October 8, 2025, 8:58 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Cleaning the bathtub and shower is a common step in the bathroom cleaning routine that often goes unquestioned. However, the method has both visual and hygienic impacts. Mistakes will not go unnoticed over time. Here’s what to watch out for when cleaning the shower and bathtub.
Moisture, soap, and lime scale meet in the shower and bathtub almost daily. Regular cleaning is important to remove deposits. Unknowingly, mistakes can creep in that do more harm than good in the long run. Dull surfaces, damaged seals, and mold can be the consequences. myHOMEBOOK explains which mistakes to avoid when cleaning the shower and bathtub.
1. Wrong Cleaning Agents
Stubborn dirt and the thought of many bacteria and germs can quickly lead to using particularly strong agents in the bathroom. Vinegar essence, chlorine cleaners, or scouring cream can, if used correctly, remove some dirt but can also cause damage. Caution is especially advised with sensitive surfaces like acrylic, enamel, or chrome.
- Do not use vinegar or citric acid on silicone and marble. These home remedies attack the material.
- Scouring cream should not be used on acrylic or glass, as the fine abrasive particles leave scratches. Over time, the surface becomes dull and more susceptible to lime scale deposits.
- Chlorine cleaner is intended for extreme dirt and should not be used in the regular cleaning routine.
- Be cautious when mixing different cleaning agents. This can lead to chemical reactions that produce irritating or toxic fumes.
The manufacturer’s material instructions provide guidance on which materials the cleaning agents are suitable for. When in doubt, use mild cleaning agents for regular cleaning.
2. Not Letting Silicone Joints Dry
Silicone joints are found around the shower and bathtub. They seal the transitions between tiles, glass, and tub edges and prevent water from entering the gaps. To keep the joints intact in the long term, it is advisable to dry them properly after cleaning, for example, with a towel. Persistent moisture leads to mold. Warm and poorly ventilated bathrooms, in particular, provide ideal conditions for bacteria and germs to multiply. Therefore, remember to ventilate! The shower doors should be left open.
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3. Mixing Chemical Cleaners with Hot Water
For various cleaning tasks, hot water is not only helpful but also necessary, such as when washing clothes to kill germs and bacteria. However, it can be a mistake when cleaning the shower. Using chemical cleaners like chlorine cleaner for the shower tray, fittings, and shower cabin can produce fumes when combined with hot water.
When the strong active ingredients of the cleaners, which can include chlorine, ammonia, and acids, are exposed, their chemical properties change. Due to the heat, the chemical reactions that transform the form from liquid to gaseous occur particularly quickly and strongly. Such irritating or toxic fumes can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Sometimes, the cleaning agents also lose their cleaning effect. Additionally, the materials to be cleaned can be damaged.
A safe alternative is to use cold or lukewarm water and milder cleaners. Also, always read the manufacturer’s instructions on the label. It usually explicitly states whether the cleaning agent can be used with hot water.
4. No Regular Maintenance
The shower and bathtub are among the most heavily used areas in the household. Water, soap, lime scale, washed-off dirt, and hair accumulate here. Without regular maintenance, residues form that are more difficult to remove.
Water residues on the glass wall of a shower should be removed with a squeegee after each use. At least once a week, the shower or bathtub should be thoroughly cleaned. Don’t forget the drain: Hair accumulates here, which can lead to blockages over time if not removed regularly.