Mandy PhillipsA slippery bathroom feels like a personal minefield.
Surely you don’t have to call for a bomb squad every time you step out of the shower… But we definitely feel the same way!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people in America suffer life-threatening injuries from the shower floor, and bathtub falls every year.
So how can you make sure that your shower and bathtub do not turn on you?
For starters, let’s get to the roots of your problem.
9 times out of 10, your shower floor and bathtub are slippery because of the accumulation of leftovers from soap, bathing gel, shampoo, and the likes used in bathing and washing.
Residues from soap, bath gels, and shampoos can form scum and mildew. Worse yet, these can be very difficult to clean off.
But don’t be afraid, we’ve got your back… and your front!
Here are the five proven methods to get rid of a slippery shower floor and bathtub once and forever.
Method #1: Establish a cleaning routine
This one is rather obvious, but the easiest and most affordable way of getting rid of a slippery shower or a bathtub is through regular personal hygiene.
If you take proper care to clean your bathtub and shower floor regularly, you’ll keep your bathroom free from moisture and slickness.
How do you properly clean your shower or bathtub?
Follow this simple two-step technique:
- Mix baking soda in white vinegar and pour on your shower floor or bathtub using a sponge or a brush and scrub it properly
- Rinse off with water and dry with a clean, dry mop.
Note: You can also mix lemon juice in vinegar and clean off the shower doors to kill mildew.
Besides, you may also outsource your shower or tub cleaning to a residential cleaning company near you to relieve the stress of doing it yourself.
Method #2: Place a shower mat
In general, shower mats are pretty standard, affordable, and available in a variety of sizes. So no matter the size of your bathtub, you will not have any trouble finding a mat that fits it.
Shower mats are made of rubber, plastic, vinyl, or PVC. Suction cups allow these mats to stick to surfaces without slipping.
But there’s a catch: just like your shower and bathtub, the shower mat requires regular scrubbing. Also, it should be more corrosive scrubbing due to the texture and structure.
Why does the shower mat require scrubbing at all? Because moisture finds its way beneath the mat and provides a breeding site for bacteria, mold, and mildew.
The moisture will slowly affect the mat’s grip, and it will start slipping, causing the same problem you were trying to avoid.
Bear in mind that some mats provide extra suction for cases like these. The Gorilla Grip Shower Mat, for example, is unlikely to slip because it is equipped with over 300 suction cups.
You can get this or other shower mats at your local stores, or you can check on Amazon for shower mats.
Note: The shower mat is recommended for shower floors and bathtubs with smooth surfaces because it doesn’t stick to rough surfaces like marbles and its likes.
Method #3: Get anti-slip adhesive treads
You can add traction to your shower floor with anti-slip treads that are less noticeable.
Be sure to choose the ones that are used for bathtubs or shower floors!
These are tiny delicate tapes with a rough surface and sticky backing you install on your shower floor or bathtub to make them less slippery.
Some reviews state treads are challenging to install and rough to the touch, plus they easily peel off. In our experience, it only peels off if not installed properly, such as on a wet floor.
Therefore, it is advised to dry the floor properly before installation, and even if it peels off over time, you can easily buy and install new ones.
One advantage of this method is the easiness of use and the fact that you do not have to scrub your bathtub or shower floor, and you would not even notice you have something on your floor.
So, it’s just like placing a magic mat that prevents you from slipping.
Method #4: Apply an anti-slip formula.
Another way to give your shower floor that extra traction is to use liquid anti-slip coatings.
Follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply an Anti-slip formula.
- Clean your shower/bathtub thoroughly and dry it off
- Using tape, mark the part most used during bathing.
- Pour the liquid on the surface and spread it using a roller
- Let everything dry out
How would you know the Anti-slip formula is dried out? The milky color will disappear, and the surface will become as clear as it used to be.
This method is suitable because it gives little traction, yet it’s invisible. You ought to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges if you want to keep it that way.
If you get this anti-slip formula, make sure it has low VOCs, meaning it’s an environmentally friendly product.
Method #5: Get a new bathtub.
Warning, expensive!
If you want to avoid spending money to fix your expensive bathtub that is already slippery, a better solution might be to replace the tub altogether.
Go to your local store, pick a bathtub that suits your style, and ask personnel to test how slippery it is.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, everyone who uses a bathtub or a shower with a slippery floor is at risk.
But this is especially true for elderly people and young kids who are yet to find their balance.
Make sure you address the slippery floor problem.
