Say Goodbye to Soap Scum & Mineral Buildup: How to Maintain a Sparkling Clean Shower

When we remodeled our master bath several years ago, we had been in the house cleaning business for close to a decade, dealing constantly with caked-on soap scum and mineral deposits on shower glass, and we knew one thing for sure—there would be no glass in our new shower! However, unless a bathroom renovation is in your immediate future, a glass-less shower may not be an option for you. No problem! There are less drastic steps you can take to eliminate or minimize gross shower build-up on glass doors and shower walls. Here are some game-changing daily maintenance tips that will keep your shower sparkling clean and your daily shower more enjoyable.

The Daily Ritual: Your First Line of Defense

Believe it or not, the key to preventing soap scum and limescale lies in what you do immediately after your shower. Here's a simple routine that will make a world of difference:

• Invest in a good quality shower squeegee and keep it in your shower. But much like that treadmill that is being used to hang laundry on in your bedroom, just buying a squeegee won’t solve any problems. You must use the squeegee after every shower…so take 30 seconds at the end of your shower to run the squeegee down the walls and glass door. Then dry your shower head and controls. These simple acts remove excess water, which leaves soap scum and limescale deposits on surfaces as it dries.

• Spray and Walk Away! Keep a spray bottle of Clean Shower daily shower spray, or similar products by Method or Meyers handy. There are even DIY recipes you can mix up yourself. These are all options you spray on your shower after squeegeeing to further prevent build-up from forming.

• Ventilation is Your Friend. Moisture is the enemy of a clean shower. Always leave your shower door or curtain open after use to allow air circulation. If you have an exhaust fan, run it for at least 30 minutes post-shower.

  
  

Once-A-Week Deep Clean: How to Clean Soap Scum

While daily maintenance is crucial, a weekly deep clean can also help keep soap scum and limescale at bay. Unless you have weekly HCCA cleaning service, be sure to give your shower a good scrub once a week. There are lots of good cleaning products out there to use, but be sure you know what the surfaces in your shower are made of! If you have granite, marble or another natural stone in your shower, you must use a good quality natural stone cleaner on it or risk damaging the stone. Never use a product with bleach or ammonia on any natural stone surface.

Remember, consistency is key. Just as a daily cleaning ritual will make a huge difference in your shower, a weekly deep clean will ensure you see a dramatic difference in your shower's cleanliness. Even if you have a bi-weekly or monthly cleaning service, a maintenance clean between visits will make a big difference.

Be Proactive to Prevent Shower Build-up

Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense. Here are some preventive measures that can significantly reduce soap scum and limescale formation:

• Switch to Liquid Soap: Bar soaps are often the biggest culprits in soap scum formation because of their fat content. Switching to a liquid body wash will work wonders.

• Install a Water Softener: If you live in an area with hard water, a water softener can be a game-changer. It reduces the mineral content in your water, which is the primary cause of limescale.

• Use a Shower Filter: A more budget-friendly option than a whole-house water softener, a shower filter can reduce mineral deposits and make your cleaning routine much easier.

  
  

A Clean Shower is Just a Few Good Habits Away!

If you’re a list-maker, print out a list of these steps and hang it in your bathroom as a reminder, and you'll be on your way to a consistently clean shower in no time.

Remember, a little effort each day keeps your shower cleaner and you (and your family) happier. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you'll not only have a cleaner shower but also more time to enjoy the things you love.

Michael McBride