Maintenance Guide for Baths & Showers

If you’re wondering how to clean your bath or shower, and how often you should be doing it, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a quick list of maintenance tips that will help you keep your bathtub or shower fresh and clean so that it not only looks great for you and your guests, but provides all who use it with a safe, welcoming, and relaxing bathing environment.

Daily Upkeep

A big part of keeping your bathroom’s wet area fresh and clean is daily upkeep. After every use, squeegee the residual water off the walls, floor, and door. Then, wipe these areas with a dry towel to remove leftover condensation. With a shower, leave the curtain drawn or the door open to allow the humidity to disperse throughout the bathroom. It can also be helpful to run the vent fan or leave a bathroom window open for about twenty minutes after bathing or showering to reduce humidity.

Other Daily Cleaning Tips:

• Empty and clean the drain catch regularly to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors.
• Use a daily shower cleaner spray to prevent soap scum and mineral deposits from building up.
• Keep a scrub brush or sponge in the shower or bath and give the surfaces a quick scrub if you notice any dirt or grime.

Weekly Cleaning

In addition to daily upkeep, regular cleaning of your shower or bathtub will ensure it stays fresh. Once a week, spray your bath or shower surface using a mild store-bought cleaning spray or a solution of distilled white vinegar diluted with water. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe the walls and floor dry, repeating as necessary. Many modern baths and showers are made from nonporous acrylic and are infused with an antimicrobial agent that resists mold and mildew growth. While these newer units are very easy to clean, older baths and showers, especially those made with porcelain or ceramic tile, may require more effort to clean, as scrubbing the grout lines can often be challenging.

Other Weekly Cleaning Tips:

• Clean the shower head and faucets regularly by soaking them in a mixture of vinegar and water to remove mineral deposits.
• Regularly clean and rinse bath toys, shower caddies, and any other items in the bath or shower area to prevent bacteria growth.
• Wash shower curtains, liners, or bath mats according to the manufacturer’s instructions or as needed.
• Pay attention to grout lines if you have ceramic or porcelain tile, and clean them using a grout cleaner and a small brush or toothbrush.

Annual Maintenance

For baths and showers that have ceramic or porcelain tile, it is advisable to seal the grout once or twice a year, depending on how frequently you use the wet area. This process is relatively easy and you can find grout sealer at just about any hardware store or home store. Moreover, using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be helpful for removing soap scum and limescale deposits from faucets, shower heads, and drains.

Other Annual Maintenance Tips:

• Inspect the caulk lines around the bath or shower and repair or replace any damaged or moldy caulk.
• Check the ventilation fan in the bathroom. Remove any accumulated dust and ensure that it is functioning properly. Clean or replace the fan filter if necessary.
• Take the opportunity to declutter and organize any bath or shower accessories, such as shampoo bottles, loofahs, and bath toys. Dispose of expired products and clean and sanitize the items that are still in use.

One-Day Bathroom Remodels from West Shore Home

If you’re tired of scrubbing grout lines only to have them not come out clean, it’s time to contact West Shore Home and have a beautiful new acrylic bathtub or shower installed at your home. We specialize in one-day bathroom remodels, designed specifically for the modern day homeowner-on-the-go. We’ll come to you when it’s convenient, evaluate your bathroom, and review your options with you. Just choose the unit that you want—shower, bathtub, or tub-shower combo—select the color and tile pattern, and customize it with seating, caddies, and grab bars, and more. West Shore Home – ready, set, done.

Contact West Shore Home to learn more about having a new bathtub or shower installed in just one day.