The shower stall is the part of the bathroom where you take a shower from. It can be a walk-in shower or have a bathtub, shower panel, overhead or handheld shower head, and other parts. Knowing how to clean a shower stall helps prevent damage to its parts. It also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Clean shower stall walls with a mix of 1 cup of ammonia, ½ cup of white vinegar, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 1 gallon of hot water. Apply it to the wall with a sponge, then scrub with a brush before rinsing with hot water. Pat dry. The easiest way to clean a shower stall is to wipe and air it afterward.
Some of the best commercial shower stall cleaners include Clorox for mold and CLR Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover. These cleaners can be used on various surfaces and to clean various types of dirt.
How to Clean Shower Stall
Most shower stall cleaning methods use vinegar either alone or mixed with other substances. As such, most of these methods explain how to clean a shower with vinegar.
These methods can be used to clean different types of dirt and parts of the shower stall, as described in the sections below.
| Surface/Dirt | Cleaners and How to Clean |
| Mold and mildew | 1 part chlorine bleach and 2 parts water. How: Apply and scrub after 10 minutes then rinse. |
| Glass shower doors | White vinegar. How: Wipe and let dry. |
| Hard water deposits | Porcelain tub: liquid cleanser and water. How: Apply and scrub with a sponge, then rinse. Acrylic tub: dish soap and warm water. How: Apply and scrub with a sponge, then rinse. Plastic tub: cleaner with water. How: Apply and scrub with a sponge, then rinse. Fiberglass tubs: cleaner and water. How: Spray and wipe, then rinse. |
| Water spots | Lemon essential oil and water. How: Spray and wipe after 30 minutes. |
| Soap scum | 1 part liquid softener and 1 part warm water. How: Spray and wipe. |
| Bathtubs | Porcelain tub: liquid cleanser and water. How: Apply and scrub with a sponge, then rinse. Acrylic tub: dish soap and warm water. How: Apply and scrub with a sponge, then rinse. Plastic tub: cleaner with water. How: Apply and scrub with a sponge, then rinse. Fiberglass tubs: cleaner and water. How: Spray and wipe, then rinse. |
| Shower heads | Aluminum foil and white vinegar. How: Dip foil in vinegar, rub, and wipe dry. |
| Ceramic tiles | 3 quarts water, ½ cup ammonia and ½ cup white vinegar. How: Spray and scrub with a soft brush, then rinse. |
| Rust and rust stains | 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 quart of warm water. How: Wipe with a cloth and rinse. |
| Stone surfaces | Olive oil. How: Apply, then scrap after 15 minutes. |
| Adhesive residue | Curtains, towels, and rags |
| Shower pans | WD-40. How: Apply and rinse after 15 minutes. |
| Wash in the machine and dry. | White vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. How: Pour hot water, 1 cup baking soda, and 1 cup white vinegar after 10 minutes. Cover for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. |
| Shower drains | Soap, sponge, and water. How: Wash with soapy water and a sponge, rinse, and dry. |
| Shower doorknobs | WD-40. How: Apply and wipe dry after 15 minutes. |
| Plastic surfaces | WD-40. How: Apply and wipe dry after 15 minutes. |
| Shower caddy | Soap, sponge, and water. How: Wash with soapy water and a sponge, rinse and dry. |
How to clean mold and mildew in the shower
To clean mold and mildew off surfaces, follow these steps:
- Make a mixture of 1 part chlorine bleach and 2 parts of water.
- Apply the mixture to the surfaces with mold or mildew.
- After 10 minutes, scrub the areas with the soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse with hot water afterward.
Ammonia and chlorine bleach form an explosive mixture and should not be mixed when cleaning.
Clean mold off bathroom sealant (on the floor or fixtures) using baking soda, vinegar, or toilet paper. You can also use bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and Borax for this.
To keep mold and mildew away from your shower, wipe down the shower walls with a dry cloth after a shower. Mold and mildew growth depends on the availability of wetness on the wall. Keeping it dry prevents their growth.
If your area is plagued with mildew, use a mildew disinfectant or inhibitor like RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray every 2 to 3 days. Besides that, always leave the bathroom door open or add a fan to facilitate air circulation. Circulating air prevents moisture buildup, which prevents mold growth.
