How to Clean a Shower in 6 Steps

Incorporate these steps into your regular cleaning routine.

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Time

A few minutes

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$5–10

Introduction

Cleaning your shower is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself — almost as nice as clean sheets. Do this on the regular for a more enjoyable shower experience.

Tools Required

  • Soft Sponge
  • Soft-bristle brush

Materials Required

  • All-purpose cleaner/disinfectant
  • Baking soda

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

De-clutter

  • Start by removing all accessories and products from the shower: shampoo bottles, soap, scrub brush, razors, etc.

removing products from shower in preparation for cleaningJoe Cruz/Family Handyman

Step 2

Clear the Drain

hair in the shower drainJoe Cruz/Family Handyman

Step 3

Pre-Rinse

  • Rinse the walls of the shower with warm water before applying any cleaner.

rinsing the shower walls with shower headJoe Cruz/Family Handyman

Step 4

Wash and Rinse

cleaning the shower walls with a yellow spongeJoe Cruz/Family Handyman

Step 5

Shower Floor

  • Clean the tub or shower floor in the same manner as the walls. Spray the shower floor with the bathroom cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a soft bristle brush or sponge. Rinse the wall completely with warm water. For extra help with stubborn stains, try baking soda with a soft bristle brush.

using baking soda paste to clean showerJoe Cruz/Family Handyman

Step 6

Shower Door and Curtain

  • Cleaning a glass shower door with soap scum and limescale dried on it can be extra challenging. To avoid this, get in the habit of running a squeegee across the glass door after every shower.
  • To clean your glass shower door, start by rinsing it with water, then spraying the entire glass door with your favorite bathroom cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a microfiber cloth or sponge and rinse with warm water. Squeegee or wipe it dry with a clean dry cloth.

Shower Cleaning Squeegee being used on the shower glassJoe Cruz/Family Handyman

  • If you have a shower curtain, remove the curtain and the liner. Throw both in the washing machine and run a regular cycle with warm or hot water. You can dry the curtain in the clothes dryer, but hang up the liner to dry immediately after washing. Sometimes it’s best to just replace the shower curtain liner.

removing the shower curtainJoe Cruz/Family Handyman