Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can cause your nails to thicken, discolor, and even crumble. It’s often caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments – like your shower.
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, disinfecting your shower is a crucial step in preventing reinfection or spreading the fungus to others. Showers can easily harbor fungal spores, making them a breeding ground for the infection to persist.
So, how do you disinfect your shower from toenail fungus effectively? This article outlines the steps you can take to eliminate fungal spores and create a cleaner, healthier environment for your feet.
Is it toenail fungus? Is it in your shower?
Toenail fungus is no fun. Before you start scrubbing, take a minute to be sure that’s what you’re dealing with and that your shower is the culprit.
Toenail fungus symptoms
Toenail fungus may show up as:
- nails that are thicker than usual
- discoloration of the nail
- nails that break or crumble easily
- nails that look misshapen
Toenail fungus can also cause pain and discomfort. The sooner you start treating it, the better!
Shower risk factors
Fungus loves showers because they’re steamy and humid, just like hot tubs, where toenail fungus can also thrive. These are some factors that can increase the amount of fungus in your shower:
- sharing a shower with someone who has a fungal infection
- poor ventilation
Fungal infections can also spread through skin flakes and nail clippings, so it’s important to disinfect your shower regularly, especially if someone in your household has toenail fungus.
Getting ready to disinfect your shower
To disinfect your shower and keep toenail fungus from spreading, you’ll want to gather a few supplies. It’s also important to protect yourself while you’re cleaning.
What you’ll need
- Disinfectant. You can use bleach, antifungal sprays, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar. Bleach is very effective, but it can also damage surfaces and release fumes. Antifungal sprays are easy to use, but they may not be as strong. Hydrogen peroxide is a good all-around choice, but it can lighten some materials. Vinegar is a natural option, but it may not kill all the fungus.
- Gloves and mask. Wearing gloves and a mask will protect your skin and lungs from the chemicals in the disinfectants.
- Scrub brush and sponges. These will help you scrub away any fungus and grime.
- Paper towels. You’ll need these to wipe down the shower after you disinfect it.
Safety first
Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated while you’re disinfecting. Open a window or turn on the fan. When you’re done, throw away the paper towels and any other contaminated materials in a sealed bag.
How to disinfect your shower
Toenail fungus in the shower is no fun, but you can get rid of it if you’re willing to do a little cleaning.
Here’s how to disinfect your shower and get rid of that pesky fungus:
Step 1: Clear the decks
Take everything out of your shower stall or tub: shampoo and conditioner, soap, razors, washcloths, and anything else you keep in there. This is important because you don’t want to splash disinfectant on your personal care items.
Step 2: Rinse
Rinse the shower walls and floor with hot water to get rid of loose hairs and soap scum.
Step 3: Apply disinfectant
Now, it’s time to pick your weapon. You can use:
- Bleach
- An antifungal spray
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Vinegar
Whichever disinfectant you choose, spray it on every surface of your shower, including the walls, floor, showerhead, and faucet. Make sure you get good coverage and pay special attention to the grout and corners, where mold and mildew love to grow.
Let the disinfectant sit for the amount of time recommended on the label. In general, 10 minutes is enough time if you’re using bleach.
Step 4: Rinse again
Rinse all the surfaces thoroughly with hot water to remove any disinfectant residue.
Step 5: Dry
Dry the shower completely with clean towels or let it air dry. Drying is crucial because fungus loves a moist environment.
Targeting high-risk areas: Grout, showerheads, and drains
When you’re cleaning toenail fungus, you’ll want to pay special attention to the spots where it’s most likely to grow. These spots are grout, showerheads, and drains.
Disinfecting grout lines
Grout is porous, making it an ideal breeding ground for fungus. To disinfect grout, grab a grout brush and a bleach solution and get to work. You can also buy a specialized grout cleaner that contains antifungal ingredients.
Cleaning showerheads
You might not think about it, but showerheads can harbor bacteria and fungi. Soak your showerhead overnight in a vinegar solution to disinfect it. You can also clean the nozzles to remove mineral buildup.
Addressing drains
Drains accumulate organic matter, which creates an environment where fungus can grow. Use a drain cleaner with enzymes to break down the gunk, or try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. After cleaning, flush the drain with hot water.
Maintaining a Fungus-Free Shower: Prevention and Regular Cleaning
Once you’ve disinfected your shower, it’s time to think about keeping that toenail fungus from coming back. Here’s how to keep your shower clean going forward:
- Clean your shower weekly (at least!). Use a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down the shower walls, floor, and any glass doors.
- Improve ventilation. Open a window or turn on your bathroom fan after you shower. The goal is to keep the shower as dry as possible.
- Dry the shower after each use. Keep a squeegee in your shower and use it to wipe down the walls and glass after each shower.
- Don’t share towels or washcloths. Everyone in the household should have their own, including anti-fungal socks to help prevent the spread.
- Use an antifungal foot powder or spray. After showering, apply an antifungal product to your feet to help prevent reinfection, and consider using a shoe sanitizer to further eliminate fungal spores.
By keeping your shower clean and dry, you can prevent toenail fungus from taking hold in your bathroom!
Frequently Asked Questions
What household item kills toenail fungus?
Several household items can help combat toenail fungus, but vinegar (especially white vinegar) and tea tree oil are popular choices. Vinegar’s acidity can inhibit fungal growth, while tea tree oil possesses natural antifungal properties. Remember, these are often used as supplementary treatments, not replacements for prescribed medications.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
Absolutely not! Never attempt to cut off a toenail affected by fungus. This can lead to serious infections and complications. Instead, consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
How to sanitize nail clippers from fungus?
Sanitizing nail clippers is crucial to prevent spreading the fungus. After each use, thoroughly clean the clippers with soap and water. Then, soak them in a solution of rubbing alcohol or bleach for at least 10 minutes. Rinse well and allow them to air dry completely.
How do I get rid of fungus in my shower?
To eliminate fungus from your shower, regularly clean it with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Pay special attention to grout lines and corners where moisture tends to accumulate. Ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity, which promotes fungal growth.
How to disinfect a bathtub from foot fungus?
Disinfecting your bathtub after potential exposure to foot fungus is essential. Use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to scrub all surfaces thoroughly. Let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Make sure to ventilate the bathroom well during and after cleaning.
Putting It All Together
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, disinfecting your shower is a must. You don’t want to keep reinfecting yourself!
The main things to remember are preparation (remove clutter!), disinfection (bleach is your friend!), targeting high-risk areas (pay special attention to the floor and drain!), and prevention (keep the area dry!).
Follow these steps regularly, and you’ll have a much healthier shower environment and a better chance of kicking that toenail fungus for good.