Is Oven Cleaner Really The Secret To A Spotless Shower?

The dingy state of your shower can creep up on you. You may notice it starts looking a little worse for wear, with soap scum clinging to the walls, grime building up in the corners, and hard water stains piling up your glass door. While regular cleaning with specially made shower products is key to maintaining a sparkling bathroom, sometimes, tougher jobs call for stronger measures and that's where oven cleaner can come in. This potent kitchen cleaner can actually work wonders in the shower, tackling stubborn stains, and removing the grime that other regular bathroom cleaners can struggle with. But before you reach for the spray can, you should know that oven cleaner is a powerful product that needs to be handled with care.

Of course, the best way to keep your shower sparkling clean is to never let it go too long without cleaning it. The truth is you may not be cleaning your shower as often as you should. A deep clean should be performed once a week and ideally, you should run a quick squeegee across the shower doors and floor, followed by drying them off with a microfiber cloth after every shower. However, that is often not possible in the hustle and bustle of everyday life so when your shower needs extra help, oven cleaner comes in handy.

The best oven cleaners are specifically formulated to tackle baked-on grease and food residue in ovens. It is this grease-cutting power that can be effective against soap scum and oily buildup in showers, which are often composed of similar fatty acids and lipids.

Also, oven cleaners help break down organic matter and dissolve dirt. This can be effective against soap scum, mildew, and other organic stains that can be challenging to remove with regular bathroom cleaners. Another aspect of oven cleaners is that they produce foaming action. Many oven cleaners are formulated to foam, which helps the product cling to vertical surfaces and penetrate crevices. This can be beneficial for reaching and removing grime in hard-to-reach areas of the shower.

To begin, it's wise to remember that you don't need a lot. A thin, even layer is enough. You want to use a cleaner labeled "fume-free" since other versions can be damaging to fiberglass. Spray directly onto the target area from a safe distance, avoiding overspray. Depending on the severity of the grime, let the cleaner sit for up to 30 minutes. This allows it to work its magic on the stains. Then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of warm water to remove all traces of the cleaner.

When using oven cleaners, safety is paramount. Oven cleaner is a harsh chemical that can cause skin irritation, eye damage, and even respiratory problems if not used properly. Always wear gloves and eye protection. Before you start, open windows or doors for ventilation to avoid breathing in the fumes. You can also wear a mask to protect your respiratory tract. Also, never mix oven cleaner with other cleaning products, particularly bleach or ammonia as that can cause dangerous fumes. You should also make sure to keep the cleaner away from children and pets.

To keep your shower protected, avoid prolonged exposure to the cleaner. Don't let it sit too long. Never use oven cleaner on aluminum as it can release a harmful gas. Finally, when spraying be mindful of delicate fixtures and shower curtains. If you have concerns, test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first for 10 minutes. Make sure it doesn't damage the surface before applying it to the whole shower.