How to Clean a Shower With Little Effort

The most important aspect in keeping your shower clean is to avoid the buildup of grime, mold] and mildew that inevitably come with the wettest area of your house. The easiest way to prevent this is by making sure your shower has plenty of time to air out after use. As soon as you get out of the shower, wipe the floor and close the curtain so it can fully dry out. Shower curtains are prime targets for mildew. If you have a shower with a door, leave the door open to air out the inside of the shower. Doing these simple things each day after you bathe is the easiest way to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Buying and using a shower spray is another easy way to make sure you don't get mold growing on your shower walls, curtain and door. There are plenty of brands to choose from, ranging from all-natural citrus sprays, to hardcore chemicals with strong scents. The idea is that the shower spray is used when the curtain and walls are still wet to help stop mold and mildew in their tracks.

Turning on your ventilation fan or opening the windows is another way to make sure your shower and bathroom air out properly. Start the fan before you run the water and leave it running until the steam has completely cleared out. If you have a window in your bathroom and it's a fair weather month, then open the window before you shower and leave it open until the bathroom is nice and dry.

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding the gruesome cleanup of mold and mildew, and using a shower spray each day after you bathe is the easiest way to maintain a clean shower without a lot of effort. Soap scum is notoriously difficult to remove once it has set in, so a daily wipe will make all the difference.

The biggest problem with soap scum is that it's not easy to spot at first. It settles in as a thin, filmy buildup that blends in with your tub, but from there it can grow into dark mildew and even mold. This is especially true in the grout between tiles. Mildew and mold need water to flourish, so the surest way to avoid the outbreak is to wipe down your shower walls and doors with a dry towel after you bathe. If you have a curtain, spread it out completely after you shower so it can air out.

Your choice of soap can influence the buildup of soap scum as well, and that's an easy thing to change. Bar soap often contains talc, one of the main things that causes the filmy buildup on shower and bathroom tiles. Liquid castile soap and other kinds of shower gels are typically easier on porcelain shower tiles and tub floors. Simply making this switch can help you keep a cleaner, mold-free shower.