When it comes to showering, many people have a “clean” mindset; towels are used multiple times because they were only used to dry off your clean body, bathmats are only occasionally tossed in the washing machine, and usually only after they’ve collected far too much dirt and grime, and shower curtains are rarely, if ever cleaned.

Why do we possess this mindset? Who knows! What we do know is this: since germs and bacteria feel right at home in warm and damp environments, the bathroom is always a meeting ground. If you’re guilty (like the rest of us) for having this “clean” mindset, it’s time to make a change. We’re going to show you how to make your showering experience even cleaner by giving you some tips on cleaning your shower, curtain, and bathmat.

The Shower Curtain

Designed to keep hot water in and wandering eyes out, the shower curtain truly is a fabulous little invention. Plus, with all of the gorgeous prints and colors, they make great design accents! While your current bathroom cleaning regimen includes a rigorous toilet, tub, and tile cleaning session, it never includes the cleaning of your shower curtain – why not? Not cleaning your shower curtain poses several health risks, as it creates a home for germs, mold, and bacteria to grow and multiply, but also causes the curtain to become caked with hard-to-fight soap scum.

Try This: Spray Daily

Purchase a bottle of Tilex® Daily Shower Cleaner, or if you’re feeling crafty, whip up your own bottle of homemade disinfectant spray, and keep it on the ledge of your shower or tub. After you’ve finished showering, while the curtain is still wet, give it a good spray. This 60-second chore works wonders on preventing germs and bacteria.

Try This: Prevent Mold & Mildew – DIY Recipe

In addition to using a daily shower cleaning spray, try using a mold and mildew removing spray. These cleaning products are found in the cleaning supply aisle at drugstores and supermarkets, but they are a breeze to make at home too! To make your own bottle of mold and mildew remover, simply combine the below ingredients into an empty spray bottle with an attached nozzle, give it a shake, and you’re good to go!

Here’s What You’ll Need

• 2 Cups of Water
• 20 Drops of Tea Tree Oil
• 2 Tbs. of White Vinegar
• ½ tsp. of Non-Toxic Liquid Dish Soap
• Empty Spray Bottle with Attached Nozzle

The Bathmat

It feels cozy and soft under your bare, soaking wet, feet, but rather than protecting the floor from your dripping wet toes, you’re slathering bacteria all over your freshly cleaned feet! Yuck!

Try This: Keep Things Dry

To keep bacteria and germs from building up to outrageous levels, and also to prevent mold growth, be conscious of where and when you step. Rather than stepping immediately onto the mat after your shower, dry off a bit while still standing in the tub to keep from adding extra moisture (read: mold paradise) to the mat.

Try This: Weekly Washing – For Machine Washable Bathmats Only

At least once a week, toss your bath mat into the washing machine with a cap full of mild detergent. Tip: Be sure to set the water temperature in accordance to the color of the mat (hot for white, warm or cold for colors), or any pre-determined care instructions. After cleaning your rug, you can either hang it up to dry, or throw it in the dryer on low heat. To re-fluff the fibers, rub a clean bristle brush across the surface a few times – it’ll perk right back up!

A Cleaner Showering Experience

Now that you’ve learned how to clean your shower curtain and bathmats, you can officially enjoy a cleaner showering experience! All of these simple cleaning tips are quick, easy, and designed to reduce the growth of mold, germs, and, of course, bacteria.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.

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Updated 4/28/2018