Before you grab that container of bleach, we’ll set the record straight on what you should prioritize sending down the drain to make your shower as bacteria- and mold-free as possible. We asked experts how to clean your shower to ensure it isn’t compromising your hair, skin, or immune system, and the do’s and don’ts of shopping for a spa-like shower experience.
Read these tips for the best rinse of your life.
How often should you clean your shower head?
Before you panic, know this: Over 99.9% of microbial species, which include bacteria, viruses, and funguses, are not harmful to humans, explains Jason Tetro, microbiologist and author of The Germ Code. Most of what researchers found on shower heads in the Frontiers study were actually bacteriophages, or viruses that are dangerous to bacteria, and not necessarily to humans. Phew.
The only thing is, finding bacteriophages is a sign that bacteria are around, according to Tetro. Some of the bacteria found in shower heads are linked to conditions like bronchitis and asthma, which can particularly affect immunocompromised people, he says. “[These microbes] can form biofilms, or microbial communities that increase the concentration hundreds of times higher than what they would be in normal water,” says Tetro. Biofilms can release tiny droplets through your shower head that you might breathe in during your shower.
So what’s the solution? Put your shower on a cleaning schedule (much like your own shower schedule). Tetro says to give it a good soaking at least once every other month. Unscrew the shower head to take it off the pipe and let it sit for a while in a disinfectant bath of either hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, or bleach, if the shower head material is compatible with it.
What about the rest of the shower (including bottles)?
As for the rest of your shower, you should keep up a schedule of scrubbing the area once per week, when you clean the rest of your bathroom. Rinse it with the hottest water possible, between 130 and 140 degrees, to kill any harmful bacteria. Your standard bathroom disinfectant spray can be effective against the main culprits of the ick in showers, like mold and mildew, and vinegar and baking soda can be a solid way to get rid of stubborn soap scum buildup, says Tetro.
Regarding mold that tends to grow on your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles, it likely won’t be super harmful, but could potentially trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose if you breathe it in, or it comes in close contact with your skin, explains Alexis Stephens, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Give the product bottles a good wipe-down to keep them as clean and dry as possible. A shower shelf might even be a solid investment to help keep the bottles from sitting in pools of shower water and getting extra moldy, she says.
What are the best ways to care for your skin and hair?
Filtered shower heads
Beyond germs, mold, and mildew, it’s also key to protect your hair and skin from metals, minerals, and chemicals like chlorine. “Impurities and chemicals found in [shower] water may irritate some people’s scalp and skin, and mineral-rich hard water specifically can have cosmetic and dermatological effects, such as drying out hair and skin or exacerbating conditions like eczema,” says Dr. Stephens.
A filtered shower head like the Jolie Filtered Shower Head ($148) or the Canopy Filtered Showerhead Bundle ($205), which comes with an aromatherapy diffuser and replacement filter subscription, is worth the splurge—especially if you live in an area with heavy mineral, chemical, or metal concentration in the water. If you’re not looking to invest in a brand new shower head, you can pick up a shower head filter from Kitsch for just $40.
Spa shower heads
If you want to exit your shower feeling like you treated yourself to a facial and body scrub, there are options for that too. Kohler’s SpaViva Handshower ($326) allows you to swap in a face cleansing brush, body brush, body scrubber, and body massager (or all of them in one shower) for a full spa experience. These types of shower heads are a special extra if you’re more of a shower than a bath fan.
Does your shower tend to enhance your mood? You may want to try the Sprig by Kohler Shower Infusion Kit ($149), which comes with essential oil infusion pods, like a citrusy scent to wake you up in the morning and a relaxing chamomile scent to wind down in the evening. Keep in mind that you may not want a product like this making direct contact with your skin if you’re sensitive to fragrances or essential oils, says Emma Smith, licensed esthetician and manager of education at Glowbar.
Water temperature
Too much hot water on your facial and body skin, especially when the weather gets colder, can cause dryness and irritation. The exact right shower temperature may depend on your skin type and natural body temperature, Smith says. But if you have eczema or super sensitive skin, Dr. Stephens recommends keeping your showers short and sweet: lukewarm water for 10 minutes whenever possible. (If you really need to decompress and take a longer shower, make sure to pump up your skincare routine afterward.)
Is there a preferred washing order?
Why does the order of your everything shower matter? Well, it’s important to shampoo and use conditioner first, the experts say, so any hair products rinse away from your scalp, face, and body. “The product residue that is left behind can clog your pores, and create irritation, sometimes resulting in acne,” Dr. Stephens says.
After scrubbing your hair and body, move on to washing your face, but note the water temperature, which may be too hot and irritating for your facial skin. If you’re taking a super hot shower, cup the water in your hands and allow it to cool down for a moment before you wash your skin, suggests Smith. Dr. Stephens recommends using that time to wet a product like Olay Cleansing Melts, water-activated dissolvable cleansing pads that you can stick on the counter or right outside your tub until you’re ready to grab one for the shower.
Is there an ideal time of day for a shower?
It’s really all about your lifestyle and when your skin needs to get clean: Did you just finish a sweaty workout? Is it hot as hell outside? Do you work in a hospital? You may benefit from showering both in the morning and immediately when you walk in your door, while someone with more sensitive skin or eczema may get more irritation from showering too frequently, possibly stripping the skin of its natural oils, Dr. Stephens says.
The most important thing is that you replenish your skin with a solid body care routine after your shower (particularly in chillier temperatures). For sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin, pat your skin dry rather than rubbing a towel harshly against your skin to prevent further irritation, according to Dr. Stephens.
Ultimately, your shower and wellness routine is completely up to you, although a solid skincare routine is also certainly recommended. We do apologize in advance for any spikes in your water bill.
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