Do you know what’s hiding in your showerhead?
You might not be aware of it yet, but you’re probably showering in microbes. From mold and mildew on tiles and grout to Legionella and Mycobacteria in showerheads, hidden dangers may be lurking in your shower.
As the place we use to clean ourselves, does it make sense to let the shower be a haven for bacteria and fungi? If you don’t know how to clean a dirty shower, you’re vulnerable to illnesses such as Legionnaires disease, allergies, and even pneumonia.
In some cases, these illnesses can be the death of a person, especially those who are immunocompromised.
Fortunately, shower cleaning isn’t rocket science. It may be tedious and time-consuming, but anyone with resolve can do it. Here are some shower cleaning tips for creating a safe and happy bathroom.
Tiles and Grout
Before diving in, make sure that the room is well-ventilated. Open a window or a door to let in some air. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber gloves.
The process is similar to cleaning the toilet. You can use an all-purpose cleaner to spray the tiles, walls, and ceiling.
If you notice mold growth, use a bleach and disinfectant solution and let it rest for a few minutes. Then scrub what you’ve sprayed with a clean rag or sponge.
To clean the grout, use a solution made of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts washing soda. You can scrub it into the grout lines with an old toothbrush.
Rinse everything with water and dry all surfaces with a clean cloth.
How to Clean a Dirty Shower Head
Don’t ignore your shower head when cleaning. Over time, showerheads develop biofilms. Analysis of what’s living in the biofilm revealed that the Mycobacterium genus was consistently the most abundant.
Scientists conjecture that it’s possible to inhale aerosolized microbes while showering. Susceptible people can develop nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections this way.
For a deep clean, remove the showerhead from its attachment and submerge it in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Seal the whole thing inside a plastic bag. Let it soak for one hour, but it’s better if you can leave it overnight.
Wipe away loose deposits, reinstall the head, and run the shower to flush the holes.
The Icky Part of Shower Cleaning
For most people, unclogging the drain is the worst part of cleaning a shower. The most likely culprit is, of course, hair. You can use a drain snake or a wire hanger to pull out clumps of hair that are clogging your drain.
After clearing the drain, mix one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen debris, pour the concoction, and rinse again with boiling water.
Don’t Forget the Shower Curtain
If you have a fabric curtain, you can give it a spin in the washing machine according to manufacturer directions. Plastic liners are more tricky to clean. You can try to wash it with hot water, soap, and a bit of bleach.
If the plastic shower curtain is too dingy, it’s best to replace it.
Elbow Grease Is the Best Polish
Now that you know how to clean a dirty shower, it’s time to man up and get ready to expend some energy. It’s hard work, but it’s necessary for the health of everyone in your home.
Don’t have the time for all that? No worries! Call us today for professional cleaning.
