How to clean Shower Door Tracks

The tracks of the shower door easily collect soap-scum and grime. Large amounts of limescale can also build up. This can make it hard to slide the shower door open. try and clean the shower door tracks as often as possible. Here are some ways of cleaning them.

Use Vinegar

  • Apply vinegar to the shower door track and leave it to work for around 3-5 minutes.
  • Once the time is up gently scrub away grime and soap scum. Using an old toothbrush is most effective.
  • Use clean water to rinse away the vinegar and then wipe dry the area.
  • If the track doesn’t get fully clean you may need to repeat a few times.

Steam Clean

  • Loosen the dirt and grime using the steamer.
  • Get a microfibre cloth and wipe away any residue that remains.
  • If the track doesn’t clean fully then repeat as many times as necessary.

How to Clean Shower Glass

Cleaning shower glass can be done in multiple way. These are some of the best tips and tricks:

  • To get rid of serious soap-scum, use undiluted white vinegar that has been heated to boiling. Use a microfibre cloth or sponge to soak up the vinegar and clean the glass. The vinegar smell should disappear after a shower or two.
  • Use a mixture of baking soda and water. This creates a inexpensive cleaning product that is also really effective. The measurements for the mixture depends on how much you need. You need to make it a thick paste though, and then use a non-abrasive sponge and scrub the shower glass and then rinse with vinegar.
  • One easy way to avoid serious soap-scum is to simply not use bar soap. Due to the fact it contains talc and this is what produces the build up. Liquid soap or shower gel doesn’t contain talc so doesn’t have this effect.
  • You can also use a Magic Eraser Sponge to get rid of soap-scum and limescale deposits off the glass.
  • Use glass cleaner. Not only will this clean the glass but also prevent deposits.
  • To make sure water spots and grime don’t build up too much you need to clean the shower glass regular.

How to Make Your Own Bath Bombs

Ingredients and Equipment:

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spray Bottle
  • Gloves
  • Moulds
  • Sieve
  • 1 Cup of Citric Acid
  • 2 Cups of Baking Soda
  • 20-30 drops of essential oil
  • 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil, apricot oil or olive oil – this is optional
  • 15-20 drops of food colouring – this is optional
  • Very small amount of water

Step 1: Mix Baking Soda and Citric Acid together

Using the mixing bowl mix together the citric acid and baking soda.

Step 2: Add essential oils

Next you need to add the essential oils and the optional tablespoon of food colouring and extra oil. Mix with your hand before the mixture starts to fizz. If the food colouring makes the mixture a bit clumpy, you can get rid of them by rubbing them between your hands.

Step 3: Add in a small amount of water

Due to the fact you only need a very small amount of water, add it in small increments. You need to make it so the mixture is still crumbly but will hold its shape when squeezed.

Step 4: Put the mixture in the mould

When packing the mixture into the mould make sure to pack it in tightly. If you use a two-part mould then slightly overfill each half and press them together. When done tap the mould to release the bath bomb.

Step 5: Leave the Bath Bomb to dry

Put the bath bombs in a warm, dry place for a few hours but don’t put them in direct sunlight. Be sure to use the bath bombs within a few weeks as they lose their fizz when stored away for too long.

How to Make Your Own Bathroom Soap

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2/3 cup coconut oil
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 2/3 cup oil such as almond oil, sunflower or safflower oil
  • 1/4 cup lye (sodium hydroxide)
  • 3/4 cup cool water

Step 1: Cover your Work Area

Cover your work area with newspaper and put on gloves and other protective gear.

Step 2: Pour lye into the water

After measuring the water, pour it into a glass jug. Measure the lye then slowly pour it into the water, stirring with a spoon as you go. Step back to avoid the fumes and allow the water to sit before moving on.

Step 3: Heat and Mix the Oils

Mix the three oils together in another jug. The three oils combined should make around a pint. Next heat the oils in the microwave for around a minute. Check the temperature of the oil as it should be about 120 degrees. Now wait for the lye and oils to cool to between 95 degrees and 105 degrees. The temperature needs to be correct as if the temperature is too low the lye and oils will come together too fast and end up crumbly.

Step 4: Mix the lye and oil together

When the lye and oils are at the correct temperature pour the oils into a mixing bowl, then slowly add the lye. Next you need to stir by hand for around 5 minutes to get as much lye in contact with the oils as possible.

Step 5: Mix in the herbs and essential oils

Switch to mixing it using a hand blender after 5 minutes. You will see the mixture lighten in colour and thicken. Add in the herbs and essential oils when it looks like vanilla pudding. Stir in the herbs and oils to combine.

Step 6: Pour the Mixture into a mould

You can pour the soap into any shaped mould you want. After pouring it into the mould cover it with cling film. Then wrap it in an old towel to keep the heat in. This will start the process of the ingredients transforming into soap.

Step 7: Leave to set

After leaving the soap for 24 hours check if it’s still warn or soft. If it is allow it to sit for another 12-24 hours. When the soap is cold and firm place onto a baking rack. The soap then needs to cure for 4 weeks or so.

