Keeping your shower stalls clean not as easy as it sounds

It doesn't seem like it would be so hard, keeping shower stalls clean. They're greeted with a water bath every day, sometimes several times a day. How hard could this be?

In fact, shower stalls are a breeding ground for bacteria and other nuisance products that can lead to ill health and other problems. First and foremost, you should always open a window while showering or just after showering to allow the shower stall to air out and deter the growth of bacteria and mold. In addition, to make the job of cleaning the shower stalls easier, squeegee the walls before stepping out, so most surfaces are dry.

But regardless of how hard you might try to avoid it, shower stalls must be cleaned, and frequently. Generally, on fiberglass shower stalls, the most common and least expensive type found in homes, abrasive cleaners are not recommended.

They contain a built-in form of elbow grease designed to remove fairly heavy amounts of muck, but you run the risk of scratching the fiberglass shower stalls. Most experts recommend using a product designed to clean showers that you spray on, such as Tilex Fresh Shower or Lysol Basin, Tub and Tile Cleaner.

Baking Soda

Another way to clean shower stalls that's gaining in popularity as more and more people turn to green methods is using baking soda. Shower stalls should start out dry, then get sprinkled with baking soda. This method is very effective at removing tough buildup and soap scum on tiles and grout without scratching.

Using that squeegee everyday will reduce water spots on the shower stall's glass, but there are methods to make this job easier as well. One unusual but effective method of deterring the formation of spots on the shower stall's walls and doors is car wax. Simply apply an even layer to the walls and doors (not the floor as it's too slippery). Glass and fiberglass are porous, and the car wax essentially seals in the pores making it hard for water sit on them.

Finally, some experts recommend switching soaps. Since the build-up in most shower stalls is caused by the talc in soaps, switching to a soap like Dove, a liquid soap, or a natural soap can reduce this build-up problem.

Read more detailed information on cleaning tile grout.