Cleaning a shower drain might not be your favorite chore, but it’s an important one. It ensures that your shower continues to drain properly and prevents unpleasant odors in the bathroom. A properly functioning shower drain is especially essential in a walk-in shower, where water flows directly onto the floor. In this blog, we’ll explain how to clean your shower drain in five simple steps and share a handy bonus tip from the old days to get it truly spotless.
Why is it important to clean your shower drain?
A shower drain collects a lot of debris every day, such as hair, soap scum, and other small particles. Over time, this buildup can cause clogs, especially in amodern walk-in showerwhere water needs to drain quickly. By cleaning your shower drain regularly, you can prevent these kinds of problems and keep your bathroom fresh and hygienic.
How to Clean a Shower Drain in 5 Steps
So how do you clean your shower drain in a way that leaves it neat, clean, and without causing any damage to your shower floor or drain? We’ll walk you through it in 5 steps.
Step 1: Remove the grate
Start by removing the grate or cover from the shower drain. With most shower drains, you can simply pull this up or click it loose. Do you have a modern walk-in shower with a sleek design? If so, use the special tool provided to remove the grate. If you happen to no longer have that tool, carefully use a flathead screwdriver or a small potato peeler.
Step 2: Remove dirt and hair
Put on gloves and remove as much dirt, hair, and soap scum as possible by hand. This is often the most time-consuming part of the job, but it’s good preparation for the next steps. Don’t forget to throw the dirt away immediately so it doesn’t end up back in the drain. Wipe away any remaining dirt with paper towels and, if possible, rinse with the hand shower or simply with a sponge.
Step 3: Rinse the drain with hot water
Boil a kettle full of water and carefully pour the boiling water down the shower drain. This helps dissolve any soap scum and grease buildup and ensures that the drain flows more freely. Repeat this a few times if necessary.
Step 4: Use a cleaning product
Give the shower drain an extra thorough cleaning by using a special drain cleaner. For example, HG’sliquid drain cleaner. Be sure to choose a mild product that’s suitable for your type of drain. Pour the cleaner into the drain, let it sit according to the instructions on the package, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
Step 5: Clean the grate and put it back in place
Clean the grate with warm water and a sponge. If necessary, use an old toothbrush to scrub away any soap residue or limescale. Dry the grate thoroughly before putting it back in place. Make sure it’s securely fastened so that water can drain away easily.
How often should you clean your shower drain?
To properly maintain the drain in yourwalk-in shower, we recommend cleaning it at least once a month. If the bathroom is used frequently—for example, in a family home—it may be a good idea to clean it more often. Regular cleaning not only prevents clogs but also extends the life of your drain and keeps your bathroom hygienic.
Bonus tip: Grandma knows best
Want to use a natural alternative to clean your shower drain? Then try this simple trick: pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 10 minutes, then pour a liter of hot water over it. The combination of baking soda and vinegar breaks down dirt and grease and neutralizes unpleasant odors. It’s an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and effective solution!
A clean shower drain is essential for a well-functioning bathroom, especially if you have a walk-in shower. By following these 5 steps regularly and using our bonus tip, you can ensure that your shower drain stays free of clogs and unpleasant odors. Want more tips for maintaining your bathroom? Or are you thinking about completely renovating your bathroom? Contact Refresh Bathrooms forpersonalized adviceor inspiration!
