How to Clean a Shower Floor So It’s Free From Grime and Mold

A clean shower floor is to a relaxing shower what a smile is to humans – they’re not complete without the other.

However, without proper cleaning and maintenance, soap scum, mineral deposits, stubborn stains, and mildew accumulate on the shower floors and tarnish the once-gleaming, clean surface. 

In this article, we show you how to clean a shower floor with three easy methods that will rid your ceramic, porcelain, fiberglass, or acrylic from grime and mold and bring back that shine. 

What you’ll need

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Water
• Sponge or scrub brush
• Squeegee or old towel
• Small bowl or container

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How to clean a shower floor (3 ways)

To clean a shower floor made of ceramic, porcelain tiles, fiberglass, or acrylic, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the floor and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Next, scrub the floor with a brush or sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Lastly, dry the floor with a squeegee or towel.

We’ve included more detailed instructions for this method below. If your shower floor is made of natural stone like marble, granite, or travertine, skip ahead to method three. 

Method 1: Vinegar and baking soda

Follow these detailed steps to clean your shower floor with baking soda and vinegar. 

Make a paste

Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl or container to create a paste. Note that this cleaning method is suitable for ceramic or porcelain tiles, fiberglass, and acrylic shower floors. 

However, if your shower is made of natural stone floors like marble, granite, or travertine, use methods three (dish soap), or use a pH-neutral cleaner recommended for stone surfaces.

Apply the paste to the shower floor

Apply the vinegar and baking soda paste to the shower floor using your brush or sponge. Focus on areas that are particularly dirty or stained. 

Let it sit

Allow the vinegar and baking soda paste to sit on the shower floor for about 15-30 minutes. This will give the mixture time to work on breaking down dirt, grime, and soap scum. 

Scrub with a brush or sponge

After the paste has had enough time to sit, take your brush or sponge and begin scrubbing the shower floor. Use circular motions and apply gentle pressure to loosen and remove the dirt and grime. Pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or areas with buildup. 

Rinse thoroughly

Once you’ve scrubbed the entire shower floor, thoroughly rinse it with water. You can use a handheld showerhead or a bucket of water to rinse away the vinegar and baking soda residue. Make sure to rinse off all the paste from the surface and the grout lines.

Dry the floor

Lastly, use a towel or squeegee to remove any excess water from the shower floor. This will help prevent water spots and keep the floor clean and shiny. Then properly ventilate the bathroom to allow the shower floor to air dry completely.

Pro tip: You can also use this method if you have pink mold in your shower.

Method 2: Ammonia

To clean your shower floor with ammonia, follow these steps.

• Ventilate: Open windows or run exhaust fans to ensure adequate airflow. This is crucial, as ammonia fumes can be harmful when inhaled.
• Gather supplies: You’ll need a bucket, ammonia, water, a sponge, and a scrub brush.
• Apply protective gear: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from irritation. 
• Mix solution: Dilute 1 cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. This dilution makes it safer to use.
• Apply to floor: Dip a sponge or scrub brush into the diluted ammonia solution and apply it to the shower floor. 
• Scrub: Scrub the floor thoroughly with the sponge or scrub brush, applying moderate pressure to remove dirt and buildup. 
• Rinse well: After scrubbing, rinse the shower floor thoroughly with clean water. 

You can use ammonia to clean shower floors made of non-porous surfaces such as ceramic or porcelain tiles and fiberglass. However, avoid using ammonia on natural stone, unglazed tiles, or any other porous surfaces, as it can cause damage or discoloration.

Meanwhile, if you’ve ever wondered how hotels manage to keep their glass shower doors spotless, you should read our insider tricks for how hotels keep glass shower doors clean and free of water stains and mildew.

Method 3: Dish soap

Use this method to clean a shower floor made of porous or non-porous material.

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need mild dish soap, warm water, a bucket, soft cloth or sponge, and a scrub brush.
• Wet the area: Wet the shower floor with plain water. 
• Mix solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Mix well to create a soapy solution. Avoid using excessive amounts of soap to prevent excess suds.
• Wet a cloth: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy solution, ensuring it’s thoroughly soaked. Squeeze out any excess water, leaving the cloth or sponge damp but not dripping. 
• Apply solution: Apply the soapy solution, starting from one end of the shower and working your way across the floor. 
• Scrub tough surfaces: For textured surfaces, tougher stains, grout lines, and corners, use a scrub brush with soft bristles to clean these places where dirt and grime tend to accumulate.
• Rinse well: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the shower floor with clean water. Ensure all the soap residue is removed. This step is crucial to prevent any slippery surfaces.
• Dry well: Finally, thoroughly dry the shower floor using a clean towel or allow it to air dry completely. Proper drying helps to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

Mild dish soap is generally safe for porous and non-porous shower floor materials, including ceramic or porcelain tiles, fiberglass, and acrylic. However, always perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility, especially for delicate surfaces. 

Additionally, avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the shower floor.

For more tips on how to keep your bathroom and shower clean from soap scum and mildew, check out our comprehensive articles: 

• Clean shower hacks: How to clean a shower like the pros
• How often should you clean your bathroom? All the answers

What is the best thing to clean shower floors with?

• Ceramic/porcelain: Use mild dish soap; avoid abrasives.
• Natural stone: Use pH-neutral stone cleaners; avoid vinegar.
• Unglazed tiles: Use mild dish soap or pH-neutral tile cleaners. Avoid acidic/abrasive cleaners.
• Fiberglass/acrylic: Use mild dish soap or non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid abrasives/harsh chemicals.

What is the easiest way to clean a shower floor?

The easiest way to clean a shower floor is by using mild dish soap and warm water. Wet the floor, apply the soapy solution, and gently scrub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry. This method is quick, effective, and suitable for most shower floor materials.

How do you get dirt off the bottom of a shower floor?

First, create a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water. Then, apply the paste directly on the shower floor stains. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Next, use a brush or sponge to gently scrub the stains in circular motions. Rinse the floor thoroughly with water and dry with a squeegee.

Get dirt and stubborn stains off your shower floor

Remember to choose the appropriate cleaning product based on your shower floor material to avoid damage and discoloration. Additionally, regularly clean the shower floor to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and stubborn stains.

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