How to Clean and Maintain a Walk-In Shower: A Complete Guide

A walk-in shower is a luxurious addition to any bathroom, offering accessibility, style, and convenience - not to mention the potential increase on your property value! However, to keep your walk-in shower looking and performing at its best, both regular cleaning and maintenance are a must. 

But how does cleaning a walk-in shower differ from cleaning a cubicle shower, and what’s the best and most efficient way to do so? Let’s dive in and take a look.

What is a Walk-In Shower?

As the name implies, a walk-in shower doesn’t have a door or curtain like a regular cubicle shower. Instead, it typically features an open design with a low threshold or no threshold at all, which allows you easy access to the shower space without the need to step over a high barrier. While they’re typically “open plan” in their design, walk-in showers do tend to come equipped with glass panels or half-walls to contain water spray.

When it comes to cleaning a walk-in shower, you generally don’t need to be as proactive as you’d need to be with a traditional enclosed shower, especially one with a framed enclosure. This is because the open design allows for better ventilation which can help prevent the growth of mould, and there are fewer crevices for dirt and grime to settle. But that doesn’t mean you’re fully off the hook when it comes to cleaning!

Why Regular Cleaning is so Important

While it’s fair to say that cleaning a walk-in shower is easier and simpler than a cubicle or enclosed shower, you still want to take care of the space and keep it in tip-top condition. You’ll likely use a walk-in shower just as often as you’d use a regular one, so regular maintenance will keep it gleaming and in tip-top condition. 

Plus, if you’re investing in a high quality walk in shower, your investment needs taking care of! While a walk-in can increase your home value, this generally only applies if it’s well taken care of and kept in good condition. So it’s time to pull out the rubber gloves!

How to Clean a Walk-In Shower: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Clear the Shower Area

First, you’ll want to remove any items from your walk-in shower, such as stray shampoo bottles, soap dishes, and any removable fixtures like shower caddies or shelves. It’s best if you have unobstructed access to all surfaces for thorough cleaning, so you don’t want to have to work around your latest bottle of Elvive.

2. Clean the Walls and Glass

Next, you’ll start by tackling the shower walls and any glass panels using a cleaning solution of your choice. While you can pick up affordable cleaning products at your local supermarket, there are plenty of natural cleaning methods for bathrooms that work just as efficiently as chemical ones. 

For example, you can use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar, water, and a mild surface or glass cleaner to spray the walls and glass panels. Allow the solution to sit for 5 minutes to break down grime, then using a soft sponge or cloth, wipe down the surfaces, paying extra attention to corners and crevices. Make sure to rinse the area with warm water after, to remove suds and residue.

3. Tackle the Shower Floor

When it comes to the shower floor, another natural option you can try is sprinkling baking soda on the shower floor and spraying it with white vinegar. If you let it sit for around 10 minutes, the mixture will fizz, and help to loosen any dirt and grime. You can then scrub the floor with a soft-bristled brush, paying special attention to the corners and drain area. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterwards. 

4. Clean the Showerhead and Fixtures

Don't forget to clean your showerhead and any other fixtures, like the temperature control knobs. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth dampened with white vinegar or a mild cleaner. For mineral buildup on the showerhead, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band. Leave it in place for several hours or overnight, then remove and wipe clean.

5. Dry the Shower

Using a squeegee or clean microfiber cloth, dry all surfaces of your walk-in shower - while walk-in showers are more resistant to mould than cubicles, you still want to prevent water spots just in case.

6. Finalise and Inspect

Finally, replace any items you removed from the shower, ensuring they’re also clean and dry. Take a step back and inspect your work, looking for any missed spots or areas that need extra attention. And voila, your walk-in shower is now sparkling clean!

Final Thoughts

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to check out the rest of our blog for more bathroom and kitchen advice - our article on natural cleaning methods for bathrooms might just be what you’re looking for.

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