How to Clean a Shower So It Sparkles from Top to Bottom (2024)

• Working Time:20 minutes
• Total Time:30 minutes
• Skill Level:Beginner
• Estimated Cost:$10

The Ultimate Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

How to Clean a Shower Made of Fiberglass

Showers made from fiberglass or acrylic are popular in many homes because they're relatively inexpensive and straightforward to install. This type of shower is also reasonably easy to keep clean with a few household ingredients. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools that could scratch the surface when cleaning a fiberglass shower.

1. Spray Shower with Cleaner

   After removing all shower accessories and bottles, spray the entire area with a commercial shower cleaner ($2, Walmart) or a DIY shower cleaning solution of equal parts vinegar and dish soap. Don't forget the hardware as well; soap scum quickly builds up on shower faucets. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean around faucets and in corners.

2. Let Sit and Scrub

   To remove grime from the shower floor, sprinkle the area with baking soda while it's still wet from the vinegar-dish soap solution. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

3. Rinse and Wipe Dry

   Rinse the entire shower with water, and wipe away excess water with a squeegee or towel to prevent water spots.

How to Clean a Shower Made of Tile

Showers with ceramic or porcelain tiles are durable and low-maintenance, but the grout between tiles can be a magnet for grime and mildew. The chore is made far easier by using a top-quality shower tile cleaner.

1. Spray Shower with Cleaner

   Spray shower tiles with a commercial tile cleaner ($2, The Home Depot) or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and dish soap.

2. Let Sit and Scrub

   Wait several minutes to allow the cleaning solution to break up soap scum and hard water deposits, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

3. Rinse and Wipe Dry

   Rinse well. Remove excess water from the surface with a squeegee or towel.

4. Clean Grout

   To clean grout in the shower, apply a mixture of two parts baking soda with one part vinegar using a grout brush ($4, Target) or an old toothbrush. After about five minutes, scrub the grout lines and rinse clean.

How to Clean a Shower Made of Stone

Stone showers, including those made from granite, marble, travertine, and other natural stone, require special cleaning methods, as the material's permeability makes it vulnerable to scratches and stains. Never use harsh tile cleaners or acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice, as these can damage the stone's surface.

1. Apply Cleaning Solution

   Use cleaning products specifically designed for your type of stone or a small amount of mild dish soap mixed with water. Gently buff using a sponge or microfiber cloth.

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2. Rinse, Dry, and Maintain

   Rinse clean and dry immediately with a soft towel.

   You should also wipe your stone shower dry after each use. Polish the surface weekly and cover it with a stone sealer twice a year.

How to Clean Shower Doors

Make your glass shower doors sparkle and shine.

1. Apply Cleaning Solution

   Warm some distilled white vinegar in the microwave and mix it with an equal proportion of dish soap. Pour your DIY glass cleaner into a spray bottle and coat both sides of the doors.

2. Wipe, Rinse, and Dry

   After about 30 minutes, use a damp sponge and clean water to wipe away the cleaning solution and dry with a microfiber cloth.

   If you're worried about damaging surrounding stone surfaces, swap the vinegar solution for a mixture of baking soda and dish soap. Apply the paste to the glass shower doors and gently scrub using a non-scratch sponge ($3, Target). Clean the shower door track with a soft toothbrush and gentle dishwashing liquid. Rinse well.

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How to Clean a Showerhead

You can get rid of mineral deposits and buildup from your showerhead without even removing it.

1. Soak Showerhead

   Fill a plastic bag with distilled white vinegar, slip it over the showerhead, and secure with a rubber band.

2. Dry and Polish

   Wait about one hour before removing the bag and turning on the water to flush. Dry and polish the showerhead with a soft cloth.

   Repeat this process about once a month to keep your showerhead free from buildup.

How to Clean a Shower Drain

Fix a slow-moving shower drain with the help of a wire hanger and a few household ingredients.

1. Remove Drain Cover

   Start by removing the drain's cover and soaking it in white vinegar to remove soapy residue.

2. Remove Clog and Rinse

   Use pliers to straighten out a wire hanger and make a hook at one end. Carefully lower the wire into the drain and use the hooked end to pull out the clog, repeating as needed until the drain is clear. Run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining buildup.

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How to Clean Shower Curtains and Liners

Shower curtains and liners can harbor dust, germs, and mold or mildew, but they're simple to clean. Most can be machine-washed; check the instructions on the care tag to make sure. Remove the rings or clips and toss the curtain and liner in the washer on a gentle cycle in warm water. Rehang and let air dry.

Best Shower Cleaning Tools

The right cleaning supplies will make scrubbing dirt and grime in your shower much easier. For starters, a brush will do a better job than a sponge at loosening soap scum and water deposits. Look for one with a diamond-shaped head ($14, Target), which will reach into corners easier than a brush with a flat head. You should also keep a squeegee ($11, Target) or an absorbent bath towel handy to clear away excess water from walls and doors after each shower, which helps prevent water spots and soap scum buildup. You can often find squeegees with suction-cup handles that can be attached to the shower wall for convenience.

The best shower cleaner will depend on your shower's material. Certain surfaces require special care, so be sure to use cleaning solutions and scrubbers that won't harm the material of your shower. Daily shower cleaning sprays ($3, Target) are a convenient way to prevent soap buildup that works for most materials. Following the manufacturer's directions, spray shower walls after you step out of the shower. Keep in mind that using too much spray causes streaking. Some sprays also contain an oily ingredient designed to repel water and soap; these products should be applied only to shower walls to avoid slippery, unsafe floors.

Kitchen Cleaning Guides

When cleaning, your kitchen requires lots of attention to detail to make it a safe place for cooking and eating. These guides will help you keep surfaces clean with regular use.

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