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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Ugh - my shower looks terrible, previous tenants seem to have never cleaned it

26 replies

CassandraLamontaigne · 02/08/2018 11:24

Shower looks horrible. I think it's a combo of soap and hard water. I've tried a bit of a scrub with my usual cleaning products and my DM even took a brillo pad to it, but to no avail. Any suggestions?

OP posts:
WeakArguments · 02/08/2018 11:29

Viakal, then upkeep with white vinegar.

KellyBailey · 02/08/2018 11:30

Astonish cream cleaner with bleach is really good for bathrooms, you get it at the pound shop.

Flickerfromview · 02/08/2018 11:35

A steam cleaner

Original poster
CassandraLamontaigne · 02/08/2018 11:48

Picture

Ugh - my shower looks terrible, previous tenants seem to have never cleaned it
OP posts:
MrsMotherHen · 02/08/2018 11:50

cilit bang.

Original poster
CassandraLamontaigne · 02/08/2018 11:50

Finally got a picture uploaded. It looks horrible 🤪

Thanks for the suggestions. I prefer to use eco friendly products but I think some jobs just require strong bleach Hmm

I'll check out steam cleaners too!

OP posts:
NorthernSpirit · 02/08/2018 11:52

That looks like limescale and if you (the tenants that is) haven’t kept on top of it it builds up.

Charge them for professional cleaning.

Places like Homebase / Claus Olsen sell a range of industrial strength cleaning products. Looks like you need limes ale remover.

WeakArguments · 02/08/2018 12:28

When it's that bad you need viakal or cilit bang, vinegar isn't enough when it's that bad. Then vinegar to keep on top of it.

SureIusedtobetaller · 02/08/2018 12:35

Bicarb and vinegar if you don’t want to use Viakal? Bit more elbow grease but will do the job.

ShotsFired · 02/08/2018 12:43

You're going to need (possibly repeat) hardcore descaler to get on top of it, then follow up with more normal cleaning to keep it nice.

Ideally the ones which are slightly gel or thicker creams and will sit on the vertical surfaces, as thin descalers will just run off.

Original poster
CassandraLamontaigne · 02/08/2018 13:04

OK I'll head to the supermarket today and get the thickest strongest descaler. Actually there's a better chance of finding something in a hardware shop, we have 3 of them in our small town, no idea why so many, so I'll check there first.

Hopefully I'll be able to post a sparking "after" picture soon

OP posts:
ScoobyGangMember · 02/08/2018 13:08

Brillo pad will scratch the sheen off the tiles.

HouseOfHorrors · 02/08/2018 13:08

Agree once it's that bad you can't really be eco friendly. It needs vikal (amazing stuff), then it can maintained with eco friendly cleaners.

HouseOfHorrors · 02/08/2018 13:10

*viakal

MikeUniformMike · 02/08/2018 13:18

Lidl has a viakal type product

ratbaggy · 02/08/2018 13:22

HG mould spray is the miracle spray that works on everything

Cardiganandcuppa · 02/08/2018 13:24

Viakal spray!

Notonthestairs · 02/08/2018 13:40

I recommend HG professional limescale remover - I used it after my trusty viakal failed me. Follow the instructions very carefully though - it will strip it!

Notonthestairs · 02/08/2018 13:41

I got it from B&Q!

FurForksSake · 02/08/2018 13:43

Be careful of using strong products that could damage the tiles / grout if you are a tenant. I'd try viakal but not much beyond that in case it damages the surface.

user1499173618 · 02/08/2018 13:44

You need a really strong vinegar based product. Ask in your local ironmongers for something by a brand such as HG, Starwax or Maison Briochin.

ForgivenessIsDivine · 02/08/2018 13:50

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/aug/23/how-to-remove-limescale

Lemon or vinegar should dissolve the lime scale.

SuburbanRhonda · 02/08/2018 13:53

Tesco used to sell the most amazing limescale product called Limelite. I think you can still buy it in some small hardware shops - it really is worth the price tag.

NerdyBird · 02/08/2018 16:07

You do need a strong limescale remover if the buildup has been over a long time. Try not to use any cloths or sponges that will scratch the surface as the limescale will then build up in the scratches unless you really keep on top of it. HG and Limelite are good.