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors
To clean glass shower doors and keep them clear, put a sponge in white vinegar, then wipe the glass doors with it. You don’t need to rinse it since the water can make them dirty again.
You can also clean soap scum off the glass shower doors using a mixture of 1 quart of warm water and 1 cup of liquid fabric softener. Use a sponge to clean the doors, then rinse it off with clean water.
Glass shower doors can also be cleaned with commercial glass cleaners with great results.
How to Clean Hard Water Deposits
Clean hard water deposits as follows:
- Mix white vinegar with water, then use it to soak the areas with hard water deposits.
- Scrub the surfaces, then rinse with clean water afterward.
How to Clean Water Spots
Water spots in the shower, such as on tiles and metal surfaces, can be cleaned using lemon oil as follows:
- Mix 1 cup of water with 10 drops of lemon essential oil, then put the mixture in a spray can.
- Spray the mixture onto the water spots, then wipe it off after 30 seconds. The acid in the lemon essential oil breaks down the grime on the surface of your choice.
You can prevent the formation of water spots and the buildup of soap scum on bathroom tile walls by coating the walls with furniture polish.
How to Clean Soap Scum
As described above, you use a mixture of 1 quart of warm water and 1 cup of liquid fabric softener to clean soap scum off glass shower doors. If the soap scum is on other parts of the shower, such as the floor or bathtub, use a mixture of 4 parts water and 1 part mineral oil in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the soap scum, then wipe it off with a cloth.
How to Clean Bathtubs
Various types of bathtubs require different cleaning methods and materials as follows:
- Porcelain bathtubs are cleaned using a liquid cleanser or non-abrasive powder soap. Place some powder or cleanser on a sponge or cloth, then use it to scrub the bathtub. Rinse with water afterward.
- Acrylic bathtubs are cleaned using dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. Be careful with acrylic surfaces since they easily get gouged and scratched. Rinse afterward. You can also use citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and grapefruit to clean acrylic surfaces. Commercial acrylic cleaners such as Formula 409 All-Purpose Cleaner, CLR Bath and Kitchen Cleaner, Dawn Dish Soap, and Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner are safe for cleaning acrylic surfaces.
- Plastic bathtubs are cleaned by using non-abrasive commercial cleaners or a paste made from baking soda and water. Simply add the commercial cleaner or baking soda paste on a piece of cloth, clean the plastic surface of the tub, and rinse with water.
- Fiberglass bathtubs are cleaned using a non-abrasive liquid cleaner or a commercial cleaner specifically for fiberglass surfaces. The cleaner is either sprayed or applied to a piece of cloth and then used to clean the tub. You then rinse it with water. Apply a coat of fiberglass boat wax (fiberglass marine wax) to protect the bathtub.
Besides that, clean the drain by removing any hairs and debris from it with an auger.
A paste made of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar is also used to clean rings formed around the bathtub. You apply the paste to the ring then wipe it off when it dries up.
Clean discolored porcelain surfaces using a paste made with hydrogen peroxide and Cream of Tartar. You can also clean porcelain surfaces using a paste made with borax and lemon juice. Apply the paste to a sponge, then use it to clean the discolored surface. Rinse it off with clean water.
Clean a yellowed bathtub by rubbing it with a mixture of salt and turpentine. Rinse it off with clean water afterward.
How to Clean Shower Heads
Clean mineral deposits and other types of dirt from a shower head as follows:
- Fill a nylon bag with white vinegar, then tie it around the shower head. Make sure the shower head is completely soaked in the vinegar. Leave it overnight.
- In the morning, remove the plastic bag and brush the outside of the shower head before rinsing it with clean water.
- Let the shower run for a few minutes to clear out the vinegar from inside the shower head.
Poke any clogged holes with a sharp object to dislodge the dirt in them, then run the shower. Clean shower heads at least once monthly, especially if you use hard water.
How to Clean Ceramic Tiles
Clean ceramic tiles as follows:
- Mix 3 quarts hot water, ½ cup of ammonia, and ½ cup of white vinegar in a spray can.
