A well-maintained bathroom is an easy way to make your whole home appear clean and fresh. Scrubbing the shower is not a glamorous task but regular cleaning is essential as the tiles are one of the first places that will start to show signs of stains, mould and built-up dirt. At My Shower, we are the experts in shower and grout repairs Perth homes trust. Cleaning your shower can be challenging if you’ve left it too long between cleans so roll up your sleeves and work your way through these practical tips for cleaning your shower tiles and grout.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals on Your Grout
Tile grout must be cleaned to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime, but harsh chemicals can actually damage your grout and severely reduce its lifespan. The fumes aren’t too pleasant for the family either! So what should you use?
- Start with water – the classic combination of warm water, a stiff bristled brush and a little bit of elbow grease. While this won’t prevent mildew from reforming, scrubbing the grout in circular motions will loosen the build-up in your tile grout and ease the rest of the cleaning process.
- Use baking soda – create a natural cleaning solution by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a thick paste, then scrub into the grout with a soft bristled brush. Once all grout has been covered, spray with a mixture of a white vinegar and water, and allow the solution to bubble away for around thirty minutes.
Treat Small Stains as They Appear
Whenever you spot a stain or sign of mould on your tiles and grout, treat it as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter if it’s only a small stain, the earlier you get on top of it the better. Use a tile cleaner for the tiles and for the grout, white toothpaste is a handy solution. Rub the toothpaste into the stained grout and let it sit for a few minutes, before scrubbing it away with an old toothbrush. Finally rinse off with warm water.
Squeegee The Walls
Keep a squeegee in or near your shower and take a minute or two to run it over your shower walls, this will reduce more than fifty per cent of the moisture in the room. If you don’t have a squeegee, you can simply use an old towel to wipe the tiles, the aim is to dry the tiles as much as possible after each shower.
Keep The Bathroom Dry
Mould and mildew thrive in damp, humid areas so the key to a mould free bathroom is in keeping it dry. Always ensure exhaust or extraction fans are in use when showering and keep on for at least 20 minutes after you’re done. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, you can consider installing one or else try to leave your bathroom windows open while you shower.
Follow an Easy Cleaning Process
Start with steam – Pre-heating your bathroom tiles before cleaning them will loosen the dirt and make it much easier to remove. Close all doors and windows and turn on the water to the hottest setting possible, turning your bathroom into sauna-like conditions.
Work from top to bottom – Start from the highest possible point and work your way down. This will increase your cleaning efficiency, as you won’t have to clean the grime running down or dropping to already cleaned areas.
Scrub the tiles – Apply a tile cleaning agent, and then scrub with a bristled brush. It’s important to note that grout is significantly more porous than tiles so make sure you use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth on the grout so that it won’t cause any damage.
Rinse and dry – After you have scrubbed, rinse with hot water starting from the top and working your way down. Then, wipe with a squeegee or dry towel and turn the exhaust fan on or simply open all doors and windows. Airflow is important in drying the tiles and grout and will help to prevent the build-up of mould and mildew on your freshly cleaned shower.
If you have persistent mould and mildew that cannot be cleaned no matter how hard you scrub, or if your grout is cracked, stained or simply looking old and tired, give your shower a fresh new feel without the cost of renovating with expert grout repairs. My Shower specialises in grout repairs, shower and balcony leak repairs and waterproofing services for homes across Perth. Get in touch with us for a free quote by calling 1300 055 088 or send us an online enquiry.