This task isn’t the most glamorous, but it doesn’t have to be nearly as painful or backbreaking as some make it out to be. In fact, with the right tools and sparkling results, you may even start to, dare we say, enjoy cleaning your shower before long.
Start by donning those rubber gloves and emptying the shower area of all contents. Wet the walls with your showerhead or a wet sponge. If you have some mildew, use your commercial bleach spray (or a one part chlorine bleach to two parts water solution) and apply to affected areas using a sponge. Wait 10 minutes, then scrub with your soft brush or toothbrush. Once complete, rinse with hot water.
Next, spray your shower cleaner (or homemade solution mentioned in the list) onto the walls, wait 10 minutes, then use a non-abrasive sponge to wipe down the walls. Dry with a towel to avoid water spots. If you have a bathtub, follow the directions of your powder cleaner for desired results.
Remove that stubborn mildew and mould
In the previous step, you hopefully removed any mildew and mould from your shower area, but given the winter climate, and if your bathroom isn’t that well ventilated, chances are some mould and mildew spots may have appeared on your walls and ceiling as well.
Firstly, the main difference between mould and mildew is the colouring and texture. Mildew has a greyish white colour that can darken and a powdery texture, whereas mould is black and fuzzy. For mildew, mix one part white vinegar to two parts baking soda in your spray bottle. Spray, then let sit for a few hours. Use a damp cloth to scrub the mildew off and rinse the area with water.
If you think you have mould, ensure your bathroom is as well ventilated as possible, as mould spores can cause wheezing, eye or skin irritation, and cold-like symptoms when inhaled. Mix four parts white vinegar to one part water. Generously spray this solution over the mould-affected areas, and use your brush to remove the mould.
Consider switching to natural gas for your hot water
