Is a clogged shower drain causing frustration? Whether it’s soap scum, clumped hair, or mold causing odors and slow drainage, a clogged shower drain is something you can’t ignore. Luckily, most clogs and smells are easy to fix without calling in a plumber.
Follow this comprehensive guide to cleaning your shower drain and preventing unpleasant smells.
Considerations Before You Get Started

Before diving into cleaning your shower drain, it’s essential to prep the area and ensure you’re ready for the task. Here are some things to consider:
– Clear the Area: Make sure the space around the drain is free of any clutter. Remove shampoo bottles, soap, razors, or any other items that may obstruct your cleaning.
– Wear Protective Gear: Since drains can harbor bacteria, mold, and soap buildup, wear a pair of gloves and eye protection to safeguard against contact with germs or harsh chemicals.
– Check for Serious Issues: If your drain remains clogged or emits a strong odor even after cleaning, or if water is backing up, the issue could be with the sewer or septic system.
In this case, it’s best to contact a licensed and insured plumber for professional help.
How Often Should You Clean a Shower Drain
For optimal performance and to prevent clogs and odors, aim to clean your shower drain at least once a month. If multiple people use the shower, especially with long hair, consider cleaning the drain every two weeks.
By maintaining this routine, you’ll avoid buildup that can lead to clogs and unpleasant smells.
Quick clogs can be fixed using simple tools like plungers, drain snakes, or even household products like baking soda and vinegar.
How to Clean a Shower Drain With a Toilet Plunger
A clogged shower drain can be frustrating, but you don’t always need to call a plumber right away. Sometimes, your first line of defense is a tool that’s likely already in your bathroom: a toilet plunger.
Here’s a simple guide on how to use a plunger to clear out your shower drain, followed by tips for tackling tougher clogs using a drain snake.
What You Need:
– Toilet plunger
– Water
Step 1: Fill the Shower or Tub with Water
Start by filling your tub or shower with enough water to submerge the rubber bell of the plunger.
The water will create a seal and build pressure as you plunge, which is key to dislodging the clog.
Step 2: Place the Bell Over the Drain and Plunge
Position the rubber bell of the plunger directly over the drain. Press down firmly and begin plunging by pulling up and pushing down repeatedly.
The force of the water pressure should help loosen the clog. You may need to plunge a few times before you notice the water starting to drain.
If the water drains slowly or doesn’t drain at all, repeat the process until the clog is dislodged.
Pro tip: Keep your plunging rhythm steady and avoid lifting the plunger too high, as this will break the suction and reduce the effectiveness of each plunge.
Cleaning Shower Drain With a Drain Snake
For tougher clogs—especially those caused by a buildup of soap scum and hair—a plunger may not be enough.
This is where a drain snake (also called a toilet auger) comes in handy.
Drain snakes are affordable, easy to use, and highly effective at clearing stubborn blockages deep within the drainpipe.
What You Need:
– Drain snake
– Drain cover
– Hot water
– All-purpose cleaner
Step 1: Removing the Drain Cover and Insert the Snake
First, remove the drain cover. This might require a screwdriver if it’s fastened down, or you might be able to pry it up with your hands.
Once the cover is off, insert the drain snake into the drain opening. Gently push the snake down the drain until you encounter resistance—this indicates you’ve hit the clog.
Step 2: Rotate the Snake
Once you feel resistance, rotate the handle of the snake. The rotation helps the snake hook onto the clog so you can either pull it out or break it apart.
Keep rotating the snake for a few moments to ensure it grabs the blockage effectively.
Step 3: Dislodge the Clog and then Run the Shower
Once the resistance decreases, slowly pull the snake out of the drain.
You’ll likely pull up hair and other debris that caused the clog. Be sure to dispose of this material in the trash.
After the clog has been removed, run your shower at full force for a few minutes to ensure the water drains properly and the blockage is fully cleared.
Step 4: Clean the Drain Cover
Before you replace the drain cover, give it a good cleaning. Use hot water and an all-purpose cleaner to remove any soap scum or grime.
Once it’s clean, put the cover back in place.
How to Clean a Shower Drain With a Store-Bought Solution
Cleaning a clogged shower drain can be a frustrating chore, but using a store-bought solution can make it easier and more effective.
These solutions are designed to break down soap scum, hair, and other gunk that build up in drains, helping the water flow smoothly again.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your shower drain with a store-bought solution.
What You Need:
– Store-bought drain cleaner
– Gloves
– Eye protection
Step 1: Read the Label
Before using a store-bought drain cleaner, it’s essential to read the product label thoroughly.
