. You can count on our complete solutions for all your bathroom needs. Visit our Tyseley Bathroom Showroom or online store to purchase a new bathroom or renovate an existing one. Other related articles that you might also be interested in: How to Clean Hair Dye Stains From Different Bathroom Surfaces? How to Clean and Maintain Your Shower Enclosure?

Cleaning a shower enclosure is a thankless job. Even at Bathroom City, we are yet to meet a customer or even a member of staff who can honestly say they enjoy undertaking it. That’s mainly because shower enclosures tend to accumulate soap scum and grime every day. And unfortunately, the truth is it’s a job that has to be done because leaving it can significantly affect not just the condition of your bathroom, but also the condition of your health and well-being. It’s been reported by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a mouldy shower environment increases your chances of catching colds, sore throats and even eye and skin irritation. This means making sure your enclosure is clean should be considered as a valued necessity. We have some good news. When you use the right cleaning method, your shower enclosure can repel soap scum and remain clean longer. And you can use the same process for cleaning both glass and plastic components of a shower enclosure – using either commercial or natural cleaning agents. General Steps for Cleaning A Shower Enclosure What are the best products for cleaning a Shower Enclosure? How to Clean the Shower Door Glass Without Scratching or Causing Damage? How to Clean a Shower Door Glass with Protective Coating? How to Clean the Shower Door Tracks? How to Clean the Shower Enclosure Drain? How to Clean the Shower Enclosure Wall or Floor tiles? How to Clean a Shower Enclosure with Commonly Available Home Food Preparation Products Such as Vinegar and Baking Soda? How often should you clean your Shower Enclosure? Are You in the Market For Buying Shower Enclosures? Jump to any section of the guide for an answer to your specific question or feel free to read the guide in it's entirety. General Steps for Cleaning a Shower Enclosure Wipe and dry your shower unit with a soft dry towel after using it. This will help you get rid of hard water deposits on a daily basis. Although perhaps not the first thing on your mind after showering, this simple activity that takes a few moments will help you in the long run. Use Glass Cleaner. At the slightest evidence of a build-up of deposits on the shower glass, spray glass cleaner onto the glass and leave for a minute. Using a paper towel, rub the glass cleaner into the sprayed areas and wipe the shower glass dry. What Are the Best Market Products for Cleaning a Shower Enclosure? 1. Astonish Daily Shower Self Cleaner 750ml This low-priced, quick and easy daily cleaning liquid is perhaps the best product for cleaning your shower enclosure. This cleaning solution is highly convenient because there’s no scrubbing involved as you simply spray and forget. The solution quickly dissolves soap scrum and watermarks, resulting in a crystal clear shine. The main benefit is regular usage prevents the build-up of limescale. This vegan solution is suitable for use on the other shower enclosure accessories such as plastic wheels of the shower door, enamel tray, glass screens, tiles and vinyl curtains. 2. Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner Spray If you hate scrubbing, you’ll really love this cleaning solution. After a shower, you spray a light mist of this premium product and simply walk away. Yes, that’s right. You can clean your shower cubicle – whether it’s a walk-in shower cubicle or corner shower cubicle – minus the rubbing, wiping, rinsing and squeegeeing. This product is especially effective in hard water areas. The only drawback is this cleaner spray is not suitable for use on natural stone and marble. Please note this point before you place your order. 3. Mr Muscle Platinum Shower Shine 750ml This daily shower enclosure cleaner is yet another low-priced product that eliminates scrubbing, rinsing or wiping. Yes, you just spray and walk away. This convenient spray is effective in preventing the build-up of soap scum, grime, grout and limescale on the various surfaces in your shower enclosure. You can use this versatile shower cleaner on acrylics, plastics, fibreglass, chrome, porcelain, glass, tiles and shower curtains. 4. HG 147050106 Shower & Washbasin Spray This everyday bathroom cleaner is suitable for plastic shower cubicles, tiled walls and washbasins. This spray works on all bathroom surfaces, including marble, granite, travertine, enamel and natural stone. A convenient refill bottle makes this product even more affordable. Using it is simple, too. Spray the surface of the shower enclosure and leave it to work for a few minutes. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water. 5. Mellerud Shower Cubicle Clean and Care This premium product makes the shower cubicle surfaces hygienically clean in an easy two-step process. This spray is suitable for use on shower enclosures made from glass, plastic or aluminium. You can use it on shower partitions and curtains, as well. After showering, spray a light mist and rinse off with water. How to Clean the Shower Door Glass Without Scratching or Causing Damage? A natural way of cleaning the shower door glass would be by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a thick paste. The next step is to scrub the glass surface using a nonabrasive sponge. And the last step is to rinse the glass with vinegar until it sparkles. (Since undiluted vinegar can cause skin burns, it’s safer to wear gloves.) If you hate scrubbing, there’s an equally effective alternative cleaning solution. The Method Glass Cleaner Spray (828 ML) simply makes cleaning your shower door glass a breeze. You spray the solution on the glass surface and wipe immediately with a soft dry towel. How to