Deep Cleaning Your Shower Safely Without Causing Damage
Tubs and showersare susceptible to scum buildup and mildewed grout joints.
Before You Begin
It is not advisable to use apressure washerindoors.
At least tubs and showers naturally drain water away, helping drain out the water.
Thomas Winz / Getty Images
Theoretically, a pressure washer can clean grimy indoor surfaces in a bathtub or shower.
When used correctly, a pressure washer can clean better than abrasives, scrubbing, orsteam cleaning.
But there are issues to consider first.
Water coming into the houseor to exterior hose bibs has a pressure of between 40 to 60 psi.
Garden hoses can increase that pressure to 100 to 200 psi.
Any water inside the wall will cause rot and mold, leading to expensive repairs.
There are many instances where it is not advised.
While you must make a run at control the overspray, be prepared for moisture throughout the bathroom.
It’s also a good idea to have plenty of large towels nearby to mop up the water.
Connect a garden hose to the pressure washer.
Feed the pressure washer hose and nozzle through the window and into the bathroom.
Plug the pressure washer into the nearestGFCI outlet.
Warning
Never run a gas-powered pressure washer indoors.
Gas engines emit deadly carbon monoxide gas and must be fully ventilated at all times when running.
Adjust the Spray and Pressure
Attach a fan-spray tip to the pressure washer spray nozzle.
Never use a pinpoint tip, which can easily damage the grout.
Set the spray pressure at a low setting.
The sprayer may likely begin to dislodge more grout and possibly even the tiles themselves.
This method only works on tile walls that are very solidly attached, with grout that is completely intact.
After you finish a complete pass, move down about 6 inches and do another pass.
By starting at the top, you ensure that debris keeps moving downward, away from cleaned areas.
You want as much water as possible to drain back into the tub and down the drain.
The remaining portion of the surround should be cleaned by hand scrubbing with an abrasive nylon pad.
Finish Up
Turn off the pressure washer, and feed the hose back outside.
Dry the bathroom floor with a mop or clean rags, as needed.
Power washing and pressure washing both use high-pressure water.
1, 2022, p. 100110. doi:10.1016/j.fastrc.2021.100110
NIOSH Warns of Deadly Carbon Monoxide Hazard from Using Pressure Washers Indoors.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Small Gasoline Powered Engines and Tools.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
