Tips to clean your shower

For a shower to clean you and feel great, it helps to have it clean and at its best, too. Read on for tips on keeping your shower in top shape.

If you live in an area with hard water, you've probably noticed how mineral deposits can clog showerheads. No need to buy a new one — just use denture tablets or vinegar to unclog it.

• If you're able to remove the showerhead: Dissolve four to five denture tablets in a bowl of water and put the head in to soak. Or, let it soak overnight in white vinegar. (For extra cleaning action, heat the vinegar in the microwave first.)
• If the showerhead isn't removable: Pour the denture tablet solution or vinegar into a plastic bag, tape or tie the bag to the fixture so the showerhead is completely immersed. Leave the bag in place for one to two hours.

To make sure the showerhead is fully unclogged, clean out the holes with a needle, piece of wire or toothpick. Then wipe the head with a cloth dipped in vinegar.

Glass shower doors are a convenient addition to any bathroom but can quickly cloud up with soap scum. For some heavy-duty cleaning, try:

• Shaving cream: Squirt the foam on and wipe clean with a dry rag; the foam will leave a film that keeps the door from fogging and makes it harder for scum to stick.
• White vinegar: Keep a spray bottle filled with vinegar and a sponge by (or in) the shower so you can make washing down the surfaces part of your post-shower routine.
• Baking soda: Make a solution of 50 millilitres (0.25 cup) dishwashing liquid, 50 millilitres (0.25 cup) of hydrogen peroxide and 50 grams (0.25 cup) of baking soda. Then scrub it on the doors with a sponge — and if you have time, all of the other shower surfaces as well.
• Vegetable oil: Simply pour a little vegetable oil on a sponge or paper towel and scrub the doors, adding more oil as you go.
• Furniture polish: Use a cloth to rub polish directly on doors, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. The polish will not only clean, but will also leave a protective coating against soap scum buildup.

There's nothing nicer than a clean bathroom and these handy tips will have yours looking its best before, during and after you shower.