- Apply the mixture or cleanser to the water, wait for 10-15 minutes, then scrub the tiles with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse with hot water to kill any mold or mildew spores.
- Finish off with a wipe using a bathroom towel or squeegee to remove water spots.
Ceramic tiles are hard to clean as they have grout in between them, which can easily come off if cleaned wrongly. This grout also offers the perfect conditions for the growth of mold and mildew. Proper and careful cleaning is thus needed to keep ceramic tiles in good condition.
Thankfully, you can clean ceramic tiles with commercial shower and grout cleaners and a soft brush. If you don’t have these cleaners, use the procedure above.
How to Clean Rust and Rust Stains
Clean rust off shower surfaces as follows:
- Cut aluminum foil into small palm-sized pieces.
- Clean the shower surface using a cloth dipped in water.
- Dip the pieces of aluminum foil in white vinegar, then use them to scrub the rust off the affected metal surface.
- Use a wet piece of cloth to wipe the surface clean.
The best way to remove rust stains is by using commercial rust removers. These are acidic chemicals that need to be handled with care.
You can clean rust and rust stains with baking soda and lemon juice paste, especially for the smaller ones. A Borax and lemon juice mix also cleans bathtubs’ rust stains. All these can be used to remove rust from shower rods.
While at it, avoid using chlorine bleach on rust stains as it can make the rust to become permanent.
How to Clean Stone Surfaces
Clean stone surfaces as follows:
- Apply the stone cleaner or mixture of 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap and 1 quart of warm water.
- Wipe the surface with a piece of microfiber cloth, then rinse with clean water.
- Dry the stone surface with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking.
Stone surfaces are mostly granite, marble, or other natural stone. Harsh chemicals such as vinegar, ammonia, or any acids can damage natural stone and should thus never be used to clean stone. Instead, clean stone surfaces using a commercial stone cleaner (without acid or ammonia components) or a mild dishwashing soap.
You can also use chlorine bleach mixed with water to clean mold and mildew from stone surfaces. Apply a sealer to prevent chemicals from seeping into the stones.
How to Clean Adhesive Residue
Clean adhesive residue from surfaces as follows:
- Apply olive oil on the goo, then take 15 minutes to work on it.
- Scrap it off with a plastic scraper. If this doesn’t work, remove the adhesive residue with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Goo from a sticker or accessory can be unpleasant to look at and even worse to touch. Such adhesive residue is usually waterproof, and using normal soap won’t wash it off. Instead, clean the adhesive residue using olive oil or rubbing alcohol.
How to Clean Shower Pans
To clean a shower pan:
- Apply WD-40, wait for 15 minutes, then rinse the surface.
- After that, wipe it, then let it air dry.
A shower pan is an area on the shower stall floor that collects and directs water to the drain. Shower pans can be made of Chloraloy or rubber, which are easily damaged by white vinegar and other acidic substances.
How to Clean Curtains, Towels, and Rags
Most bathroom curtains, rags, and towels are machine-washable and should be washed in a washing machine. Ensure you have the right washing machine soap and softener, then use hot water for at least an hour to wash them properly.
How to Clean Shower Drains
Clean your shower drain as follows:
- Pour hot water into the drain, then 120 ml (half a cup) of bicarbonate soda.
- After 10 minutes, add 120 ml of white vinegar, then more hot cover.
- Cover the drain for 15 minutes, then pour in more hot water to rinse the drain.
Another method for cleaning a shower drain is by applying a commercial cleaner to the opening of the shower drain and then cleaning it with a toothbrush. Remove the drain cover to wash underneath it and remove any debris like hair from it.
Install a plug guard over the drain to keep hair and other items from clogging up your drain. You then only need to remove the dirt captured every few days. Use this same procedure to clean the washing machine drain.
How to Clean Shower Doorknobs
You should clean dirty bathroom doorknobs as follows:
- Spray WD-40 or a water and white vinegar solution mixed in equal parts.
- Leave it for 15 minutes, then rinse the doorknob. Pat dry with a piece of clothing.
How to Clean Plastic Surfaces
Clean plastic surfaces either with WD-40 or a paste made with bicarbonate soda and water as follows:
- Apply the cleaner to a piece of cloth.
