Cleaning the bathroom rarely tops anyone’s list of favorite household chores, but because the shower head, tub, tiles, and grout get a daily workout, it doesn’t take long for grime to accumulate. Cleaning and sanitizing the shower means unclogging the shower head, drying down glass doors to fight hard water stains, and getting in corners where mold and mildew lurk. Fortunately, a full array of sprays, foams, and tools awaits to help you do the job.
Top Shower Cleaning Products
Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
The Wet & Forget shower cleaner is a spray-on, no-scrub solution that makes cleaning my bathroom quick and easy. It eliminates grout stains and soap scum. The brand says the solution will get rid of soap scum, grime, and body oils with just a few spritzes – no scrubbing required. They also say that the solution is safe on most hard non-porous surfaces like glass, porcelain, fiberglass, metal, sandstone, and tile but not recommended for natural marble. My bathroom doesn’t have a window for ventilation, so a product without an accompanying harsh scent was a must. I opted for Wet & Forget’s vanilla scent, but it also comes in a fresh scent. The promise of no more aching knees and brushing away buildup made me eager to try it. Another perk to the solution is that, when used weekly, the brand says it should help keep “hard water stains or calcium deposits at bay.” And with that, you should expect 12 weeks of cleaning power, which reviews can attest to. One Amazon customer noticed mildew buildup at the bottom of their shower, but has since seen a difference with consistent use. “I did a deep clean to rid my shower of this and now I spray this product after every other shower on the door and each wall and that mildew has not returned,” they said.
- Pros: No scrubbing required, effective on soap scum and grout stains, long-lasting bottle (12 weeks), pleasant vanilla or fresh scent.
- Cons: Not suitable for natural marble, requires 6-8 hours before rinsing, may not tackle severe mold instantly.
Shop Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner on Amazon
Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer
Scrubbing Bubble’s Mega Shower Foamer is comparable to other multi-surface cleaners in terms of its capabilities, except that it costs less, making it an excellent budget-friendly option. This cleaner cuts through soap scum and pink slime and leaves your shower clean-though for best results, you’ll want to leave it for at least five minutes-or longer-to break down the grime. While we generally like foaming action shower cleaner sprays, we were a bit underwhelmed by Scrubbing Bubbles’s performance. The foam barely puffed up compared to its competitors, and it was very runny. Still, the foaming action it did display seemed to help it clean out grout with one fewer swipe than the average cleaner. While we had no issue with its test results, this cleaner is more expensive than some competitors.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, effective on soap scum and pink slime, multi-surface use.
- Cons: Runny foam, less impressive foaming action, requires longer wait time for best results.
Shop Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer on Amazon
The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste
Again, Stardrops isn’t too humble with its product names, but once you put The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste to work on the shower floor, you may just find it near-miraculous yourself. This abrasive-yet-no-scratch paste breaks up even months-old deposits of soap scum that’s leaving a film all over the tile, river rock, or other material, and it whisks away rust and hard-water buildup. Grab a good scrub brush and add some elbow grease for the full effect. ¡°Couldn’t wait to try it out on my bathtub, with a lot of soap scum build up many years in the making,¡± writes one 5-star Amazon reviewer. ¡°Had tried bleach and other products. Bleach was too harsh and strong odor. However, this product-I sprayed it on and use a sponge with a light abrasiveness, and the soap scum came off. This saved me a ton of money, no more need to reglaze tub.¡±
- Pros: Non-scratch abrasive, removes old soap scum and rust, versatile for multiple surfaces.
- Cons: Requires scrubbing, not a spray, may need multiple applications for tough stains.
Shop The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste on Amazon
Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover
Bathrooms-showers in particular-are notorious for housing all kinds of mold due to its damp and dark environment. To completely eradicate this issue and prevent it from coming back, we recommend the Clorox Tilex and Mold and Mildew Remover as our overall best pick. We love that it whitens grout, so you can keep your bathroom tile sparkling clean, and it kills 99.9% of mold and mildew (when used as directed on non-porous surfaces) and common bacteria without scrubbing for up to four weeks. We also appreciate that it gets rid of stains, soap scum, and other unsightly buildup. Keep in mind that this mold remover contains bleach, so it might be too harsh for those with sensitivities or for those who don’t have proper ventilation in the affected bathroom. However, we still think it’s an exceptionally effective cleaner for getting rid of mold in bathrooms and hard, non-porous surfaces in general.
- Pros: Kills 99.9% of mold and mildew, whitens grout, no scrubbing needed.
- Cons: Contains bleach, strong odor, not ideal for sensitive users or poor ventilation.
Shop Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover on Amazon
Method Daily Shower Spray
We have tested plenty of cleaning products from Method, including a spray that was selected as one of the best upholstery cleaners, and we trust the brand’s formulas. This Daily Shower Spray is Amazon’s Choice with over 14,000 online ratings – 78% of which are five-star reviews. The manufacturer claims the product helps prevent the build-up of soap scum, mold, and mildew – all of which may be of concern when it comes to cleaning your shower. Satisfied customers appreciate that no squeegee is needed. One five-star review called it the “best all-around daily shower spray” and said it keeps their glass shower doors clean. While the fresh scent can be nice, some shoppers did not like the eucalyptus mint fragrance. If you tend to be more sensitive to smell or prefer unscented cleaning products, this spray may not be for you.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, plant-based, no scrubbing or rinsing, prevents buildup.
- Cons: Eucalyptus mint scent may not suit all, not ideal for deep cleaning.
