Keeping your shower panel clean is essential to maintain its beautiful appearance and functionality.
To ensure your shower panel remains sparkling clean, it’s essential to clear the bathroom and clean every part of the shower, including the shower heads, pipes, hoses, stems, side jets, knobs, handles, tap, spout, shower panel body, accessories, and shower wall panel. Use gentle cleaning solutions like white vinegar or dish soap to avoid damaging the surface of the shower panel.
While it’s advisable to wipe the shower panel after each use, a thorough cleaning should be done at least once a week to prevent the accumulation of dirt.
This cleaning will help keep your shower panel looking new and ensure its optimal functionality.
This guide will explore everything you need to know about How to clean a shower panel. So, make sure you stick with it till the end.
Safety Precautions To Follow Before Cleaning A Shower Panel
When cleaning your shower panel, following certain precautions is essential to avoid damaging the surface or putting your health at risk. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Always read and follow the instructions on any cleaning products you use. This will ensure you use them correctly and safely.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from harmful chemicals or sharp edges when cleaning.
- Never mix different cleaning products or materials unless their instructions expressly permit it. Mixing them can cause dangerous reactions or create harmful fumes.
- Avoid using cleaning agents that contain acids, as they can cause significant damage to the surfaces you’re trying to clean. Similarly, avoid using harsh materials that can scratch or damage the surface.
- Avoid using abrasive materials, as they can scratch or damage the surface of your shower panel. Instead, opt for gentler cleaning solutions specifically designed for your panel’s material.
- Always rinse the shower panel thoroughly with clean water after cleaning. This is because cleaning agents left on the surface for too long can cause damage, so it’s essential to remove them altogether.
How To Clean A Shower Panel? (Step-By-Step Guide)
Achieving a sparkling clean shower panel is a great feeling, but the job isn’t complete without addressing the rest of the bathroom.
Though the procedure discussed primarily focuses on cleaning the shower panel, extending this cleaning effort to the shower wall panels is crucial.
This will ensure a uniformly clean bathroom, free of mold and mildew growth. Regular cleaning is essential in keeping your bathroom hygienic and fresh.
Don’t neglect this vital cleaning chore, and enjoy a pristine and healthy bathroom environment.
Tools You Need
Here are some tools you must gather before following the steps given below.
- Rubber gloves
- Face mask
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Plastic bag
- String
- Household/bathroom cleaner
- Soft sponge
- A soft brush (toothbrush)
- Piece of cloth
Step 1. Clear the Bathroom
Firstly, remove all movable items close to the shower panel, such as body lotions, brushes, and towels, that could get knocked over or soiled during cleaning. Relocate them to a safer place to give you ample working space.
Step 2. Clean the Shower Heads
Shower panels are equipped with at least one overhead shower head and a handheld one, which requires regular cleaning to avoid clogging due to the accumulation of mineral deposits.
Neglecting to clean these shower heads could also lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Mycobacterium avium, which can cause severe respiratory problems when inhaled.
While some top-rated shower panels may have self-cleaning features, these are only effective in eliminating mineral buildup and surface dirt. The internal components of the shower heads still require manual cleaning.
Here’s how to clean the shower heads on your shower panel:
Create a Cleaning Solution
First, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and immerse the shower head in the solution, ensuring it is fully submerged. Use a string to tie the open end of the bag around the shower head, securing it in place.
Allow the Solution to Work
If you clean the shower head regularly, let it soak for around 2 hours. However, if it’s been a while since you last cleaned it, leave it overnight to ensure that all the mineral deposits are removed.
If the shower head is made of delicate materials such as gold, brass, or nickel, remove the plastic bag after 30 minutes to avoid damage.
Rinse and Scrub
After soaking the shower head, turn on the shower to the hottest setting and let the water run for a few minutes to remove any remaining residue.
Next, use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub the exterior of the shower head. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Repeat for Other Shower Heads
Repeat this process for all the shower heads on your shower panel. If any shower heads lack a stem or arm for this cleaning, clean them with the side jets.
Step 3. Clean the Pipes, Hoses, and Stems
Now that you have cleaned the shower heads, it’s time to tackle the stem on the rain shower head and the hose connecting it to the handheld shower head. Here’s how you can do it:
- Create a soapy solution by diluting dish soap in water.
- Dip a soft sponge in the soapy solution to gently clean the hoses, pipes, and stems. Be careful not to put too much pressure on them or pull them away from their bases. If they are removable, clean them separately.
- Rinse the cleaned parts with clean water and then wipe them dry.
