by E.D. Cameron

Created on: June 30, 2010

Surprising but true: experts say the very place you go to clean off might be harboring lethal bacteria.  A study from the National Academy of Sciences in 2009 found that the average shower head can be home to over 100 germs that carry serious health risk.  Combined with mildew bacteria common in cracks and crevices, the shower can present a lot of places for bacteria to hide.

Experts agree that first households should regularly clean their shower heads to prevent bacteria build up, and some recommend changing plastic shower heads to metal to reduce attraction of pathogens. 

While many households may consider a spritz and scrub with antibacterial cleaner to be the panacea for germ build up, the reality is that antibacterial products may be more harmful to your health than helpful.  Instead, remove nozzle and clean with boiling water, bleach, or vinegar.  The best option is a combination of the three:

Rinse out your shower head with boiling water.  Then spray down with water/bleach mixture (one cap bleach to two cups water) and allow to sit.  Rinse again with boiling water.  Then, spray on white vinegar and thoroughly dry your shower head.  For weekly cleaning, either vinegar or bleach can be used to reduce risk.

Vinegar is also an awesome product for cleaning shower drains or cracks and crevices to attack smelly mildew.   For drains, first sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda, allowing to coat.  Then pour about 1/4 cup of vinegar in your drain and let it fizz.  Rinse with warm water.  This not only helps to unclog drains but also can cut skin and dirt build up that may be harboring some nasty bacteria.

If you have shower doors with rails, you should also clean them out weekly with vinegar and water flush.  For stubborn mildew, a little bleach goes a long way.  Although the first time you try it out, it may be a lengthly process if you keep up with it not only will you have a healthier shower but also you will have a quicker clean.  For shower curtains, simply wash in machine on warm with about 1 cup of bleach or vinegar.

For walls and grouting you can use bleach and water or a little lemon and water (lemon has natural bleaching properities).

For daily up keep, consider adding an extra step to your routine and give your shower a quick wipe down after use.

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