4 Steam Shower Deep Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Doing a steam shower conversion or adding a prefab steam shower is the perfect addition to any bathroom, offering a range of health benefits and relaxation.
But with regular use, it’s important to ensure that your steam shower cleaning and maintenance plan is on point. This will help to prolong its life and function.
Don’t be intimidated by the steam shower maintenance. From inspecting and replacing worn parts to preventing common issues, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking to improve your respiratory health or simply want to relax after a long day and enjoy the many benefits of steam showers, a well-maintained steam shower is a perfect solution.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of cleaning, maintaining, and troubleshooting your steam shower, so you can continue to enjoy its many benefits for years to come.
How to clean steam showers
Steam shower cleaning is not as big a task as you may think. It can be done quickly and will easily become part of your bathroom cleaning routine just as you would with a regular shower with a few extra steps.
If you do it regularly, you can prevent mold growth and make it easier to clean the shower enclosure and components.
Here are the steps to take to clean and then do routine steam shower maintenance:
1 – Preparation
The first step in cleaning your steam shower is to turn off the steam generator. This is an important safety measure to ensure that you do not accidentally burn yourself or cause damage to the steam shower generator.
Once the generator is off, remove any debris or clutter from the shower. This includes any bottles, soaps, or other items that may be sitting on the floor or on the shelves. By removing these items, you will be able to clean the shower more effectively and also prevent them from getting damaged during the cleaning process.
Since you will be using cleaning products, it is important to have good air circulation and proper ventilation so you aren’t breathing in too many fumes and to remove excess moisture from the air. Open the shower doors, window and turn the exhaust fan on for proper ventilation.
Next, arm yourself with a soft microfiber cloth, rubber gloves, and some protective eyewear if the cleaning solution has any bleach in it.
2 – Cleaning the steam shower unit walls and floor
After removing any debris, it’s time to start cleaning the shower walls and floor. The best way to do this is by using a cleaner specifically designed for steam showers. These cleaners are typically mild and will not damage the surfaces in your shower.
(NB: It is really important that you don’t use any harsh cleaning product with acid such as citrus on natural stone tiles such as marble if your steam shower has those types of walls. The product in the link above is ideal for cleaning those stones without doing any damage. Or, use some baking soda and warm water.)
Use the spray bottle to spray the cleaning solution onto the tiles, glass wall and floor, and then use a brush or sponge to scrub the surfaces. Be sure to pay special attention to any grout lines or corners, as these areas tend to collect dirt and grime. Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the walls and floor with water to remove any remaining cleaner.
3 – Cleaning the steam generator and steam shower heads
Cleaning and flushing a steam generator is an important step in maintaining the overall health and function of your steam shower. The steps for cleaning and flushing a steam generator will vary depending on the specific type of generator you have, so it’s important to consult the owner’s manual for guidance.
However, here are some general steps to follow when cleaning and flushing a steam generator:
- Turn off the power to the steam generator. This is an important safety measure to ensure that you do not accidentally burn yourself or cause damage to the generator.
- Drain the water from the generator. This can typically be done by opening a drain valve located on the generator. Be sure to use a container to catch the water and dispose of it properly.
- Clean the generator’s interior. Use a mild cleaner and a brush or sponge to scrub the interior of the generator. Be sure to pay extra attention to any buildup or stains. Rinse the interior with water to remove any remaining cleaner. A pipe cleaner can be used to gently scrub away any mineral deposits in the steam outlet.
- Flush the generator. This step involves running fresh water through the generator to remove any remaining debris or buildup. This can typically be done by filling the generator with water and then running it for a certain period of time. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to flush your generator.
(If you have hard water then make sure to get a steam generator with autoflush! If you don’t then it is important to run some descaler solution through the steam generator to remove any lime or calcium build up.)
- Refill the generator with clean water. Once the generator is clean and flushed, refill it with fresh, clean water.
- Turn the power back on to the steam generator. Before entering the shower, wait for the steam to start and test the shower for proper function.
It’s important to note that the frequency of cleaning and flushing the steam generator will depend on the usage and the water quality in your area. It is recommended to check the water hardness in your area and check the generator regularly.
For the steam shower heads:
- Turn off the power to the steam generator.
- Remove them from the wall. This can typically be done by unscrewing them from the wall bracket. Be sure to keep track of any washers or other small parts that may come off during this process.
- Cleaning them. Use a mild cleaning solution and a brush or sponge to scrub the shower head. Be sure to pay extra attention to any buildup or stains. If there is any mineral deposit build-up then think about soaking the head in a descaling solution for a while. Rinse the head with water to remove any remaining cleaner.
- Reinstall them. Once they’re clean, reinstall it back on the wall bracket. Be sure to use the same washers or other small parts that were removed during the disassembly process.
- Turn the power back on to the steam generator. Before entering the shower, wait for the steam to start and test the shower for proper function.
4 – Finishing up
Once you have finished cleaning the shower walls, floor, and steam generator, it’s time to turn the steam generator back on. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for turning the generator on and wait for the steam to start before entering the shower.
Before you start using the shower again, test it to make sure that everything is working properly. This includes checking the water temperature, steam pressure, and making sure that the controls are functioning correctly.
How often should a steam room be cleaned?
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to give your steam shower a thorough cleaning once a month. This will help to prevent buildup of dirt, mold, and mildew and will help to keep your steam shower in good working condition.
If you have hard water in your area, you may need to clean your steam shower twice a month as hard water can leave mineral buildup on surfaces.
It’s also important to note that there are specific parts of the steam shower that should be checked and cleaned more frequently like the steam generator, shower head, and walls. The steam generator should be cleaned and flushed regularly, the shower head should be cleaned every 3-4 weeks.
How often does a steam generator need to be cleaned?
Cleaning the steam shower generator on a monthly basis is recommended for optimal performance. Using a mixture of warm water and diluted citric acid or distilled vinegar is the most effective way to clean the generator. Soak the solution in the tank for about 10-12 hours, and then turn on the heat to vaporize the solution. Also, remember to manually drain the valve connected to the generator.
Neglecting to regularly flush out the steam shower generator can lead to the buildup of calcium deposits due to the minerals present in the water. This buildup can decrease the efficiency of the generator, as it will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature.
To avoid this, consider installing an automatic flushing system. These systems flush the generator after each steam bath cycle, preventing mineral buildup and maintaining optimal performance. If you find it difficult to keep up with regular manual flushing, steam generator with a built-in autoflush system may be the best option for you.
Check out the one below.
- Contains: 9kW Quickstart Acu-Steam Bath Generator, Touch Pad Control Panel,…
- Rapid Steam Technology: Experience soothing steam in about 1 minute with…
- Uninterrupted Steam Flow: Dual tank design ensures continuous steam output,…
- Health-Focused Design: Equipped with a built-in auto drain, our steam…
- Serene Spa Ambiance: Enjoy a whisper-quiet operation, providing a tranquil…
Bottom Line
Although this guide may make it seem like a lot of work, a steam shower is fairly low maintenance. If you take care of things on time like regularly cleaning the shower and components and flushing the steam generator on time then you can take care fo it quickly and without breaking a sweat.
You get out what you put in, in other words.
Bathroomaholic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Check out our Privacy Policy for more info.
- The Great Debate: Dual Shower Heads vs Single - March 13, 2023
- Two Heads Better Than One: Are His and Hers Showers Worth It? - March 9, 2023
- Up Your Shower Game: 7 High-Pressure Shower Head Benefits - March 8, 2023
