If you really think about how many times your shower gets used in one week, or a month, or even a year, it will be obvious to you why it takes so much work to keep the tile and grout sparkling! Between everyday use, the naturally damp environment that aids in the growth of mildew, and even your specific water supply, your bathroom tile could become one of the most unsightly items in your house, if you don't take the time to care for it properly.
We've put together a few tips for how to really clean your shower tiles and maintain the beauty of your spa-like retreat.
How to Avoid Mold in the Shower
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to keep your shower tiles clean without scrubbing them relentlessly. To start, you can minimize mold, mildew and the build-up of germs you should try to leave the shower as dry as possible when you are finished by:
- Squeegeeing the water off the walls, floor and door or wiping the areas with a towel to remove any leftover condensation
- Leaving a bathroom window open for an hour or so or running your vent van to help reduce the humidity
- Leaving the shower curtain ajar to disperse the humidity
How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Tiles
Soap scum buildup on your shower tiles is a common occurrence. The good news is, you can avoid having to scrub your shower tiles furiously by being proactive! "Spot Cleaning" with a shower spray solution that is safe for your family and for your type of tile as per the manufacturer's recommendations just a few times a week will help reduce the buildup of mold and mildew.
You may also be adding to your shower tile problems without realizing it. Take a look at the products you use in the shower (like soaps and shampoos) to uncover potential sources of shower tile issues:
- A bar of soap can leave behind soap scum on the soap dish – by switching to a liquid body wash or gel you can eliminate the risk
- If you notice that light tiles or grout are turning different colors – it could be the result of dyes from your shampoo or conditioner
Where you store your bath products in the shower can either help or hinder the growth of mildew, as well. Water can collect under the bottles if they are stored on a solid bottom shelf. To avoid accumulating moisture underneath your soap and shampoo bottles, you may want to consider using a shower caddy with slats to allow excess water to run off.