- Clean the plastic surface, then rinse it with clean water.
Avoid using abrasive and corrosive chemicals when cleaning plastic surfaces.
How to Clean a Shower Caddy
Clean your shower caddy as follows:
- Wash your shower caddy with soap, a sponge, and water, then rinse with clean water.
- Let it dry before putting back the items it had.
The shower caddy stores your soaps, shampoos, shaving machines, and other items. It quickly gets dirty from the items it stores, steam, and dust.
In all the methods above, never use harsh and abrasive materials and chemicals on the surfaces, as you’ll damage them. These methods also apply to cleaning a walk-in shower since most of its parts are mentioned in the list.
How often should you clean the shower stall?
You should clean your shower stall thoroughly every week. After every shower session, you need to do some cleaning by wiping down the doors and walls with a bathroom towel or a squeegee. Clear the floor of as much water as possible, then hang the bathroom cleaning tools to air dry.
| Frequency of Cleaning | What and How to Clean |
| Daily | Walls. How: Wipe the walls with a squeegee. |
| Every other day (2nd day) | Floor, doors, wall tiles, and grout. How: Clean each as directed above. |
| Weekly | Shower head: soak in white vinegar overnight, then rinse. Grout: clean and regrout. |
| When needed | Shower head: soak in white vinegar overnight then rinse. Grout: clean and regrout. |
How often you clean the various parts of the shower stall are as follows:
1. What to clean in the bathroom daily
Each day and time you use the bathroom, wipe the walls with a towel or squeegee, run the fan for 30 minutes, leave the bathroom open for an hour, and generally air the bathroom.
2. What to clean in the bathroom every other day
Every few days, clean your bathroom by spraying it with a shower cleaner or white vinegar mixed with tea tree oil. The aim is to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Mix 1 drop of tea tree oil per 2 ounces of vinegar if you don’t have a commercial cleaner.
3. What to clean in the bathroom weekly
Clean the shower stall weekly by wiping the floor, doors, and wall tiles with an eraser sponge. You should also clean the grout in your bathroom every week.
4. What to clean in the bathroom when needed
Every 6 months to a year, clean then seal the grout to keep it in good shape. You should also clean the shower head using distilled white vinegar every 6 months. You should also seal the grout and clean the shower heads when they get dirty or malfunction.
Precautions when cleaning a shower stall
Some of the precautions to observe when cleaning your shower stall include:
- Always use protective gear when handling chemicals to avoid injury. This includes goggles, gloves, and protective clothing like aprons.
- Use oxygen-based bleach (such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, or sodium percarbonate) instead of chlorine-based bleach, as they’re safer and more effective.
- Always have a well-aerated bathroom when cleaning it. This applies to both commercial and homemade cleaners.
- Vinegar should not be used on stone or travertine surfaces as it damages them.
These tips will prevent accidents when cleaning the shower stall.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to clean a shower stall?
The easiest way to clean a shower stall is to prevent the buildup of dirt by rinsing the surfaces after each use. Wipe the doors and the floor, then air the bathroom. Using steam or hot water to rinse the surfaces after every use helps keep dirt to a minimum.
What is the best way to clean a fiberglass shower stall?
The best way to clean a fiberglass shower stall is by sprinkling baking soda and then spraying white vinegar. Use a piece of cloth to gently clean the surface with the paste formed, followed by rinsing with water.
What is the best way to clean a shower?
The best way to clean a shower is to combine rinsing after every use with weekly thorough cleaning. Rinsing after each use keeps the dirt to a minimum, while the weekly washing removes any remaining dirt and kills off germs, mold, and mildew.
How do I get my shower white again?
You can get your shower white again by mixing ½ cup of white vinegar, 4 tablespoons of baking soda, and ½ cup of a kitchen cleaner like Blue Dawn, then applying the mixture to the affected areas. Wait for 2 hours, then wipe the surface. Clean a yellowed bathtub with salt and turpentine, then rinse.
How do I get the grime off my shower?
You can get grime off a shower by spraying it with a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon dish detergent. Wait for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water, then pat the shower dry.