It’s dangerous to clean the shower while using it – here’s why
Cleaning the shower is no one’s favourite chore. But it needs to be done, otherwise discoloured grout, watermarks and soap scum will thrive. According to a recent survey from Drench, ¾ of us are killing two birds with one stone by cleaning the shower while using it. This took me by surprise, but quite a few colleagues admitted to it when I mentioned it in the office.
It may sound like a good idea at first. After all, you’re saving water, time and effort by doing both at once, right? But before you reach for your cleaning products, you should know that this is a wasteful and potentially dangerous habit. Here’s why…
1. You could get the cleaner on your skin
Bathroom cleaners contain chemicals; chemicals that you don’t want your skin exposed to. But that can easily happen as you clean, either from splashback during application or scrubbing. That’s why rubber gloves are recommended when using household cleaners – and why it’s better to be fully clothed!
Exposure to cleaning chemicals could lead to skin irritation and irritant contact dermatitis, which inflames and dries the skin, causing it to itch and crack. You’d have to shower all over again to remove any traces, otherwise you could transfer it to other sensitive areas – including your eyes.
Products that contain bleach should only be applied while wearing gloves, goggles and a mask to prevent damaging the skin and inhaling the fumes. So you definitely shouldn’t be using these products while showering.
Even if you’re ultra careful when you’re cleaning, the solution will still rinse over your feet as you wash it away. It’s better to be standing outside of the shower when you do this.
You might think that using a natural cleaner, such as vinegar, would be a safer way to go. But vinegar is still acidic, so it’s not a good idea to over-expose your skin to this either.
2. You don’t want to breathe in the fumes
Bathroom cleaners are designed to be applied in an open, ventilated space, as they’re often heavily fragranced and release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. In an enclosed space such as a shower, you’re likely to over-expose yourself to these – and in such a concentrated state, they could leave you feeling light-headed, dizzy and ill. In the worst-case scenario, it could lead to respiratory problems and headaches, not to mention eye and nose irritation. People who suffer from asthma could be triggered by such exposure.
Even if you use the natural vinegar alternative, the smell will be too intense without ventilation. That’s why you should keep doors and windows open whenever you’re using household cleaners to allow the air to circulate. A well-placed air purifier can help to reduce the number of VOCs in your home, but it needs an activated carbon layer to do this.
3. It’s a slipping hazard
Your shower is already slippery, with water puddling on the floor. If you add in the activity of cleaning it, with bending, scrubbing and moving around, you’re much more likely to have an accident. It’s safest to clean your shower while it’s dry, and to dry the floor immediately if it gets wet in the process.
Bosch Electric Cleaning Brush UniversalBrush
Marigold Longer Bathroom Gloves
Kärcher Window Vac WV 5 Plus
4. Cleaner will rinse away
If you leave the shower running while you clean it, the cleaning solution is going to rinse away before it has a chance to work. Even if it’s being hit with a few residual splashes, the results aren’t going to be as good as they could be.
Considering this, you’re likely to use much more cleaning solution to get the job done, which is a waste.
5. You can’t see what you’re doing
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll know how difficult it is to see in the shower already. If you add steam to the equation, it’s blurry for everyone. You’re not going to clean as well as you could in such conditions, as you’re unlikely to spot where any stains are in the first place. The shower should be open and dry while you clean it, so you can see where you need to clean and where you’ve already applied the product.
6. You can’t give it the time and attention it needs
The stains in your shower tend to be stubborn ones, requiring scrubbing and a focused effort to remove. If you’re trying to shower at the same time, you’re unlikely to be giving it your full attention and you’ll rush through the chore.
If you set aside dedicated time for cleaning the shower, you’re more likely to spend the time needed to give it the deep clean it needs.
Verdict
While you might think it’s more practical to clean your shower while you’re using it, it’s much safer and more effective to wash yourself and your shower separately.
By wearing rubber gloves (and clothes!), you’ll limit your skin’s exposure to chemicals in cleaning solution, and by cleaning your shower while it’s dry, you’re less likely to slip, and can pay better attention to the stains. Cleaning your shower while it's open and ventilated also limits your exposure to the fumes.
Even if you’re cleaning the shower before you wash yourself, it’s better to protect your skin during the task and give it time to air after the cleaning products are used and rinsed away.
Neat Daily Shower Cleaner Refill Starter Pack Fig & Violet
Score: 90/100
A sister product to the high-performing Neat anti-bac surface spray, this bathroom cleaner obliterated soap scum and scored full marks for its ability to thoroughly clean showers. One member of our panel said their shower was shiny and “free from hard water stains” after use. But rest assured, this isn’t a one trick pony, as it also worked a treat in the bath and on ceramic tiling. All in all, a lightly scented, fuss-free cleaning solution that offers easy daily use and glistening results.
Mix Clean Green Multi-Surface Cleaner
Score: 88/100
Whether you’re looking to blitz your kitchen counter or wipe up a greasy floor spill, this concentrated cleaner has got your back – but it really comes into its own in the bathroom. A great all-rounder, it blitzed sinks, taps, toilet bowls, toilet seats and baths with ease. We also loved that it left a glossy streak-free finish, removing marks and leaving zero smears. Be warned that the process of pouring two teaspoons of the concentrate into a spray bottle can be quite a messy business but overall, it’s a top investment, plus it’s vegan and palm oil-free.
Dr. Beckmann Power-Foaming Toilet Cleaner
Score: 81/100
This toilet cleaner proved a hit from start to finish. Everybody found the instructions clear and said it was easy to apply – you just snip the sachet open with scissors, pour the powder into the toilet bowl, give it a little time to work its magic and then give the bowl a good brush. The foam effectively covered over 80% of the toilet bowl with minimal effort, and one tester said their toilet “looked like new” after use. Thankfully, none of our panel reported any overflow issues with the product, but it may not be the right solution for you if you’re dealing with an aggressive build-up of limescale. However, for a speedy odour buster and cleaning blitz, we approve.
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