By Kerry Hale

Shower Care and Maintenance Guide

  • Friday 4 October 2024
  • 6 minute read

Showers are a home essential, but regular care is needed to keep them running smoothly. What does shower maintenance involve? 

This guide provides expert advice on how to keep your shower looking great. From the best ways to clean tiles to ensuring your bathroom is well-ventilated, read on to learn how to care for your shower properly.

How to keep your shower in good condition

Regular cleaning helps keep your shower in good condition. Rinse your shower each time you use it, wipe it down once a week, and plan a deep clean once a month. You should also: 

  • Dry your shower fully after cleaning it
  • Remove mildew and mould as soon as you notice it
  • Encourage ventilation in the bathroom by installing an extractor fan or opening the window after showering

 

Below, we cover our top shower maintenance tips in more detail.

1. Clean your shower regularly

It’s a good idea to clean your shower weekly to prevent grime and limescale buildup and enjoy a sparkling bathroom.

Start by removing toiletries from the shower and giving them a quick wipe. Then, remove any clogged hair from the plug and clean the drain by pouring hot water down the hole, helping to prevent blockages.

Cleaning shower enclosures

Shower enclosures are among the toughest spots in the bathroom to clean because they’re prone to watermarks and moisture buildup. 

There are several types of shower enclosures, and each requires a slightly different approach. For example, sliding shower enclosures need extra care to keep the runners clean. Hinged showers are one of the best low-maintenance shower enclosures. With these designs, the door opens outwards, making them easy to clean and dry. 

To clean your shower enclosure:

  1. Rinse the walls to remove dirt and grime. 
  2. Use a sponge or cloth to apply your chosen cleaning product (distilled white vinegar is a great natural option).
  3. Rinse the walls again. 
  4. Repeat the process as many times as necessary to get your shower enclosure sparkling.  

 

To tackle grout, take an old toothbrush and use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to remove any grime, rinsing down the walls to finish.

Cleaning shower trays

Keep your shower tray in pristine condition by cleaning it before it shows signs of dirt. Wipe it down weekly with a soft cloth and bathroom cleaner. Tackle tougher stains with a mix of baking soda and white vinegar. 

Wipe the cleaning product around the tray with a cloth, then rinse it away with warm water.

How to care for glass shower doors

To remove streaks and tough watermarks from glass shower screens, fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray the mixture onto the glass and use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it away. 

Practice good shower door maintenance by using a squeegee to wipe moisture away after each shower.

Keeping shower tiles clean

For good shower tile maintenance, wipe them down weekly with a suitable cleaning product and a soft cloth. Deep clean the grout once a month, letting the cleaning product soak for up to 30 minutes to lift out stains.

2. Dry your shower after cleaning

When you’ve cleaned your shower, dry it fully to prevent mould. You can use a squeegee to remove excess moisture from shower doors, followed by a microfibre cloth to ensure they’re completely dry. 

If your bathroom has an extractor fan, run it for 15 minutes after cleaning to remove moisture, and open any windows to let fresh air in.

3. Remove mould and mildew as soon as possible

If you spot mould or mildew in your shower, it’s best to act fast. 

White vinegar is a natural and effective way to remove bathroom mould. You can pour it directly onto the affected area or use a spray bottle. Let it work for around 30 minutes before wiping the vinegar away. 

You should always wear gloves, a mask and protective eyewear when dealing with mould.

To prevent mould and mildew from forming in your shower, take precautionary measures. Place moisture-absorbing plants in the bathroom, wipe down the shower after each use, and stick to a regular cleaning routine.

4. Encourage ventilation

Your bathroom needs ventilation for air to circulate properly and prevent moisture buildup. There are easy ways to encourage ventilation no matter the size of your bathroom:

  • Create draughts. If your bathroom has a window, leave it open while showering and for at least 15 minutes afterwards; you could also leave the bathroom door open after showering to encourage airflow. 
  • Install an extractor fan. Extractor fans remove moisture from the bathroom and deposit it outside, helping to keep the room well-ventilated. There are various models available for different bathroom types. Make sure to keep the fan on while you’re showering and let it run for at least 15 minutes afterwards. 

 

Open the shower door. After showering, keep the door open to let moisture escape and prevent muskiness, mould and mildew.

Shower care questions

Looking for more shower maintenance advice? We’ve answered some of the most common shower care questions below, from how to unclog showerheads to the best ways to drain your shower.

Why are my shower doors smearing?

Glass shower doors can smear easily when shower gels and grease remain on the surface. Regular cleaning and ventilation can prevent the doors from smearing. 

Use a squeegee to remove moisture from your shower after every use. Get rid of watermarks with distilled white vinegar and a soft cloth, cutting through grease for a streak-free shine. You can read our shower cleaning tips for more advice.

How do I unclog my showerhead?

Limescale can build up on your showerhead over time, causing blockages and slowing the flow of water. Soaking your showerhead in distilled vinegar can help unclog it. This method works for fixed and handheld designs. 

Specialist limescale removers found in the supermarket can take care of particularly stubborn buildups. You can read our article on descaling your showerhead for more advice.

Why is my shower not draining?

If your shower isn’t draining, it could be due to a buildup of product, hair and limescale in the drain. Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain to loosen the clog, or use a plunger to suck it out of the drain. Powerful cleaning products are available to unclog stubborn blockages.

Discover our tips for unblocking a shower drain for more advice.

At Mira, our showers promise luxury and long-lasting performance. If you run into a problem, our repair service ensures your shower runs like new in no time. Plus, you can enjoy extra peace of mind with our Shower Protection service, which provides unlimited repairs and cover against accidental damage to your shower.

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