How to Properly Clean & Sanitize Your Bath & Shower

With a current highlight on health and cleanliness and an added emphasis on staying home, many people are turning to deep-cleaning practices. One room that should be high on your priority list is the bathroom — specifically your bathtub or shower. As one of the most-used areas of your home, it’s easy for your tub or shower to quickly get grimy. And now is as good a time as any to really buckle down and give it the proper and thorough cleaning it deserves.

Start With the Showerhead

Like most people, you probably have a shower in your home — whether it’s a tub/shower combo or walk-in shower. Because water comes out of it, cleaning the showerhead is a task that many people don’t think of as necessary. On the contrary, this fixture can produce a build-up of soap scum and bacteria, so this is where you should begin your cleaning efforts.  This chore won’t require too much elbow-grease, however; just some vinegar! Pour some white vinegar into a plastic bag — like one from the grocery store. Make sure there is enough vinegar to fully submerge the showerhead nozzle, tie it in place, and let sit overnight (or for several hours if you’re tackling this first-thing in the morning). Then, simply remove the bag and turn on the shower to rinse.

Shift to the Shower Curtains or Doors

Next, you should clean the curtains or doors of your shower. For plastic curtains and liners, you can toss them in the washing machine with regular detergent and a few old towels, which act as scrubbers to help get rid of soap scum and mildew. We recommend picking the delicate cycle, just in case! Avoid the dryer and simply hang them back up to dry. For shower doors, you can use a cleaner that you already have in your house or create a paste by combining vinegar and baking soda.

Tackle the Tub

Finally, it’s time for the tub! If your current method is to give it a weekly scrub, then it’s probably already in pretty good shape. However, you can kick things up a notch by spraying either a store-bought solution or a homemade cleanser (never mix different cleaners) and letting it soak for 15-20 minutes. You can then wipe the walls and basin down, leaving it sparkling and squeaky clean.

And that’s it! You don’t need any super harsh chemicals or hours of scrubbing to clean and sanitize your bath and shower. A standard cleaning product found on the shelves of a grocery store or the common household items — like vinegar and baking soda — are enough to do the job. If you do opt to go for a stronger cleaning agent like bleach, be sure you don’t mix it with any other chemicals or cleaners.

Bathroom Deep Cleaning 101

Germs, bacteria and dust collect over time in any bathroom and a thorough cleaning can help improve the look and feel of the space, not to mention you and your family’s health! Let’s get started cleaning your bathroom, with our handy checklist and quick tips to stay on track.

1. Remove all non-essential and loose bathroom items from the room

   Gather up non-essentials like dirty clothes, towels, clutter and trash first. Then, move out “loose” articles like rugs, toothbrush holders, shower curtains or decorative plants. This includes items in any drawers or cupboards.

2. Start with the ceilings

   Focus on dusty fans, vents and corners first. After dusting, wipe down vents and fan blades with warm, soapy water and if your ceiling square footage isn’t too large, wipe down the ceiling while you’re at it. Be sure to dry off fans and vents before using.

3. Clean and disinfect all surfaces

   Use appropriate cleaners for every surface of the room, including countertops, shelving, mirrors, windows and sinks. Be sure to read usage labels on all products before using.

4. Clean the toilet and bath/shower

   Rinse out the bath and/or shower unit before using cleaning products. Don’t forget corners, showerheads and tile grout. If you’re cleaning the toilet, make sure to scrub the inside and outside, taking care to clean under the lid and seat.

5. Sweep floors

   Sweep or vacuum the floors first to pick up any loose dust or dirt.

6. Mop floors

   Use a cleaner that is safe on your floor type and don’t avoid the tight corners.

7. Clean your trashcan

   A poorly neglected bathroom furniture piece, the trashcan needs a wash just as badly as the rest of the room. Clean the interior and exterior, finishing with a disinfectant.

8. Return all items to the bathroom

   Now that the hard part is over, return your items back to where they belong, organizing during the process. Take care to throw out any products that you haven’t used in a while, and look for expired products and medications to dispose of as well.

Bathtub Cleaning Products & Guidelines

Incorporating these tips into your regular cleaning routine will not only keep your bathtub spotless but also elevate your daily self-care routine. A clean and inviting bathtub transforms your bathroom into a sanctuary — a place where you can unwind, rejuvenate, and indulge in a little luxury.

Understanding Bathtub Materials & Cleaning Considerations

Bathtubs come in various materials, each with its unique characteristics and cleaning needs. For acrylic tubs, opt for mild, non-abrasive cleaners to prevent scratches, while porcelain tubs benefit from gentle, non-acidic solutions to preserve their glossy finish. Fiberglass tubs demand extra care, requiring non-abrasive cleaners and soft sponges to avoid surface damage. Understanding the nuances of your bathtub material is key to selecting the right cleaning products that effectively remove grime without compromising the integrity of the surface.

Cleaning Frequency & General Maintenance Guidelines

Determining how often to clean your bathtub depends on factors such as usage and humidity levels. For bathrooms that are used often or are exposed to high humidity, more frequent cleaning may be necessary to prevent mold and mildew growth. As a general rule, aim for a thorough cleaning at least once a week. In between, a quick wipe-down with a mild cleaner and a soft cloth can help prevent the buildup of soap scum and maintain a spotless shine. Regular maintenance not only preserves the visual appeal of your bathtub but also extends its lifespan.

Properly & Safely Cleaning Your Bathtub

Before you embark on your bathtub cleaning journey, it’s essential to ensure your safety and the longevity of your tub. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning. Ventilate the bathroom to reduce exposure to cleaning fumes, and wear protective gloves to shield your hands from harsh chemicals. Use soft, non-abrasive sponges or microfiber cloths to avoid scratching the surface. For textured tubs, pay extra attention to crevices where grime may accumulate.

Upgrade Your Grimey Bathub with Tundraland

If you are consistently experiencing mold or mildew growth in a bathing area that is a decade or two old, you may consider renovating your bath and shower system. Many modern bathtubs and showers, like the ones offered at Tundraland, are designed using nonporous materials to stop any stains from forming and make cleaning a breeze. Additionally, our bathing products feature an antimicrobial technology embedded into the material to prevent the growth of any mold or mildew. With a Tundraland bathtub or shower, your weekends will be spent relaxing instead of scrubbing away in your bathroom.

Contact Tundraland today for more information about our selection of easy-to-clean bathroom products. Or, feel free to explore other blogs we’ve written about proper home maintenance and care.