Step 8: Wrap in wax paper

Once the 4 weeks of curing are over wrap them in wax paper or keep in an airtight container.

How to Fit a Shower Enclosure

Things you will need:

  • Electric Drill
  • Sealant Gun
  • Silicone Sealant
  • Spirit Level
  • Screwdrivers
  • Door Handles
  • Glass Panels
  • Channels
  • Fixings

Step 1: At the edges of the shower tray place the wall channels and use a spirit level to make sure they are vertical and level.

Step 2: Drill pilot holes in the wall using the electric drill. Then insert wall plugs into the holes and screw the channels to the wall.

Step 3: After you have decided which side you want the shower door to be on, take the side panel off and slot the door into the appropriate channel.

Step 4: The next step is a bit tricky so you might need a helping hand. You need to fit the shower door into the other wall channel.

Step 5: Now place the shower door and the side panel on the outside edge of the tray. Then fit them together at the corner.

Step 6: Using the fittings provided with the unit, screw the panels into position using the screwdriver and fit the handle to the door.

Step 7: Seal the outer edges of the shower using the silicone sealant and sealant gun. Make sure to avoid the inside edges though.

How to Fit a Raised Shower Tray

Step 1: Attach the adjustable feet

Screw the adjustable feet into position underneath the shower tray.

Step 2: Shower Tray Waste

Fit the waste to the shower tray then connect it to the trap.

Step 3: Positioning the Shower Tray

Once you have positioned the shower try where you want, use a spirit level to check it’s perfectly level. If not adjust the feet with a wrench until the tray is level.

Step 4: Connecting the waste to the outlet pipe

Make sure the shower tray is level, then connect the waste to the waste outlet pipe. Make sure there aren’t any leaks.

Step 5: Attaching the panels

Clip the side panels on, this will conceal all pipework from view. But since it is clipped on it will still be easy to access if you need to.

Step 6: Seal the edges

Seal around the edges of the shower tray using silicone sealant and a sealant gun. Seal the sides as well.

How to Install a Low Level Shower Tray

Step 1: Find the Underfloor Joists

The first thing you do need to do is know where the under floor joists are, to find this out you will need to lift the floorboards up. Once you know where they are, draw a pencil like where the under floor joist is positioned. This will help to make sure you know where to position the tray correctly.

Step 2: Position the Shower Tray

After making sure the area you have chosen to place the shower tray is level, you can position it with the 90 degree angle flush to the walls. Then with your pencil, outline the shower tray’s waste hole onto the floor, as well as drawing a line 8mm from the floor, along both walls. This is to help you to know the depth of your mortar placement.

Step 3: Cut the Shower Tray Waste Hole

Remove the shower tray and using the outlines cut out the space you will need for the shower tray waste. When you have cut out the relevant space, check that the waste trap fits easily into the hole. A jig saw can be used to make the hole a little bigger if the fit is too snug.

Step 4: Prepare Mortar

First you need to apply waterproof sealant to the area where the shower tray will sit. The mixture you should use to make your mortar should be 5:1. This means one part cement to five parts sand. You also need to create a thick mix which you will apply as a base for your shower tray, prior to install. This helps to make sure the base is supported, stable and level at all points.

Step 5: Apply the Mortar

Now you can start to apply the mortar to the chosen area. Make sure to level off your mortar at the 8mm line that you measured before. When the bed of mortar is level, you can place the shower tray into the correct position. Make sure to peel the plastic covering off the wall facing sides of the tray before placing. Secure the tray with tape along the top edge.

Step 6: Fitting the Shower Tray

As the mortar is now laid it is more difficult to lift and place the shower tray in position with the required degree of accuracy. This is when glass suction lifters become essential, but make sure you give your shower base a test lift before allowing the lifters to the full weight. Once the shower tray is in position and is level use a small trowel to remove excess mortar from the base. Then leave it for 24 hours to set. When it is set apply silicone sealant around the edges so where the shower tray meets the wall. Fill in any gaps .

How to Remove Bathroom Mould

One way to effectively remove bathroom mould is to use a mixture of water and bleach. Using one part water and one part bleach, simply apply the mixture to the affected area and leave for around 15 minutes. Then rinse clean. This can be repeated as many times as needed. Since you are using bleach make sure you use rubber gloves and that your bathroom is well ventilated.

Another option is to purchase cleaning sprays designed specifically to remove mould. They kill the mould instantly and are very easy to use, just spray the affected area and leave for the required time and then rinse with water afterwards. Before use make sure you read the manufacturers guidelines to make sure you use it correctly and safely.

How to Prevent Bathroom Mould

  • To stop mould it is really important you clean your bathroom regularly, around once a week.
  • Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated. When having a shower keep a window open during and after to let out the steam. If you don’t have a window install an extractor fan so the damp air can be cleared away effectively.
  • Keep the humidity level at the recommended level. A dehumidifier can help to keep it between 40-60%.
  • Fix any leaking pipes as soon a possible to prevent mould from growing.
  • Fit tiles in your bathroom instead of carpet.
  • Add mould inhibitor to paint when redecorating your bathroom. This helps to stop mould forming.