The surfaces in your shower might not be as clean as you think. Over time, dirt, dust, hard water spots, mildew, soap scum, and other residue can build up, making it difficult to clean and leaving your shower looking less than fresh. But don’t worry – with a bit of daily after-shower upkeep and a deeper cleaning once a week, you can keep your shower looking new. Use our guide below to learn how to clean a shower made from fiberglass, tile, and stone.
The best time to clean your shower is right after you use it. The surface is already wet, and the steam has loosened dirt, making your job easier. Get a sparkling shower with minimal scrubbing using these easy cleaning tips.
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How to Clean a Fiberglass Shower
Cleaning a fiberglass shower is easy with a few household ingredients. You don’t need to use any special cleaners – just avoid using any abrasive scrubbing tools that could scratch the surface.
What You Need
- Commercial shower cleaner
- Vinegar (optional)
- Dish soap (optional)
- Soft-bristle brush
- Baking soda
- Squeegee
- Towel
Step 1: Spray Shower with Cleaner
To clean your shower, start by removing all shower accessories and bottles. Then, spray the entire area with a commercial shower cleaner or a DIY cleaning solution made of equal parts vinegar and dish soap. Don’t forget to clean the hardware as well; soap scum easily builds up on shower faucets. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean around faucets and in corners.
Step 2: Let Sit and Scrub
If you want to remove grime from your shower floor, sprinkle baking soda over the area while it’s still wet from the vinegar-dish soap solution. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 3: Rinse and Wipe Dry
To prevent water spots, rinse the entire shower with water and wipe away any excess water with a squeegee or towel.
How to Clean a Tile Shower
Ceramic and porcelain tile showers are strong and require little upkeep, but the grout between tiles is susceptible to dirt and mildew.
What You Need
- Commercial tile cleaner
- Vinegar (optional)
- Dish soap (optional)
- Soft-bristle brush
- Squeegee
- Baking soda
- Grout brush
- Old toothbrush (optional)
Step 1: Spray Shower with Cleaner
You can clean your shower tiles with a commercial tile cleaner ($3, The Home Depot) or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and dish soap.
Step 2: Let Sit and Scrub
Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to break up soap scum and hard water deposits, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
Step 3: Rinse and Wipe Dry
Rinse well. Remove excess water from the surface with a squeegee or towel.
Step 4: Clean Grout
To clean grout in the shower, mix two parts baking soda with one part vinegar. Apply the mixture to the grout lines using a grout brush ($3.79, Target) or an old toothbrush. Scrub for about five minutes, then rinse clean.
How to Clean a Stone Shower
Stone showers are beautiful but they require special care when cleaning to avoid damaging the natural stone. Harsh tile cleaners and acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can etch or scratch the surface of marble, granite, travertine, and other natural stone showers, so it’s best to avoid using them. Instead, look for cleaning products that are made specifically for natural stone.
What You Need
- Stone cleaning solution
- Mild dish soap (optional)
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth (optional)
- Soft towel
Step 1: Apply Cleaning Solution
Use a cleaning product that is designed specifically for your type of stone, or create a mild dish soap and water mixture. Gently buff the surface using a sponge or microfiber cloth.
Step 2: Rinse, Dry, and Maintain
Rinse your shower stone clean and dry it immediately with a soft towel after each use. You should also wipe the surface dry to prevent water spots. Polish the stone weekly and apply a stone sealer twice a year to keep it looking new.
How to Clean Shower Curtains and Liners
Curtain and liner care is simple – most can be machine-washed (always check the care tag first). For a deep clean, remove the rings or clips and wash on a gentle cycle in warm water. Rehang and let air dry.
Best Shower Cleaning Tools
Having the appropriate cleaning supplies on hand will make it much easier to remove dirt and grime from your shower. A brush, for example, will do a better job than a sponge at loosening soap scum and water deposits. When shopping for a brush, look for one with a diamond-shaped head ($13.99, Target), as it will reach into corners more easily than a brush with a flat head.
You should also keep a squeegee ($10.99, Target) or an absorbent bath towel nearby to clear away excess water from walls and doors after each shower. This will help prevent water spots and soap scum buildup.
When it comes to finding the best shower cleaner, it will all come down to what your shower is made out of. Some surfaces require more delicate care than others, so be sure to use cleaning solutions and scrubbers that won’t damage or scratch the material. Daily shower cleaning sprays ($2.99, Target) are an effective and convenient way to prevent soap buildup and can work for most materials.
Following the manufacturer’s directions, spray shower walls after each use. Keep in mind that using too much spray can cause streaking. Some sprays also contain an oily ingredient designed to repel water and soap;