How to Clean a Shower Drain Using Common Household Staples

Few things can interrupt the calm of a steamy shower like standing ankle-deep in slow-draining water. Cleaning your shower drains is one of those little household cleaning tasks that can all too easily be overlooked—until you no longer can. But with just a touch of routine care and the right materials, your shower drain can stay fresh and odor- and clog-free.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to clean your shower drain, whether you’re tackling a stubborn clog or simply trying to prevent problems before they start.

Why Cleaning Your Shower Drain Is So Important

Shower drains collect more than just water. Hair, soap scum, conditioner residue, and the occasional surprise (looking at you, stray bobby pin) all make their way down. Over time, this combination can lead to blockages, unpleasant odors, and even minor plumbing issues. "A clean drain will keep water flowing freely and will prevent mildew and odors," explains cleaning professional Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image.

Most shower drains will benefit from weekly maintenance and a monthly deep clean, Arias-Spinelli recommends.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Shower Drain

A little consistency goes a long way in preventing shower drain build-up. Here’s what a quick, gentle clean might look like as part of your regular routine.

Materials Needed:

• Rubber gloves (optional)
  
• Drain snake
• Boiling water
• Mild dish soap or all-purpose cleaner
• Soft scrub brush (or old toothbrush)
  

Instructions:

1. Remove any visible debris. It’s recommended you wear rubber gloves before you get to cleaning. (Drains can hold some gross stuff!) Take off the drain cover if it’s removable, and remove any visible hair or gunk. 
2. Use a drain snake. Slip a simple hand snake down the drain, carefully maneuvering it around downwards and in a circular motion. Slowly remove it from the drain and clear it of hair and soap scum.
3. Flush with boiling water. Slowly pour boiling water down the drain. This can help loosen and rinse away remaining soap scum and build-up. (Note: You may want to skip this step if you have PVC pipes—check your plumbing's material and any applicable heat capacities.)
4. Scrub the drain's surface. Using a soft-bristled scrub brush or an old toothbrush, clean the drain's surface with a dish soap and water solution or an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse away any soapy residue.
   

If you don't have one already, we recommend investing in an inexpensive drain cover to help catch hair and debris before they can reach the drain. Additionally, heavy conditioners and oil-based skin and hair treatments can build up in drains over time. After using these products, flush the drain with hot water to help wash them away and prevent future clogs.

How to Deep Clean Your Shower Drain

If water is draining slowly or you've noticed an odor, there may be a buildup in your shower drain that needs to be removed via a thorough deep clean. Even if your shower is draining just fine, it’s recommended that you perform a deep clean about once a month to prevent future issues, says Arias-Spinelli. If your shower gets a ton of use (like if you live in a large household), it may benefit from more frequent cleaning.

When the time comes, reach for these household staples: baking soda and vinegar. Together, they'll work to deodorize and scrub the drain clear of stubborn clogs.

Materials Needed:

• Rubber gloves (optional)
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
  
• Drain snake
• Boiling water
• Mild dish soap
• Soft scrub brush (or old toothbrush)

Instructions:

1. Remove debris with a drain snake. Take off the drain cover if it’s removable and clear the drain of any visible debris. Then, use the drain snake to remove already-loosened hair and gunk.
2. Run the hot water. Run hot water for a minute or two to loosen clogs.
3. Pour in your DIY cleaning mixture. Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda. Then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
4. Let sit. Cover the drain (with a cleaning cloth, old bowl, etc.) to maximize the cleaning benefits of these two powerhouse ingredients. Allow to sit for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Flush with hot or boiling water. After allowing the mixture to work its magic, flush away any clogs and the cleaning solution by pouring hot or boiling water down the drain.
6. Scrub the drain. Wipe away any grime with a scrub brush or old toothbrush and a mild dish soap solution.
7. Final rinse. Rinse away any residue.