How to clean your shower drain: 5 Step-by-Step guide

Cleaning your shower drain might not be your favourite task, but it’s an important one. It ensures that your shower drains properly and prevents unpleasant odours in the bathroom. This is especially crucial for a walk-in shower, where water flows directly onto the floor and needs to drain efficiently. In this blog, we’ll explain how to clean your shower drain in five simple steps and share a handy bonus tip from grandma’s cleaning book to get it truly spotless.

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Shower Drain?

A shower drain collects a lot of dirt daily, including hair, soap scum, and small debris. Over time, this buildup can lead to blockages, especially in modern walk-in showers where water needs to flow away quickly. Cleaning your shower drain regularly can prevent these issues and keep your bathroom fresh and hygienic.

How to Clean Your Shower Drain in 5 Steps

So how do you clean your shower drain properly, keeping it neat and free of damage to your shower floor or plumbing? Follow these five simple steps.

Step 1: Remove the drain cover

Start by removing the drain cover or grate. In most cases, you can simply pull it up or unclip it. If you have a modern walk-in shower with a sleek design, use the specially supplied tool to remove the cover. If you no longer have it, carefully use a flathead screwdriver or a small paring knife.

Step 2: Remove hair and debris

Put on gloves and remove as much hair, soap scum, and debris as possible by hand. This is often the most time-consuming part of the task, but it’s essential for the next steps. Be sure to dispose of the waste immediately so it doesn’t go back down the drain. Wipe away any remaining residue with kitchen paper and, if possible, rinse with a hand shower or clean it with a sponge.

Step 3: Flush the drain with boiling water

Boil a full kettle of water and carefully pour the hot water down the drain. This helps dissolve soap residue and grease, allowing the water to flow more freely. Repeat this step a few times if needed.

Step 4: Use a cleaning solution

Make your drain extra clean by using a drain cleaning product. A liquid drain cleaner, such as HG Drain Unblocker, works well. Be sure to use a mild product suitable for your type of drain. Pour it into the drain, let it sit according to the instructions, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Step 5: Clean the drain cover and place it back

Clean the drain cover with warm water and a sponge. Use an old toothbrush if needed to scrub away soap residue or limescale. Dry the cover thoroughly before placing it back, ensuring it sits securely so water can flow away smoothly.

How Often Should You Clean Your Shower Drain?

To keep your shower drain in a walk-in shower functioning properly, we recommend cleaning it at least once a month. In households with frequent bathroom use, such as families, it may be wise to clean it more often. Regular maintenance not only prevents clogs but also extends the lifespan of your plumbing and keeps your bathroom hygienic.

Bonus Tip: Grandma’s Secret Trick

Want to use a natural alternative to clean your shower drain? Try this simple trick. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes as it foams and breaks down grease and debris. Then, pour a litre of boiling water over it. The combination of baking soda and vinegar dissolves buildup and neutralises unpleasant odours, providing a cheap, eco-friendly, and effective solution.

A clean shower drain is essential for a well-functioning bathroom, especially in a walk-in shower. By following these five steps regularly and using our bonus tip, you can keep your drain free of clogs and bad smells. Want more bathroom maintenance tips or thinking about a complete bathroom renovation? Contact Refresh Bathrooms for expert advice or inspiration!