Clean Shower Hacks: How to Clean a Shower Like the Pros

Nothing beats the feeling of stepping into a clean shower, especially after a long day.

In this article, we show you how to clean a shower with top tips used by the pros. We share three methods to keep your shower clean from soap scum and mildew. Plus, discover a surefire way to remove stubborn stains and the best method for cleaning your shower head.

If you’re having trouble fitting cleaning into your busy life, we completely understand. Skip the hassle and use Homeaglow to hire an experienced, affordable cleaner near. 

Supplies you'll need for a clean shower

Before you clean your shower, gather these items:

• Hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, or baking soda (pick one)
• Dishwashing soap
• Soft microfiber towels or a squeegee
• A sponge or soft bristle brush
• Spray bottle

How to clean a shower (3 easy methods)

There are many ways to clean a shower. However, we’ve highlighted the three simplest and most effective methods. 

Clean a shower with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide works well for cleaning accumulated soap scum or mold growth in your shower. And the good news? It’s cheaper than store-bought shower cleaners, so you save some bucks, plus it’s more environmentally safe.

Take these steps to clean your shower with hydrogen peroxide.

Step 1: Declutter

Start by removing all shower products, accessories, and empty bottles. If you notice mold on any shower products, simply wipe each item clean with a towel dipped in hot water. 

Also remove any hair in the drain screen at this time. 

Step 2: Ventilate

Open the bathroom window and door to ventilate any hydrogen peroxide fumes and help the shower dry quickly. If you have a bathroom fan, turn that on as well.

Step 3: Clean with hydrogen peroxide

• Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide.
• Spray the hydrogen peroxide all over the surface of the shower.
• Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Scrub the shower with a soft bristle brush or sponge. 
• Rinse the shower thoroughly from top to bottom with warm water.
• To prevent water spots and streaks, use a squeegee or towel to dry all shower surfaces. 

Clean a shower with apple cider vinegar

Like white vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a natural home cleaner with built-in antimicrobial properties.  You can use it throughout the house to clean and disinfect everything from sink drains, electric stovetops, and even your microwave. 

The additional benefit of apple cider vinegar is that it smells better than white vinegar, which has a stronger odor. Here’s how to use apple cider vinegar to clean your shower.

• Declutter and ventilate your shower, as we explained in the method above.
• Fill a spray bottle with apple cider vinegar.
• Spray the vinegar all over the surface of the shower. Let sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Use a sponge or soft bristle brush to clean the shower, including cracks and crevices. 
• Rinse with clean water.
• Blot up any remaining water with a dry towel or a squeegee.

Clean a shower with baking soda and dish soap

This method is perfect for tough stains that hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar can’t get out.

Prepare the cleaning solution

• Fill a spray bottle or bowl with warm water. 
• Add a few drops of dish soap and 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to the water.
• Mix well until the baking soda is entirely dissolved. 

Apply the solution to your shower

Spray the solution evenly over the walls, floor, and fixtures. If you're using a bowl, splash the solution over the shower surfaces and spread it around with a sponge or piece of cloth.

Leave it to break down the stubborn stains for 15 minutes.

Scrub with a sponge

Scrub the shower surfaces carefully with a sponge or cloth, paying close attention to any spots with a lot of buildup or stains. 

Remember to rinse the sponge or cloth often to prevent the dirt from spreading around.

Rinse and dry

Rinse the entire shower thoroughly with warm water to remove the cleaning solution and any leftover dirt. Finally, wipe down the shower surfaces with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture and prevent water spots.

How to clean a shower head

If you have hard water, your shower head can get blocked with calcium deposits and sludge, resulting in slower water flow. Even if you don't have hard water, dirt and grime can cause similar problems over time. 

Here’s how to clean your shower head and get water running in no time.

• Fill a plastic bag with apple cider vinegar about halfway.
• Wrap the bag with the vinegar around the shower head, then fasten with a rubber band.
• Give the vinegar an hour or so to work its magic.
• Remove the bag and the rubber band. Use a toothbrush to scrub the shower head.
• Rinse with clean water.
• If the showerhead's spray holes are still blocked, use a toothpick to clear them.

It’s essential to clean your shower head at least once a month to remove mineral deposits and dirt. Besides making the water flow so much better, you also disinfect bacteria that use your shower head as its breeding ground.

For more tips on how to clean your shower or faucet heads, check out our comprehensive article: How to Clean a Faucet Head With or Without Vinegar.

How to clean a shower curtain

If you have a shower curtain, it’s best to clean it at least once a month. If your fabric or plastic shower curtain is machine washable, you can simply toss it into a washing machine, add baking soda and detergent, and set it to a warm, gentle cycle.

If your shower curtain isn’t machine washable, here’s how to wash it by hand.

• Add baking soda to a damp microfiber towel.
• Use the cloth to scrub the length and breadth of the shower curtain.
• Soak a fresh microfiber towel in clean water and wring it out. 
• Use this to wipe clean the shower curtain until all the baking soda is gone. 

If your shower has glass doors, make sure to read our article on how hotels keep their glass showers clean and free from water stains and mildew.

Clean shower hacks: Tips for keeping yours clean longer

The best way to have a clean shower is to maintain it regularly. Follow these clean shower hacks to keep yours in top shape in between deep cleans.

• Keep it dry: Wipe your shower down with a squeegee or a dry towel after every shower and after cleaning
• Run the fan: To remove any remaining moisture, run your bathroom fan for 10-15 minutes after showering
• Keep to a cleaning schedule: To keep up on soap scum, mold, and mildew, clean your shower weekly
• Tackle caulk problems immediately: Mold spores can lodge in caulk quickly, making them difficult to remove. Clean caulk at the first sign of trouble. Also, to prevent water (and eventually mold) from getting behind the caulk, replace any areas where it has chipped off.

Clean your shower like a pro

Keeping your shower free from mold, mildew, and water stains clean requires frequent maintenance and knowing how to clean it properly. The methods outlined in this article are simple, vetted, and used by professional cleaners.

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