Shower revealed as dirtiest place in bathroom - How to clean

You'll be forgiven for thinking that the toilet is the dirtiest spot in your bathroom ( for obvious reasons) but it's apparently not the case at all.

A team of cleaning experts has debunked this myth and has revealed who the worst culprit actually is. 

Your shower space - including the tray and curtain - is reportedly the dirtiest place in your bathroom, according to cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey at MyJobQuote.co.uk .

Why is the shower the dirtiest place in your bathroom?

Sarah explained: "A lot goes on in your shower—all of the dirt that you wash off yourself while showering ends up hitting the shower tray.

"In addition, most people will shave in the shower, and some people brush their teeth in the shower, and more people than you may think actually urinate in the shower.

"This results in a collection of bacteria on the shower tray and shower curtain, making them the dirtiest areas of the bathroom".

If you're now doing mental calculations and wondering the last time you gave your shower a deep clean...the cleaning expert has got your back.

Sarah Dempsey has shared a comprehensive broken-down guide on the key steps for cleaning your shower tray and curtain, the all-important supplies you'll need and how often you should be doing so. 

Here's what you'll need to clean your shower tray. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

How to clean a shower tray

Cleaning your shower tray is actually easier than you may think, and you can do it with a few kitchen essentials, according to the MyJobQuote.co.uk expert.

Here’s what you’ll need to clean your shower tray:

• Half a cup of baking soda
• Half a cup of white vinegar
• The juice of a lemon
• A small bowl
• A soft cleaning sponge or cloth
• Another soft cloth for drying

The cleaning expert also shared 7 key steps to follow when cleaning your shower tray:

1. Start by mixing the baking soda and white vinegar in your small bowl. They will then start to fizz.
2. Add the juice of a lemon to the bowl to make your shower smell nice.
3. Spread the mixture over the shower tray and give it a minute or so to take effect.
4. Then, use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub the shower tray, working in circular motions.
5. After scrubbing, allow the mixture to rest again for another minute or so.
6. Then, rinse off any of the remaining mixture with warm water.
7. Pat the shower tray dry with a clean, dry cloth.

How often should I clean my shower tray?

Sarah recommends cleaning your shower tray with this cleaning method weekly to ensure it's always sparkling clean.

The cleaning pro has explained two methods for cleaning your shower curtain including how to do it with a washing machine and by hand. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

How to Clean a Shower Curtain

The cleaning pro has explained two methods for cleaning your shower curtain including how to do it with a washing machine and by hand.

Cleaning Your Shower Curtain in The Washing Machine

In most cases you can wash a shower curtain in the washing machine, Sarah notes.

 Follow these six steps below to wash your shower curtain in the washing machine:

1. Take the curtain down and remove the hooks if necessary. Place your shower curtain in the washing machine.
2. Add a couple of bath towels into the washing machine with the shower curtain. This will help scrub the dirt and grime from the shower curtain and will prevent it from wrinkling. It will also prevent it from sticking to itself and tearing.
3. Add laundry detergent (use the usual amount for a typical wash cycle) and half a cup of baking soda.
4. Run the washing machine on a gentle, warm setting.
5. Once the cycle is over, hang the shower curtain back up and allow it to dry naturally.

Recommended reading

• 5 things experts say you shouldn't keep in your bathroom
• How often should you be replacing your toilet brush and other bathroom items? 
• This 29p household item can make your towels last longer (and keep them fresh)

Handwashing a Shower Curtain

When handwashing your shower curtain, you won’t need to remove it from its position.

The cleaning guru recommends these four steps when handwashing it:

1. Add some water to a microfibre cloth and wring it out. Then, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the cloth. Use this cloth to scrub the entire curtain. Focus on patches of dirt and grime. If there are any set-in stains, leave these for later.
2. Dampen a new microfibre cloth with warm water. Use this to scrub all of the baking soda and water off the shower curtain. You may need to rinse the cloth and repeat the process. Continue this until no baking soda remains.
3. It’s now time to work on the tougher stains. Grab the damp cloth and sprinkle baking soda over it. Then, focus on scrubbing any set-in stains or spots of mildew.
4. Use another clean cloth and dampen this with warm water. Use this to rinse the shower curtain, and make sure you remove all of the traces of baking soda.

How often should I clean my shower curtain?

"It’s best to give your shower curtain a good cleaning every week or so to prevent mould and bacteria from building up on it," according to the MyJobQuote.co.uk expert.