Clean a Shower Door Glass with Protective Coating? For glass with a protective coating, you should be careful. Don’t use any product that has ammonia, hydrofluoric acid or phosphoric acid as an ingredient. And avoid using any sharp object, abrasive brush or razor blade that may scratch the protective coating. A natural way of cleaning the shower door glass with protective coating would be by using vinegar. Wipe the glass with a Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge dipped in vinegar. Then, rinse the glass surface clean with water. Since you cannot wipe and rinse the shower door glass after each showering, an easier solution to cleaning glass with protective coating is using Clean Shower Cleaner Shower Daily Spray. As mentioned above, you can get a sparkle minus the wiping and rinsing. And you can use this premium cleaner to clean the whole shower cubicle – whether it’s a walk-in shower cubicle or corner shower cubicle. How to Clean the Shower Door Tracks? Unlike a walk-in shower cubicle, a corner shower cubicle has a sliding door. And shower door tracks can be the most difficult part of the shower enclosure to clean because soap scum and dirt tend to accumulate there. Door tracks are also the most neglected section of a shower enclosure. The natural way – and, of course, the most effective way – of cleaning door tracks is by using readily available household cleaning supplies: old toothbrush, one tablespoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of salt. Make a smooth paste by mixing lemon juice and salt. Use the old toothbrush to apply this paste inside all the inaccessible parts of the sliding rolls. Wait for 15 minutes, and rinse the dirt off with warm water. If necessary, repeat this process. How to Clean the Shower Enclosure Drain? Cleaning the shower enclosure drain is a tough task. Ideally, if you do it once a month, your drain will not get clogged and the water in the shower enclosure will drain properly. Although a chemical drain cleaner is quick and effective, we don’t recommend it because the harsh chemicals can damage your plumbing lines. So, we recommend you to do this the natural way following the steps detailed here. Step 1: Wear rubber gloves. Remove the shower drain cap. First, you’ll need to remove physical blocks like hair. Use a drain snake for this. A thin wire coat hanger is an effective alternative. Step 2: Remove the initial debris, using your fingers. Next, slip in the movable end of the drain snake carefully and push it down the drain. With a slight twisting motion, move the end forward so that snake winds down the drain. Step 3: Tug upwards gradually. Pull the blocking debris out, and put this in a plastic bag. Step 4: If necessary, repeat this process. Ensure all the blockages have been cleared. Step 5: In this extra step, you’ll need to use 1 tbsp of baking soda and some vinegar to clear any remaining debris. Pour the baking soda down the shower drain. Next, pour some distilled white vinegar. A fizzing sound signals that the remaining blockages are being cleared. Step 6: Wait for 30–40 minutes. Pour half a bucket of hot water into the shower drain to flush the mixture. Replace the shower drain cap. If you think all this is too much work, then the alternative is Mr Muscle Max Gel Unblocker or Scotch Corporation Liquid Drain Opener. These unclogging liquids do the same work in a jiffy, presenting you with an easy solution. How to Clean the Shower Enclosure Wall or Floor tiles? Dirty wall tiles and floor tiles are not just a health issue, but they are a serious embarrassment, as well. Scrubbing the tiles is the best method of cleaning, but this process can take a lot of time. If you have the time and if your tiles are not made of natural stone, then you can use lemon juice for cleaning wall or floor tiles. There is no scrubbing involved in this process. First, spread lemon juice uniformly on the stubborn spots on tiles. Then, let it stand for two hours. Last of all, wipe with a soft cloth and rinse the tiles thoroughly. How to Clean a Shower Enclosure with Commonly Available Home Food Preparation Products Such as Vinegar and Baking Soda? A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is a practical solution for cleaning most surfaces. But this mixture should never be used on natural stone as it will leave a discolouration spot. And using them individually is more effective than using them together. The reason is combining them and bottling them can neutralise the effects, producing mainly water and some sodium acetate. Hence, you can make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with water. Wear rubber gloves and apply this paste uniformly over the surface of the shower enclosure you want to clean. Let it stand for a few minutes before wiping the surface with a clean, soft towel dipped in vinegar. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water. How often should you clean your Shower Enclosure? Ideally, you should clean your shower enclosure once a week to prevent mildew growth and unwanted stains from building up. But if you miss your weekly bathroom clean up, you’ll need to work harder during the subsequent week. If you’re dependent on the spray-and-forget method for cleaning your shower enclosure on a daily basis, you’ll need to rinse the shower enclosure once a week after you spray. Focus on the showerhead and the shower unit as well as the wall tiles. Are You in the Market For Buying Shower Enclosures? Check Out Our Collection. At Bathroom City, we present you with a fantastic range of shower enclosures, and we want you to get the best value for your money. For more information on our collection of shower enclosures, call us today on 0121 753 0700 or visit our showroom open Monday to Friday 9:00–5:30, Saturday 9:00–5:00 and Sunday 10:00–16:00. Other related articles that you might also be interested in: How To Deep Clean Your Bathroom Ultimate Guide To Shower Enclosures