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The best way to reduce cleaning hassles in shower stalls and bathtubs is to ask everyone in the household to wipe them down after every use. This slows accumulation of soap scum and mineral spots that can become such a challenge in regular cleanings. Taking an extra minute or two to do this is especially helpful in areas with hard tap water.

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Consider buying a squeegee for wiping off water droplets, then wiping the tiles with a cloth. A squeegee can remove as much as a pint (475 ml) of water from the flat walls inside a typical stall. Lightweight, all-plastic models made for this purpose are sold in home centers nationwide.

Removing soap scum and mineral-scale buildup involves a two-step approach. Remove the soap residue first, and you’ll have an easier time attacking the tougher scale.

Stores offer a wide range of competing products for removing soap scum, but you can also try the following inexpensive solution: Mix a tablespoon (15 ml) of laundry detergent in a quart (945 ml) of warm water. Be sure all the detergent dissolves if you use a powder. Wet all areas with the solution using a cloth. If the buildup is really heavy, you might want to scrape away the soap scum using a plastic scraper while keeping the surface wet with the detergent solution. Scrub away the scum with the cloth or a nylon brush using plenty of detergent solution. Rinse off all cleaned areas completely.

Next, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar, rub it in with a cloth, then scrub mineral stains with a cloth or brush using plenty of the solution. Rinse completely, then use a soft towel to dry all surfaces. If this doesn’t work, use a commercial mineral or “lime” remover. Follow all label instructions on the product you purchase for safe and effective use.

Remove mildew and mold growth on tile walls using either one of the following solutions:

• One part chlorine bleach to four parts warm water, or
  
  
• One ounce (30 ml) of borax laundry booster per quart (945 ml) of warm water. Borax, sold next to laundry detergents in stores, is a non-toxic fungicide that will prevent new growth in the short term.

Apply the solution with a nylon brush, rinse completely once all mold or mildew has been dislodged, and then dry the surface completely.

Caution: Choose one solution at a time — don’t mix them together. Rinse thoroughly between applications of different solutions. Cleaning chemicals should never be combined in an attempt to boost effectiveness.

In addition to wiping tile walls and tubs, use the exhaust fan or open the window during and shortly after showers and baths. This will help reduce the humidity that supports growth of mold and mildew.