How to deep clean your bathroom with steam cleaning

Achieving a truly clean and hygienic washroom can feel like a constant battle against soap scum, limescale, mould, and hidden germs. Traditional cleaning often involves harsh chemicals and considerable elbow grease. However, there's a modern, powerful, and surprisingly eco-friendly alternative gaining popularity: steam cleaning. This method provides a deep clean that tackles grime and sanitises surfaces effectively, offering a valuable solution for anyone seeking a healthier home environment. It harnesses the simple power of heated water vapour to eliminate germs, break down stubborn mould, and lift tough stains without resorting to abrasive cleaners.

Why choose steam for your washroom deep clean?

The benefits of using a steam cleaner in the bathroom are numerous. Firstly, it's incredibly effective. The high temperature of the steam (often well over 100°c) kills up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mould spores on contact, providing a level of sanitation difficult to achieve with sprays and wipes alone. This makes it ideal for an area where hygiene is paramount.

Secondly, it's an exceptionally eco-friendly approach. Steam cleaning relies solely on water, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners. This is better for the environment, reducing chemical runoff into waterways, and significantly improves indoor air quality, making it safer for families, pets, and allergy sufferers. No harsh fumes mean a more pleasant cleaning experience too.

Thirdly, steam cleaners are versatile. With various attachments, they can tackle almost every surface in the washroom, from tiles and grout lines to glass shower screens, taps, basins, toilets, and even floors. The steam penetrates porous surfaces like grout and lifts ingrained dirt that scrubbing often misses. It effortlessly dissolves soap scum and can help loosen mineral deposits like limescale.

Before you begin your washroom steam deep clean, a little preparation goes a long way. Always start by reading your steam cleaner's instruction manual thoroughly, paying close attention to safety guidelines and recommended usage for different surfaces.

Gather your supplies. You'll need your steam cleaner with its various attachments (such as a jet nozzle, grout brush, larger brush, squeegee attachment, and floor tool), clean microfibre cloths, and water. Using distilled or demineralised water is highly recommended to prevent mineral build-up inside the cleaner, prolonging its life and ensuring optimal performance. Consider wearing protective gloves and perhaps eye protection, as the steam is extremely hot.

Next, clear the washroom. Remove all toiletries, towels, bathmats, waste bins, and any decorative items from surfaces, floors, and the bath/shower area. This gives you unobstructed access to all the areas you need to clean.

Finally, perform a quick preliminary clean. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose hair and debris. Give surfaces a quick wipe-down to remove any surface dust or residues. This allows the steam cleaner to focus on the tougher, ingrained grime.

The steam cleaning process: step-by-step

It's generally best to work from the top of the room downwards, allowing any dislodged dirt or drips to fall onto areas yet to be cleaned.

1. Tiles and grout: Attach a jet nozzle or a small brush attachment. Start on the wall tiles, working in sections. Hold the steamer nozzle close to the surface, moving it slowly. Pay particular attention to grout lines, where mould and mildew often thrive. The steam will loosen the dirt and kill spores. Immediately wipe the steamed area with a clean microfibre cloth to lift the loosened grime and moisture. Change cloths frequently as they become soiled or damp.

2. Shower and bath area: Tackle the shower screen or glass doors using a squeegee attachment if you have one, or the nozzle followed quickly by a microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish. Steam clean the shower head, taps, and controls to remove soap scum and limescale build-up. Clean the bath itself and the shower tray, focusing on corners and edges. Remember to wipe down surfaces as you go.

3. Toilet: Using a detail nozzle (and ideally a dedicated cloth you won't use elsewhere), steam clean the exterior of the toilet. This includes the base, the tank, the seat (both sides), the lid, and especially the hinges and crevices where dirt accumulates. Wipe down thoroughly. Avoid steaming excessively inside the bowl itself unless your manufacturer's instructions explicitly state it's safe, as extreme heat could potentially damage seals over time; focus on the exterior sanitation.

4. Basin and taps: Steam clean the basin surface, the overflow, and the plughole area. Pay close attention to taps and fixtures, as steam is excellent at dissolving water spots and build-up around the base. Buff the taps with a dry microfibre cloth afterwards for extra shine.

5. Floors: Once all other surfaces are done, attach the floor tool with a clean microfibre pad. Work systematically across the floor, moving the steamer slowly to allow the steam to penetrate and sanitise the surface. Ensure the floor is suitable for steam cleaning (most sealed tiles, vinyl, and linoleum are).

Post-cleaning and final tips

After steaming, give all surfaces a final wipe-down with a clean, dry microfibre cloth to remove any lingering moisture. Ensure the washroom is well-ventilated – open a window or use the extractor fan – to help everything dry completely, preventing any residual dampness that could encourage mould regrowth.

Clean your steam cleaner's attachments according to the manufacturer's instructions and store the machine properly once it has cooled down. Empty any remaining water from the tank.

For optimal results, always test the steam cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially if you're unsure about a surface's tolerance. Avoid holding the steam jet in one spot for too long, particularly on grout or sealant, to prevent potential damage. Remember that persistence pays off; some stubborn stains or heavy mould might require a second pass.

Embracing a steam cleaning routine for your washroom offers a modern, effective, and environmentally conscious way to maintain a deeply clean and hygienic space. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to the purifying power of steam for a truly sparkling finish.

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Initial Hygiene is leading the way air, hand and surface hygiene innovation to meet the demand of any environment. Get in touch today on 1300 73 1234 or contact us here for free, no obligation assessment of your current hygiene services.