The Easiest Way to Clean Every Type of Shower

Stepping into a dirty shower every morning isn’t the best way to start the day. Over time soap scum, skin cells, hair, and bacteria form on the shower walls, floors, and door. These build-ups lead to mildew and mold growth, which is not only gross, but also bad for your health.

A weekly cleaning routine will keep your shower in great shape and is a task you can complete in ten minutes. We’ll show you the best way to clean every type of shower.

how to clean a shower

What to Do Before Cleaning a Shower

Before cleaning your shower, remove all toiletries and ventilate the room. If you have a cloth shower curtain that looks dirty, wash it according to the care instructions. (Leave the plastic shower curtain liner in place.)


How to Clean an Acrylic or Fiberglass Shower

Fiberglass and acrylic are two of the most common shower surrounds since they’re inexpensive and easy for DIYers to install. These materials are durable and easy to clean, but since they’re not scratch-resistant, avoid all abrasive cleaners and brushes. 

Materials for cleaning a fiberglass or acrylic shower:

  • Soft-bristled shower scrub brush with a long handle
  • Spray bottle filled with half vinegar and half water OR your favorite non-bleach shower cleaner
  • Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
  • A towel

Step 1: Steam the Shower

Turn on the hot water to its highest setting and rinse the shower walls and floor. Let the hot water run for five minutes to loosen dirt and soap scum.

Step 2: Spray with Your Cleaner

Spray the entire shower with your cleaner, including walls, shelves, and floors. Allow the cleaner to sit for five minutes. 

Step 3: Scrub with Your Brush and Rinse

Use your soft-bristled scrub brush to scrub everywhere. If you don’t have a brush, use a microfiber rag instead. Then, rinse with hot water.

Step 4: Tackle Stains with a Magic Eraser

Dampen a Magic Eraser and tackle stains and moldy caulk lines. Rinse when finished.

Step 5: Dry with a Towel

Dry the shower surround and floor with a fresh towel.

Clean A Dirty Fiberglass Shower Floor

Fiberglass shower floors are prone to developing orange and yellow stains. If yours didn’t come clean with a Magic Eraser, scrub it with a baking soda paste.

  • Add ½ cup of baking soda to a bowl and enough water until a paste forms.
  • Apply the paste to the floor with a damp microfiber cloth and circular motions.

The mild abrasiveness of baking soda will lift the dirt without scratching the surface. Allow the baking soda to dry, then rinse it down the drain.

How to Clean a Fiberglass Shower

How to Clean a Ceramic Tile Shower

Ceramic tile is durable and can withstand most cleaning products. The biggest issue is the development of mold and mildew in the grout lines, which you can tackle with a bleach-based cleaner.

Materials to clean a ceramic tile shower:

  • Shower Cleaner (Recommended: Clorox Tilex as a shower wall cleaner to kill mold and mildew, safe for glazed ceramic tile.) 
  • Soft-bristled, non-abrasive scrub brush with a long handle 
  • A towel 

Step 1: Run Hot Water in the Shower

After removing toiletries, rinse the shower wall and floor. Then, turn the hot water on its highest setting and let it steam for five minutes to loosen the grime.

Step 2: Spray the Shower with Your Cleaner

Spray the tile, shower floor, and grout lines with Clorox Tilex and let it sit. Within five minutes, it will start breaking down mold and mildew, cleaning your shower walls.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

Use your soft-bristled scrub brush to scrub the grout lines and tile. Rinse with hot water afterward.

Step 4: Dry with a Towel

Dry the shower with a fresh towel.

Prevent Mold Growth on Your Grout Lines

To prevent the recurrence of mold and mildew on your tile and grout lines, spray them with a daily shower cleaner. You also need to seal your grout lines every few months. Grout is pourous, so when left unsealed it absorbs moisture, leading to mold growth.


cleaning marble shower walls

How to Clean a Natural Stone Shower

Natural stone showers are the most delicate, requiring careful scrubbing and a Ph-neutral cleaner. Because you can’t use harsh cleaners on natural stone, cleaning the shower at least once per week is essential to prevent build-up.

Materials to clean a stone shower:

  • Acid-free stone cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water
  • Microfiber cloth 
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
  • A dry towel

Step 1: Spray the Shower

Spray the shower with your stone cleaner. If you don’t have a stone cleaner, add ½ teaspoon of gentle dish soap to two cups of water and place it in a spray bottle. 

Step 2: Wipe with a Soft Microfiber Cloth

Wipe the shower walls and floors with your microfiber cloth. Use extra elbow grease when necessary. For the grout lines, use your stone cleaner plus a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Tip: If your grout lines look dingy, try one of these grout cleaners – just be sure the product is safe for natural stone.

Step 3: Dry the Shower

Use a fresh microfiber cloth or towel to dry the shower walls and floor.

Prevent Mold and Soap Scum Formation on a Stone Shower

Add a stone sealant to your shower as the manufacturer recommends – usually twice per year. The sealant protects the stone from absorbing bacteria and soap scum.


Clean Your Shower Head

Those with hard water will notice mineral build-up on the shower head, which looks like orange, yellow, or white gunk. You can clean your shower head with vinegar to improve your water pressure and remove build-up.

  • Fill an sandwich bag with white distilled vinegar and secure with a rubber band, making sure the shower head is submerged.
  • Allow it to sit for three hours.
  • Remove the bag, scrub the nozzles with a soft bristled toothbrush, and rinse.

Clean Your Shower Drain

Clean your shower drain at least once per month to prevent stinky odors. If you’ve experienced any standing water, you can also take the time to unclog your shower drain with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. 

How to clean and freshen the shower drain:

  • Dump a pot of boiling water down the drain
  • Add one cup of baking soda to the drain
  • Add one cup of vinegar to the drain
  • Wait five minutes and flush with hot water

Clean Your Glass Shower Door

Glass shower doors are often plagued with a build-up of soap scum and mineral deposits. Blast through this grime, with a mixture of dish soap and vinegar. 

(Note: don’t use this method for a natural stone shower – the acid in vinegar can cause damage. Instead try one of these shower glass cleaners.)

  • Fill an empty spray bottle with equal parts white distilled vinegar and dish soap
  • Spray the glass shower door
  • Allow the mixture to sit for thirty minutes and then scrub with sponge
  • Rinse with hot water
  • Use a Magic Eraser if there are still dirty spots on the door

After Cleaning the Shower

Wipe down your shampoo, soap, and conditioner bottles before placing them back on the shelf.

How Often to Clean Your Shower

Clean your shower once per week. After the initial deep clean, weekly cleanings will be quick and efficient. To cut down on soap scum and mold build-up, consider spraying your shower with a daily tub and tile cleaner after each use.