Showers are damp, humid areas that don’t always have the chance to dry out completely between uses, so they’re especially prone to mold and mildew growth—not to mention a filmy, grungy layer of soap scum.
The best way to tackle those pesky accumulations is to perform regular maintenance. And we hate to break it to you, but a quick squeegee every time you use the shower (yep, every time) will significantly reduce the need for deep cleans to just about once a quarter. You can also cut down on mold and mildew buildup by letting your bathroom air out after each shower—we recommend turning the overhead fan on or opening the window for at least 20 minutes after you steam the place up.
If your shower is made of natural stone, such as marble or granite, you should use cleaners specifically formulated for those porous surfaces. Also, avoid using caustic cleaners, such as citric acid, vinegar, or bleach.
If your shower is made of ceramic, acrylic, glass, or fiberglass, acidic cleaners are generally safe to use. However, never mix them with products that contain bleach, such as Tilex Mold & Mildew, as doing so can release toxic chlorine gas. To be safe, we recommend waiting 24 hours between using bleach and acidic cleaners.
Your shower might never look like it did the first day you grouted it, but with a good scrub and the right cleaners to fight buildup, you can get pretty darn close.
