Cleaning the shower drain may not be the most fun chore, but it is one of the most important. Hair, soap residue and dirt accumulate in the drain, resulting in a clogged drain and an unpleasant odor in the bathroom. Fortunately, cleaning your shower drain is easier than you think — especially if you keep it up regularly.
In this blog you will read step by step how to clean a clogged or dirty shower drain, and how to prevent problems in the future.
Why does a shower drain get dirty so quickly?
When you shower, hair, shampoo and soap are washed down the drain. This accumulates in the siphon. This causes the water to drain away more and more slowly — and eventually you are left with a blockage or a nasty sewer smell. Don't panic: this can be solved (and prevented) with the right approach.
Cleaning a shower drain: the step-by-step plan
Follow these steps for a clean and odor-free shower drain.
Step 1: Remove the grille
Lift the grate or drain cover up. Often you can do this with just your fingers, otherwise a screwdriver will help gently pry it loose.
Step 2: Remove visible dirt and hair
Use your hands (possibly with gloves) or a hook to remove hair and other visible dirt. This is usually the biggest culprit in blockages.
Step 3: Clean with soda and vinegar
A natural and effective way to clean the drain:
- Pour 3 tablespoons of soda into the well.
- Pour a cup of cleaning vinegar over it.
- Let the effervescent mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes .
- Then rinse with a liter of boiling water.
This combination helps against unpleasant odors, dissolves grease and soap residue and works preventively against blockages. Win-win-win!
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
Run some more warm water through the drain to make sure all residue is washed away. Finally, dry the grate and replace it.
Additional tips to keep your shower drain clean
- Use a hair catcher: A simple sieve over the drain catches hairs before they disappear down the drain. Handy!
- Flush the drain weekly with hot water and a little baking soda.
- Does your drain smell musty? Mix lemon juice with baking soda for a fresh scent.
- Clean the drain monthly to prevent blockages.
Cleaning the shower drain only takes a few minutes, but prevents a lot of misery. With a simple routine you can keep the water flowing and your bathroom fresh. Small effort, big effect!
Want to know more about cleaning your bathroom? Also read our blogs about cleaning shower walls, bathroom tiles and tips for a more sustainable bathroom.
