Wetroom Cleaning 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining Your Wetroom
A wetroom is a modern, minimalist bathroom solution which offers a contemporary aesthetic based on clean lines and open plan design. A properly installed wetroom will last for decades with the correct care and attention. The minimal nature of a wetroom also makes it quick and easy to clean. Here are some tips for keeping your wetroom sparkling for as long as possible.
Clean as You Go
Rinsing away suds after you have showered means that your wetroom floor will stay cleaner for longer.
Use a squeegee to remove left-over condensation from any glass panels and invest in a squeegee floor mop, which is ideal for pushing any leftover water towards the wetroom drain.
Install Underfloor Heating
When fitting your wetroom, it is a good idea to opt for underfloor heating. This will ensure your wetroom floor stays dry when not in use and deter the build-up of damp or mould, which can occur when the floor is not dried out properly.
It is also great to step out of the shower area onto a warm floor!
Don’t Forget Ventilation
To reduce any damp or the possibility of mould, it is important to keep your wetroom properly ventilated.
Remember to specify an extractor fan for the room on installation, which will ensure steam is drawn away from the environment.
If your wetroom has a window, let some fresh air circulate as often as possible. This will help to keep it dry when it is not in use.
Mop the Floor
Owing to a lack of nooks, crannies and corners, the number of dirt traps in a typical wetroom is vastly reduced compared to a traditional bathroom space. This has many benefits including style, accessibility, and ease of cleaning. As part of your regular deep cleaning routine, mopping your wetroom floor is inevitable, but it will not be too difficult if you follow our ‘clean as you go’ recommendation.
Remember to use a floor cleaner which is appropriate for your chosen tiling and leave the floor to dry fully before use, to avoid any slips or trips.
Keep Grouting Gleaming
To avoid build-up of residue, dust, or mould, remember to keep the grouting between your tiles thoroughly clean.
It is possible to buy grout cleaning brushes or specific products which remove stains. If the grouting is maintained regularly, gently scrubbing it using a brush and warm water should be enough to ensure it stays dirt free.
Ensure that any products you choose are compatible with your grout and the tiles you have chosen.
Keep Your Drain Clean
Cleaning your wetroom drainage system and keeping it free from hair and grime is crucial to ensure that it continues to work efficiently and effectively.
To help with cleaning your shower drain, we have created a step-by-step video, which illustrates the cleaning and maintenance steps for our standard traps.
We would always encourage you to steer clear of harsh drain cleaning chemicals, in favour of regular cleaning and maintenance using gentle products like a simple solution of soapy water. If you are looking to be kind to your environment and avoid strong odours or fragrances, you could even try white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda as cleaning product alternatives.
Here is our recommendation for cleaning a standard Impey wetroom drain.
STEP 1: With the lifting tool provided, lift off the metal cap and put that to one side. This will expose the dip tube and bucket that creates the 50mm water seal in the standard trap.
STEP 2: These parts are both removable by hand or if preferred, you could use the lifter tool.
Rinse both parts out thoroughly. You may find that there's hair trapped in the bucket which will need to be removed. If they are stubbornly dirty, you can use a very weak mix of bleach and water. It is important to always remember that there is a rubber seal around the dip tube.
STEP 3: Once it has been cleaned make sure that rubber seal is inserted back correctly. The same removal is required whether your wetroom has a vinyl or a tiled top.
STEP 4: To clean the removed parts, flush them through and remove the non-return valve. This valve is the hair catcher; so, pull any accumulated hair away from the part and then rinse it out to get rid of all the dirt. Clean it with some soapy water, and if stubborn stains remain, use a very weak diluted bleach mix. Remember to rinse it in fresh water before replacing it.
STEP 5: Afterwards, put the hair catcher back in and replace vital parts of the drain. We would recommend cleaning every few weeks, depending on frequency of use.