Your shower is supposed to be the place where you get clean, but over time, it can become one of the dirtiest spots in your home. Soap scum, mildew, hard water stains, and grime build up quickly, making your bathroom look dingy and uninviting. The good news? With the right techniques, you can clean your shower faster, easier, and more effectively—without spending hours scrubbing.
Here are 13 expert-approved hacks to help you clean your shower like a pro and keep it sparkling longer!
1. Use a Dish Wand Filled with Vinegar and Dish Soap
One of the easiest ways to keep your shower clean is to clean as you go. Fill a dish wand with equal parts white vinegar and dish soap, then hang it in your shower. After each use, wipe down the walls and glass doors—this prevents soap scum from building up and makes deep cleaning much easier.
For best results, let the solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing. The vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, while the dish soap cuts through grease and grime.
2. Remove Hard Water Stains with Lemon and Baking Soda
Hard water stains make glass shower doors look foggy and dirty. Instead of scrubbing endlessly, cut a lemon in half, dip it in baking soda, and rub it over the stains. The citric acid in the lemon breaks down mineral deposits, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. For stubborn spots, repeat the process or use a microfiber cloth to buff the glass to a streak-free shine.
3. Use a Squeegee After Every Shower
Want to cut your cleaning time in half? Get in the habit of using a squeegee after each shower. Wiping down the walls and glass doors removes excess water, preventing soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew from forming in the first place.
Keep a squeegee hanging in your shower as a reminder to use it—your future self will thank you when deep cleaning day rolls around!
4. Get Rid of Mildew with Hydrogen Peroxide
If you’re dealing with mildew stains in the grout or corners of your shower, hydrogen peroxide is your best friend. It kills mold and mildew without harsh fumes or toxic chemicals.
To use it, spray 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a brush or old toothbrush. For extra stubborn spots, make a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the grout, and let it sit before scrubbing.
5. Deep Clean Grout with a Toothbrush and Baking Soda
Dirty grout makes even the cleanest showers look grimy. Instead of using expensive grout cleaners, make a paste with baking soda and water and scrub with an old toothbrush. The baking soda lifts stains, deodorizes, and whitens grout naturally.
For extra power, spray hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar over the paste, let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. This method is great for brightening up discolored grout lines.
6. Prevent Soap Scum with Cooking Spray
Believe it or not, non-stick cooking spray can help keep soap scum at bay! The oils create a protective barrier that makes it harder for grime to stick to your shower walls and doors.
Spray a light coat on clean shower surfaces, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off with a microfiber cloth. This trick works especially well on glass and tile. Just be sure to rinse the shower floor thoroughly afterward to prevent slipping.
7. Clean Showerheads with a Vinegar Bag
If your showerhead is clogged with mineral buildup, it’s time for a deep clean. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, place it over the showerhead, and secure it with a rubber band. Let it soak for several hours or overnight, then remove the bag and run hot water through the shower to flush out the gunk.
This method removes limescale, improves water pressure, and keeps your showerhead working like new—all without scrubbing!
8. Use Shaving Cream to Prevent Foggy Glass
Tired of your shower mirror and glass doors fogging up? Shaving cream can help! Simply spread a thin layer over the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a dry cloth. The protective coating prevents steam from condensing on the glass, keeping it clear for longer.
This trick also helps repel water spots, meaning less cleaning down the road.
9. Disinfect the Shower Curtain with Vinegar
Shower curtains and liners collect soap scum and mildew over time, but you don’t have to replace them—just toss them in the washing machine! Add a half-cup of white vinegar and wash on a gentle cycle with a few towels to help scrub off grime.
For extra mildew prevention, spray your shower curtain with vinegar once a week to keep mold from forming.
10. Use Dryer Sheets to Remove Soap Scum
If you have stubborn soap scum on glass doors or tiles, grab a dryer sheet! Wet it slightly and rub it over the buildup—the anti-static properties help break down the residue without heavy scrubbing.
Rinse with warm water and wipe dry for a streak-free finish. This hack works best on light soap scum and water spots.
11. Keep Your Shower Drain Clear with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Hair, soap, and dirt build up in your shower drain over time, leading to slow drainage and clogs. To keep things flowing smoothly, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Doing this once a month prevents clogs, eliminates odors, and keeps your pipes clean without using harsh chemicals.
12. Use a Magic Eraser for Tough Stains
If your tub or shower has stubborn stains that won’t budge, a Magic Eraser can work wonders. Just wet it and scrub directly on scuff marks, soap scum, and grime. It’s especially effective on fiberglass and acrylic tubs, where traditional scrubbing might cause scratches.
For best results, rinse well after scrubbing to remove any residue.
13. Keep Your Shower Cleaner for Longer with Daily Spray
The best way to avoid deep cleaning as often is to maintain your shower daily. Mix 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. After every shower, spray down the walls and glass, then rinse or wipe with a squeegee.
This daily habit prevents soap scum, water spots, and mildew from forming, making deep cleaning a breeze.
*This article was created with the help of AI.