if you have one or more showers in your home then you'll have to clean these regularly, to keep them looking their best and to make them enjoyable to use. It's best to get into a routine of wiping down the shower after each use, to prevent the build-up of stains or residue and to make the 'big clean' less intensive when you do a more focused job of it.
Whether you're a frequent cleaner or someone who puts off cleaning your shower tray until there's no option but to tackle the grime ... read to the end of the blog for our top tips on how to keep it looking pristine.
Cleaning your shower tray regularly will ensure that it stays free from grime and looking its best.
Cleaning your shower tray
- Remove Toiletries before cleaning: Before tackling the dirt, the first thing you'll need to do is remove any products - including shampoo bottles, shower wash and other items - form the shower tray and surrounding area. This will ensure that you reach all parts of the tray and don't miss anything during cleaning, for a more thorough job.
- Pre-treat stubborn stains: If your shower tray has any ingrained stains then it's best to pre-treat these individually with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, or with a baking soda paste. These natural ingredients, which can often be found in your kitchen cupboard, are very effective at tackling tough stains without chemicals and will react together to produce great results. Let the mixture sit for approximately 10-15 minutes before wiping it away and rinsing everything down.
- Use an effective cleaner: Whether you prefer to use more natural cleaning solutions, such as white vinegar and baking soda or prefer to use bought bathroom cleaners, always choose something which is specifically designed to do the job you need it to do. Otherwise, all that elbow grease will count for nothing and may even end up damaging your shower tray.
- It's important to check what material your shower tray is made of as abrasive chemicals can damage the surface. For example, if it's acrylic or fiberglass, use a non abrasive cleaner to avoid scratching. For tiles, you can use a tile cleaner or a mixture of soap and water and when in doubt, soap and water is always a safe bet, regardless.
- Always check what material your shower tray is made from before using cleaners on it.
- Apply your chosen cleaner: Spray or apply the cleaner generously over the entire surface of the shower tray, making sure that you cover all areas, including the corners and edges.
- Scrub thoroughly: Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the shower tray, focusing on areas with accumulated soap scum, mildew or hard water stains and working in circular motions to loosen any dirt and grime.
- Clean the grout: If your shower tray has grout lines, you can use an old toothbrush or a grout brush to clean them thoroughly. Grout tends to collect dirt and can become discolored if not cleaned regularly, so it's best to keep on top of cleaning it. Again, you can also use white vinegar and baking soda to remove stubborn stains on grouting. Find out more about cleaning grout in showers in our blog, How to clean grout in showers.
- Rinse thoroughly: Once you've scrubbed the entire shower tray, rinse it thoroughly with warm, clean water, taking care to remove all traces of the cleaner to prevent residue from building up.
- Dry completely: Use a clean towel or squeegee to remove excess water from the shower tray, as simply leaving it to air-dry can lead to unsightly water spots or streaks.
- Prevent future build-up of dirt and grime: After cleaning your shower tray, you can apply a water repellent or sealant to help prevent future build-up of grime and make the next cleaning job easier to tackle.
- Regular maintenance for easier cleans: To keep your shower tray sparkling, incorporate regular cleaning into your household chores. A quick wipe down of your shower after each use will help to prevent the build-up of soap scum and grime, making deeper cleaning sessions less frequent and much easier.
By following these top tips, you can ensure that your shower tray always remains clean and sparkling, making your bathroom more welcoming and enjoyable to use and guaranteeing a more pleasant showering experience.
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