Shop Method Daily Shower Spray on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Shower Cleaners
| Product | Type | Key Features | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner | Spray | No-scrub, vanilla/fresh scent, 12-week supply | $15-$20 | Weekly maintenance, non-porous surfaces |
| Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer | Foam Spray | Budget-friendly, multi-surface, cuts soap scum | $5-$10 | Cost-conscious users, grout cleaning |
| The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste | Paste | Non-scratch, removes rust and old scum | $5-$10 | Deep cleaning, tough stains |
| Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover | Spray | Kills 99.9% mold, whitens grout, bleach-based | $10-$15 | Mold and mildew, non-porous surfaces |
| Method Daily Shower Spray | Spray | Eco-friendly, plant-based, no rinse | $5-$10 | Daily maintenance, eco-conscious users |
Benefits and Drawbacks of Shower Cleaning Agents
Commercial Shower Cleaners
Commercial shower cleaners offer undeniable convenience. They come ready to use, eliminating the need for ingredient gathering and mixing. The best shower cleaning products often boast specialized formulas designed to combat specific challenges, such as hard water stains, soap scum, or mildew. Additionally, many commercial cleaners incorporate pleasant fragrances, leaving your bathroom smelling fresh. However, commercial cleaners can be more expensive than DIY alternatives. Additionally, some individuals may prefer to avoid the harsh chemicals often found in commercial products, opting for a more natural approach.
Homemade Solutions
Hard-water stains happen when water that’s rich in calcium and/or magnesium is allowed to dry on a surface, resulting in a small deposit of those excess minerals. Since we’re dealing with hardened minerals here, these stains can be difficult to scrub out-if you don’t have the correct tool. Fortunately, the correct tool is cheap and easy: common white vinegar. Scrub the surface with a roughly 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water and your white scale deposits should melt away. Keep in mind, however, that the stains are just a symptom of the larger hard water problem. Vinegar makes for a great multi-purpose cleaning agent. However, homemade solutions require preparation and may not be as effective for severe mold or mildew.
Testing Scenarios for Shower Cleaners
Soap Scum Removal Test
In our tests, after spraying on bathroom cleaner, the Grimebuster muscled its way through soap scum residue, hard water film, and grout stains saving us lots of time and effort. For the limescale test, we assess the product’s ability to dissolve a Carrara marble slab by immersing it in the bathroom cleaner (limescale is mainly calcium carbonate, which is also present in marble). This test is run twice. To simulate a vertical surface such as a bathroom wall, the slab is placed in a vertical stand to allow the product to run off. We also assess how well the sprays handle limescale on a flat surface, such as the floor of a shower. In both instances, the bathroom cleaner is applied, rinsed off, and the slab dried before assessing the descaling. We repeat this test five times.
Mold and Mildew Test
Promising review: “I never write reviews but this product worked beyond my expectations. Had mold on my walls and ceiling in the bathroom due to no exhaust fan in there. House was built that way I guess. Will be installing one after this. I sprayed just a section to see if it would work. Let me tell you when I say the mold practically vanished before my eyes is not an understatement. Literally it was gone in less than 3 minutes the spot I sprayed, the mold disappeared.” This indicates that products like Clorox Tilex perform exceptionally in real-world mold scenarios, especially in poorly ventilated bathrooms.
Buying Guide for Shower Cleaners
Choosing the best shower cleaner depends on your specific needs and preferences, whether you lean towards the convenience of commercial products or the eco-friendliness of homemade solutions. Understanding the unique requirements of your environment-be it a residential home, gym, spa, or hotel-is crucial in making an informed decision. By weighing the advantages and drawbacks of each option, you can select a cleaner that ensures a clean, safe, and pleasant shower experience, tailored to the demands of your facility.
- Surface Compatibility: Ensure the cleaner is safe for your shower materials (e.g., glass, tile, fiberglass). Avoid bleach-based products on natural stone.
- Stain Type: For mold, choose bleach-based sprays like Clorox Tilex. For hard water, vinegar or The Pink Stuff works well.
- Ease of Use: No-scrub sprays like Wet & Forget suit busy schedules, while pastes like The Pink Stuff require effort but tackle tough stains.
- Scent Sensitivity: Opt for unscented or mild scents (Method’s eucalyptus mint) if sensitive to strong odors.
- Budget: Scrubbing Bubbles and Method are affordable, while Wet & Forget is pricier but lasts longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my shower?
You should clean your shower weekly to prevent mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup. Daily maintenance with a spray like Method Daily Shower Spray can reduce the need for deep cleaning.
Are plant-based cleaners as effective as bleach-based ones?
Plant-based cleaners like Method or ECOS are effective for daily maintenance and light stains but may struggle with severe mold or mildew. Bleach-based cleaners like Clorox Tilex are more powerful for tough stains but require ventilation.
Can I use shower cleaners on natural stone surfaces?
Most commercial cleaners, especially bleach-based ones, are not safe for natural stone like marble. Check product labels and opt for stone-safe options like Granite Gold or test in a small area first.
What’s the best way to prevent hard water stains?
Use a squeegee after each shower to remove water droplets and apply a daily spray like Wet & Forget or Method to prevent mineral buildup. For existing stains, use a vinegar-water mix or The Pink Stuff.
Conclusion
A clean shower not only keeps your bathroom looking and smelling lovely, but it also helps you and other members of your household stay healthy. Mold, mildew, and bacteria can grow in your shower and irritate asthma and allergies and lead to other illnesses. Cleaning your shower once a week can remove these harmful substances, along with dirt and soap scum. Fortunately, lots of shower cleaning products can keep away the ick. For more cleaning tips, check out Good Housekeeping’s Cleaning Guide or Bob Vila’s Shower Cleaning Tips.