A.D. Cantelmo Property Management
Our Business is Property Management in Orange County California
Door less showers may be key to keeping the shower clean
Don’t we all hate to clean the shower when the mold and
mildew starts to appear? Whether it is your personal shower, or a rental
property you own, a clean looking shower is always the goal.
New Shower
I discovered something recently when I put in a new shower
in my home. I had a small shower that I wanted to remodel, so I removed all the
tile and I had the bottom hot mopped for water proofing. Then I water proofed
the walls and installed new tile. I also put in a Moen shower head that was
like rain falling on my head. I really liked the way the shower looked and I
did not want to put a shower door or curtain, but I was not sure if that would
create a problem with water all over the floor.
The reason I did not want a shower door was that not having
a door not only showed off the nice looking new shower, but it made the
bathroom feel larger. I took my first shower and I discovered that very little
water was on the outside of the shower without a door. The rain style shower
head was the key and to my delight, I did not need to install a door. What I
discovered next was a huge plus.
My Discovery
Cleaning the mildew from a shower drives me crazy and using
all the chemicals was not fun, but I have had this new shower for months now
and no mildew. Now I do wipe down the shower after use, but still, I did that
before and I still had to deal with mildew. My discovery is that the door or
shower curtain causes the mildew. Yes I really think that to be the case and
let me tell you why I think that. First, even if you wipe the shower tile down,
you never get all the moisture from the shower door or curtain and even more
important, the door will keep the moisture inside the shower itself, let me
explain.
In my open shower, even though I wipe down the tile, it is
not dry, but since there is no door, the moisture dries faster than if there
was a door, because air has no impedement and the shower tile dries quickly. Having a shower door or curtain retains the moisture because it
does not let air in to dry the shower out. Even though the door is not air
tight, it still slows the drying process and that gives more time for mildew to
begin. Mildew needs moisture and a moist shower is a perfect environment. One
other big issue is that the door or curtain will also have catch areas that
create a pool for moisture to gather ad those areas will be fertile ground for
mold and mildew.
I know that my opinion here is not scientific and as a Property Manager, I am always looking for ways to help my clients keep their properties clean, but just
think about my arguments and the next time you remodel, think about a door
less shower. Not only does it look great, but it cost less. You can always install
a door after, if it does not work for you, but I love it and my shower looks as
good today as it did when I first installed it and the only cleaning product I
use is White Vinegar once a week to wash it down.
A.D. Cantelmo Property
Management Specializes in Property Management in Orange County
Ca.