- Ensure you clean thoroughly to remove all soap scum and other types of dirt. If you don’t get the desired results after the first wash, repeat the process until everything is clean and shiny.
Step 4. Clean the Side Jets
When cleaning your shower panel, it’s essential not to forget about the side jets. These jets provide horizontal water flow and often have a massaging effect, making them a popular feature on shower panels. There are two types of side jets: flush and protruding.
Use a soft sponge dipped in a soapy solution to clean the flush side jets. Gently wipe the jets, being careful not to apply too much pressure or scrub too vigorously. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
For the protruding side jets, use a soft brush instead of a sponge to get into the crevices and remove dirt or grime. Dip the brush in the soapy solution and gently scrub the jets. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
It’s essential to clean all parts of your shower panel regularly to maintain its appearance and functionality.
Step 5. Clean the Knobs and Handles
Shower panels come in different designs and sizes and may have one or multiple knobs. However, these knobs and handles can accumulate dirt and grime due to frequent touching. Cleaning them regularly ensures that they remain hygienic and functional.
Here’s how you can clean the knobs and handles of your shower panel:
- Mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar and pour the solution into a spray can.
- Spray the mixture generously onto the knobs and handles until fully saturated.
- Allow it to sit for six hours; reapply the mixture every couple of hours if needed for better results.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub the knobs and handles, paying particular attention to the areas where they meet the rest of the shower panel. Rinse with clean water.
- Dry thoroughly with a piece of cloth to avoid leaving any watermarks.
Don’t forget to clean all areas, especially where the knobs and handles meet the shower panel, as dirt can accumulate in these crevices.
Step 6. Clean the Spout/Tap
Often overlooked but equally important, taps and spouts require regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of grime, limescale, and scum. To effectively clean your spout or tap, follow these steps:
- Apply good bathroom cleaner onto the tap or spout and allow it to sit for a minute.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub off the dirt from the tap, ensuring that you cover all areas.
- After scrubbing, wipe the tap or spout with a clean cloth, then rinse thoroughly with water.
- Dry the tap with a dry and clean cloth to avoid water spots.
- Repeat the process if the tap or spout is still dirty after one cleaning round until you’re satisfied with the results.
Step 7. Clean the Shower Panel Body
The body of the shower panel serves as the core structure to which other parts, such as knobs and showerheads, are attached. The cleaning process for this vital part is outlined below:
- Create a solution by combining equal parts of white vinegar and water and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the body of the shower panel, ensuring that every part is thoroughly soaked. It’s okay if some of the solutions come into contact with the cleaned parts of the shower panel. Let it sit for six hours.
- Using a toothbrush, gently scrub every inch of the shower panel, removing any sediment and dirt buildup that may have accumulated over time.
- Rinse the panel with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Sometimes, one cleaning cycle might not be enough to achieve the desired level of cleanliness. If so, repeat the cleaning process until the desired results are achieved.
Step 8: Clean All Accessories
When cleaning a shower panel, it’s easy to forget the accessories removed at the start. These removable parts include items such as the soap dish or shelf, which can accumulate dirt and grime over time. To clean these accessories, follow these simple steps:
- Create a soapy solution by diluting dish soap in water.
- Dip a soft sponge or toothbrush into the soapy solution, then scrub the accessories thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas with visible dirt or grime.
- Rinse the accessories with clean water, removing all soap residue.
- Dry the accessories with a clean cloth or let them air dry.
Step 9. Clean the Bathroom Wall Panels
The final step of the shower panel cleaning process is to wash the bathroom wall panels. Follow these steps to clean them effectively:
- Start with drywall panels and spray them with a bathroom cleaner or a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Ensure the entire panel is covered with the cleaning agent.
- Steam the bathroom with hot water from the shower heads for five minutes. Then, turn off the shower and leave the bathroom, closing the door behind you.
- Allow the cleaner to sit on the shower wall panels for at least 20 minutes before wiping them down with a clean cloth. Stubborn stains can be scrubbed with a toothbrush.
- Rinse the wall panels with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning agents. Then, dry them with a cloth.
Finally, let the bathroom air dry if it has adequate natural ventilation. Otherwise, leave the lights and fan on for up to 30 minutes to ensure proper drying and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Final Words
In conclusion, cleaning a shower panel is a necessary task that should be carried out regularly to maintain a hygienic and visually appealing bathroom.
The process can be simple and easy to follow with the right tools and cleaning agents. Each step requires attention to detail and patience to ensure optimal results, from cleaning the shower head and spouts to the body of the shower panel and accessories.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a clean and fresh-smelling shower panel that will look good and contribute to a healthier and happier living environment.
