Let’s be honest – cleaning the shower is one of those chores that rarely makes it to the top of anyone’s fun list. But as un-exciting as it may be, keeping your tiled shower floor clean is super important for a few reasons.
For one, all that soap scum, mildew, and mineral buildup is just plain gross to look at and shower in! Not to mention it’s a breeding ground for mold, bacteria and all sorts of uninvited micro-guests that you don’t want hanging out in your shower.
The good news is that giving your shower floor a good scrub down is totally doable, as long as you have the right tools and techniques.
In this article, we will walk you through the whole process step-by-step so you can get that floor looking fresh and squeaky clean again. Continue reading.
Benefits of Keeping Shower Floor Clean
Keeping your tiled shower floor clean provides several advantages:
- Prevents buildup of soap scum, mineral deposits, and dirt that can lead to stains.
- Inhibits growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria that thrive in moist environments.
- Improves aesthetics – no more dingy-looking tiles or grout lines.
- Reduces risk of slips and falls due to soap scum making tiles slippery.
- Helps extend the life and look of your tiled flooring.
- Improves overall hygiene of your shower.
If you let soap scum, mildew, and grime accumulate, it can be a haven for mold, bacteria, and germs. This puts your health at risk. Keeping the shower floor properly disinfected kills these microbes and promotes better hygiene.
Supplies Needed
Before getting started, assemble the following cleaning supplies:
- Broom or dry mop
- All-purpose cleaner or tile/grout cleaner
- Scrub brush or scrub pad
- Old toothbrush for grout
- Clean rags or sponges
- Bucket
- Grout sealer (optional)
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection (recommended)
It’s important to use the right supplies to avoid damaging the tile or grout. Harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive pads can deteriorate grout over time. All-purpose cleaners with some scrubbing power work well for routine cleaning. For occasional deep cleaning, use a tile/grout formulated cleaner.
Preparing to Clean
Remove Accessories
First, remove any bath mats, shampoos, soaps, loofahs, or other accessories from the shower. Removing these items will allow you to access and clean the entire surface area.
Also, remove the shower head or any mounted accessories if they are removable. Place them aside so they are out of your way while cleaning.
Check for Mold or Mildew
Inspect around the grout lines, caulk, and tile corners for any mildew or mold growth. Mold often starts in the grout lines where moisture accumulates. Spray any moldy areas with a tile/grout spray cleaner. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. This will help loosen up the mold and mildew.
For severe mold problems, you may need to treat the area with bleach or other antimicrobial cleaners. Wear protective gear when dealing with heavy mold growth. Removing the mold fully will help prevent recurrence.
Cleaning the Shower Floor
Sweep and Dry Mop Floor
Use a broom or dry mop to sweep away any loose dirt or debris. This will prevent spreading grit around during the wet cleaning steps. Pay close attention to corners and crevices where dirt accumulates.
Sweeping first prevents the dirt from turning into mud during the wet cleaning phase. This allows for more effective scrubbing of the floor’s surface.
Mix Cleaning Solution
In a bucket, mix an all-purpose cleaner, tile/grout cleaner, or other degreasing solution with warm water according to label directions. Temperature of the water does not have to be excessively hot – warm to touch is fine.
If using a concentrated cleaner, dilute it appropriately. Too much concentrate may leave a residue. For routine cleaning, a mild all-purpose cleaner diluted with water is often sufficient.
Scrub the Floor
Use a scrub brush or cleaning pad to scrub the tile floor and grout lines with the cleaning solution. Apply moderate pressure to remove stubborn soap scum and stains, but take care not to damage the grout. An old toothbrush works great for scrubbing in the grout lines.
Focus on any stained or discolored areas first. Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing to loosen up the grime. For soap scum, use a scrubbing motion following the direction of the grout lines.
Be careful with grout – it can deteriorate if scrubbed too aggressively. Avoid abrasive brushes or scouring pads.
Rinse the Floor Thoroughly
Once scrubbing is complete, rinse the floor using a spray nozzle or by dumping clean water across the surface. Rinse multiple times to remove all soapy residue. Wipe down with clean rags or sponges as you go. Thorough rinsing prevents soap scum from re-solidifying on the tile.
Doing a final wipe down removes any last dirty water and leaves your tiles sparkling clean. Inspect closely and touch up any remaining spots as needed.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – everything you need to know to get your shower floor sparking and shining again. What are you waiting for? Go grab that scrub brush and get to work! That soap scum isn’t going to remove itself. But take it from me, a clean shower is worth every drop of elbow grease.