How to Clean a Filthy Shower
Filthy shower stalls are unsanitary and unsightly. The situation calls for some elbow grease to get the shower back to its sparkle. Not only will showering be more pleasant, but the danger of germs, mildew and fungus will be lessened. Mildew will feed on body oils and soap scum, which can cause allergylike symptoms. Mildew is just one of the dangers in a filthy shower. Bacteria and germs live there, too, and won't leave without eviction. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic apron
- Vinegar
- Wrench
- Soft-bristled brush
- Steel wool
- Clean absorbent rags
- Stiff brush
- Plastic-net scrubber
- Newspaper
- Thin bottle brush
- Bleach cleanser
- Scouring powder
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
Instructions
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1
Put on gloves, shower shoes and a plastic apron. Place cleaning supplies within reach. Remove the shower curtain if there is one and curtain rings. If not, open the shower door and ventilate the bathroom by opening the window or turning on a fan.
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2
Mix 1 quart of white vinegar and 2 quarts of very hot water. Pour it into a spray bottle.
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3
Remove the shower head using the wrench. Spray the shower head and the pipe with the vinegar solution.
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4
Spray the vinegar solution over the entire shower stall and let it stand to dissolve some of the grime. Spray more solution onto the surfaces inside the stall. Start at the top of the stall and scrub the shower with the soft brush. Clean one small area at a time until you complete the whole shower.
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Check the surfaces after the vinegar scrub. If they are not clean, begin again. This time, if the shower stall is fiberglass, wait until it is completely dry and whisk away the stubborn dirt with a dry steel wool pad. Apply a soft cleanser to the entire shower stall with a clean rag. Scrub the entire shower using clean rags or the plastic-net scrubber. Rinse the shower.
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6
Mix another vinegar solution using one part vinegar and one part water. Clean the shower door with this or with a commercial glass cleaner. Rubbing alcohol can be used in the same proportion as the vinegar solution. Scrub the glass with soft rags or a plastic-net scrubber until the mildew, soap scum or hard water marks dissolve. Wipe the doors with a dry newspaper until they squeak.
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7
Spray the bleach or alcohol solution into the tracks of sliding doors and scrub dirt away using the bottle brush and soft rags.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean a tiled shower stall with a product that contains chlorine bleach. This will kill mildew and bacteria. Scrub mildew-stained grout with a bleach powder using the stiff brush.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