This will give you important information about how to safely use the cleaner, including how much product to use and how long to leave it in the drain.
Different products can vary in their instructions, so following the specific guidelines for the one you’re using is crucial for safety and effectiveness.
Step 2: Pour the Solution Into the Drain
Most drain cleaners for consumer use are alkaline-based, containing chemicals like sodium hydroxide.
When poured down the drain, these chemicals generate heat that dissolves the clog, allowing water to flow freely again. Here’s how to do it:
– Wear gloves and eye protection to shield yourself from splashes.
– Pour the recommended amount of cleaner into the drain, even if there’s standing water.
– Wait for the specified time on the label to let the product work its magic. This can range from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the clog.
Tip: Be cautious with harsh chemical cleaners. Regular use can corrode your pipes over time, especially if they’re made from older materials.
Consider using enzyme-based drain cleaners as an alternative. These products are gentler on your plumbing, though they may take longer to work.
Cleaning a Shower Drain Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
For a more natural cleaning method, you can use a combination of baking soda and vinegar.
While this won’t clear heavy hair clogs, it works well for cutting through soap scum that causes slow drainage and bad odors.
What You Need:
– 1 cup of baking soda
– 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
– Tea kettle or large pot
– 4 cups of hot tap water or boiled water
Step 1: Boil Water
Heat about 4 cups of water in a tea kettle or large pot. If your home has PVC pipes, use hot water from the tap instead of boiling water to avoid damaging the pipes.
Step 2: Clean the Drain’s Exterior
Before treating the drain, clean the surrounding area using hot water and an all-purpose cleaner.
You can use an old toothbrush to scrub away grime, but be sure to throw it away after use.
Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then followed by 1 cup of white vinegar.
The mixture will fizz and bubble as it reacts, helping to loosen up grime and soap scum inside the pipes.
Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then flush the drain with more hot water to wash away any remaining debris.
How to Remove and Prevent Smells in a Shower Drain
Shower drain odors can be caused by a variety of things, from bacteria and mold to sewage gas.
Here are some tips for eliminating and preventing unpleasant smells from your shower drain:
1. Run the Shower Regularly
If you have a bathroom that doesn’t get used often, the water in the P-trap (the U-shaped section of pipe under the drain) can evaporate, allowing sewer gases to escape into the room.
Running the shower for a few minutes every month will keep the P-trap filled with water, blocking those gases.
2. Clean Regularly
Soap scum, combined with the moisture of a shower drain, creates the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria and mold.
Regularly cleaning the shower drain and using baking soda and vinegar treatments will help to break down soap scum and keep your drain smelling fresh.
3. Use Bleach for Mold
If your drain smells due to mold, try mixing 1/2 cup of bleach with 2 cups of hot water and pouring it down the drain.
Let it sit for at least an hour, then flush it out with more hot water.
How to Prevent Shower Drain Clogs
Preventing clogs before they start will save you the hassle of dealing with slow or backed-up drains. Here’s how you can minimize the chances of your shower drain clogging:
1. Use a Hair Catcher
Hair is the main culprit behind clogged shower drains. Invest in a hair catcher to place over the drain, which will prevent large amounts of hair from entering your pipes.
There are two types of hair catchers:
– Internal hair catchers fit inside the drain and trap hair out of sight, but you’ll need to remember to clean them regularly.
– External screens sit on top of the drain and are easy to clean, though they may stick up slightly and interfere with water flow.
2. Limit Thick Soaps and Lotions
Some soaps and body washes contain ingredients like oatmeal or thick oils that can contribute to clogs. Try switching to products that rinse off more easily and leave less residue behind.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips
To keep your drain flowing smoothly, make a habit of cleaning it regularly:
– Daily: Clean the drain cover with a brush or pad after each shower to prevent buildup.
– Weekly: Flush the drain with hot water to wash away soap scum and oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Will Dissolve Hair in the Drain?
A combination of baking soda and vinegar can help dissolve hair, though it works best for minor clogs. Let the mixture sit for several minutes before flushing with hot water.
Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Even If It’s Not Clogged?
The smell likely comes from bacteria in the pipes. Pour a mixture of equal parts bleach and water down the drain to kill the bacteria.
If the smell persists, the problem may be a dry P-trap, which you can fix by running the shower regularly.
How Can I Remove Mold From a Drain?
To kill mold, use a mixture of 1/2 cup bleach and 2 cups of hot water. Pour it down the drain and let it sit for at least an hour before flushing with more hot water.
