Dirty shower booth in a few days? Here's what's happening

Lput the shower booth in your bathroom and by the time you know it, it's dirty again. 

After all, why this dirty space so fast?

According to Shanina C. Knighton, Professor Case Western Reserve University, she revealed to Martha Stewart’s website, “Bacterial colonization and mold and mold growth” begin long before being visible to the naked eye. 

Experts have revealed the origin of the dirt, how to delay this process and what points you should always be aware of!

Soap foam

Although people may consider soap foam only as harmless waste that has not been rinsed properly, the science behind it is not so simple. 

“ Common solid soap is made of several different substances called fatty acids. When they come into contact with calcium and magnesium present in tap water, they combine to create new compounds, such as calcium stearate and magnesium stearate”, noted the cleaning professional. “These compounds are practically insoluble in water and adhere to everything they touch – including glass, tiles and accessories”.

Due to water resistance, soap foam tends to accumulate faster than most cleaning routines can keep up. 

The solution:

Swap the solid soap for a liquid or a bath gel. “This change will probably have the greatest impact on reducing the formation of soap waste,” notes Flores.

You can also use glycerin based soaps instead. “Glycerin bar soaps tend to produce less waste than paraffin soaps.”. 

Proper ventilation

When the shower is running at its maximum capacity, it usually generates large amounts of hot and humid air that do not dissipate. 

“ When this excess of air has nowhere to leave, it returns to all surfaces of the bathroom ", says cleaning professional Isabella Flores. “As long as there is a connection to the air accumulates and is saturated with moisture, mold and mold can begin to grow.”. 

The solution:

Turn on the bathroom exhaust during the bath and let it work 15 to 20 minutes later. Opening the curtain or cabin door slightly also improves air circulation. It is also advised to leave the bathroom door open during the bath if possible. 

Accumulation of organic material

Humans constantly peel skin cells, however, the showering actor increases this process exponentially. Thus, body oils and hair products end up forming a layer of organic matter on the surfaces of the bathtub without it being noticed. 

This organic material serves as food for both mold and bacteria, which is why the shower cabin, although it looks clean, has an odor or discoloration in the corner. 

The solution:

A simple homemade solution, applied daily (without rinsing), can help eliminate soap residues, body oil and the initial growth of mold and bacteria. 

“Mix half a cup of distilled white vinegar, half a cup of alcohol, a teaspoon of liquid detergent and 3/4 cup of distilled water,” Flores said. “Put the mixture in a sprayer and apply to the shower every day after drying the surfaces”. 

Alcohol and vinegar are antifungal and mold inhibitors, while dish detergent emulsifies body oils. The formula acts overnight, and effortlessly, to keep your shower cleaner.

The most critical points in the bathroom!

Shower curtains, lining and hooks

The lower sheath of a shower liner is almost always moist, giving rise to mold. Knighton advises that you wash it every two weeks in hot water with towels. 

As for hooks and rings the solution will be to soak them in a bowl with vinegar, rub them with an old toothbrush and dry them. 

Smaller corners and areas

Sabonets and shower organizers can get very dirty. “A soap in a wet soap dispenser creates a pool of waste underneath,” Knighton points out, noting that this soap is shared by everyone. 

Use a container with good drainage or, if you prefer, use liquid body soap. Choose baskets with canvas or snaps and clean the bottom of bottles when it is slippery.

Carpets

The moment you get out of the shower, the bath mat goes into action. “It is treated as decoration, when it is actually a biological sponge,” Knighton said. “Every time you get out of the bath, the carpet absorbs water, dead skin cells and everything that comes out of your feet, remaining moist until someone steps you back.”. 

Therefore, you should wash the carpets weekly in hot water and hang them to dry completely between uses.