I’m sure I’m not alone; cringing at the thought of cleaning out a shower drain.
This has to be one of the yuckiest things to clean in a bathroom, falling just short of removing old toilet gaskets. YUCK!
If you’re tired of dealing with clogged shower drains and the hassle that it brings, you’re in luck. I’ve got some great tips on how to help you easily clean and maintain your shower drain. Once you start implementing these simple tricks, your shower drain should be running smoothly in no time!
So stay tuned because by the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge and tools needed to keep your shower drain clean and free-flowing. No more clogs.
Regular Cleaning to Prevent Clogs
A clogged shower drain can be a major inconvenience, causing water to back up and potentially even flooding your bathroom.
By taking a few minutes each week to give it a good scrub, you’ll be able to remove any build-up of soap scum, hair, and other debris that can lead to blockages. And trust me; this is much easier than dealing with a fully clogged drain later on.
But what about those pesky hairs that always seem to find their way down the drain?
Don’t worry, I’ve got a solution for that too! I’ll show you how to effectively remove hair and debris from your shower drain using simple tools that you probably already have in yout home.
But first, the easiest way.
The easiest way to clean a shower drain is by using a drain cleaner solution designed for this purpose. You’ve probably heard of them. These cleaners are typically available at most home improvement stores or online retailers.
Simply follow the instructions on the bottle, pour the cleaner down the drain, and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Afterward, flush the drain with hot water to remove any remaining residue. Doing this once every few to several weeks will help prevent buildup in your shower drain, keeping it running smoothly.
The next step is to try to avoid allowing hair or other debris from going down the drain. The best way to do this is by using a drain cover or hair catcher.
These things will catch any large particles and make them a snap to dispose of. The screens are easily removed, and the debris dumped in the garbage.
None of that hair and whatnot made it down into your shower drain. Win!
Removing Hair and Debris
So, if you’ve yet to use a drain screen, you’ll probably find yourself having to remove hair and debris from your shower drain. Here are my four simple steps that will help you clean your shower drain:
- Start by removing the drain cover. Use a screwdriver or your fingers to carefully remove the drain cover. Be gentle to avoid causing any damage. Metals and chrome finishes are easily scratched with screwdrivers.
- Remove visible debris. With gloves on, use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to pull out any visible clumps of hair or other debris that may have gathered around the drain. It will take you a few tries, but the tangled mess should free up.
- Use a drain snake. If there is still a stubborn clog remaining, try using a drain snake. Insert it into the drain and turn it clockwise while pushing it forward gently. This will help break up any blockages and clear out any remaining debris. See my guide on using a drain snake here.
- Prevent further blockages. Use a hair catcher/drain cover. Place a hair catcher over the shower drain. This will catch almost all of the hair and prevent it from going down the drain in the first place.
Best Products to Unclog Shower Drain
If your shower drain is clogged, you’ll want to use the best products available for unclogging it. I’ve tested out quite a few of the commercially available products over the years. I’ve found one that works the best out of them all.
What drain clog remover do I use?
Drano Max Gel is by far the best drain cleaner I’ve used. They have a few different types, but I just find myself going for the familiar red bottle of Drano Max. Follow the instructions, clogs gone. Easy!
Check Price on AmazonThis is one of the easiest ways to clear a drain. Wether it is Drano or another product, they are all specifically designed to break down hair and debris. They contain powerful enzymes and chemicals that will dissolve the clog and clear the drain.
These cleaners are usually easy to use. Simply pour them down the drain, let them sit for a specified amount of time, and then flush with hot water. Make sure to follow the instructions as each product is a bit different.
Top 3 Best Drain Clog Removers
Chemical Free Drain Clog Remover
A fairly effective natural alternative to try is vinegar. It can be used to remove minor clogs in shower drains.
Simply pour 2 cups of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The natural acidity of the vinegar will help to break down any build-up or blockage in the pipes.
After the 30 minutes, run hot water down the drain to flush away any loosened debris. This isn’t a guaranteed way to unclog your shower, but its worth trying if you like to avoid using harsh chemicals. Its another tool in keeping your shower drain clean.
We’re almost ready to enjoy hassle-free showers every day!
Using Hair Catcher/Drain Covers
Probably the best bang for your buck when it comes to keeping your drains clear; the hair catchers!
Installing a these drain covers keeps almost all of the hair and debris out of your shower drain. It’s an essential step in preventing clogs in your shower drain, especially if you or your family members have lots of hair.
Best Drain Covers on Amazon
I’ve linked 3 of the best options on Amazon for drain covers. I prefer the reusable TubShroom. Its super easy to clean, and it works great for my shower/tub combo.
If you have a shower with a drain that is flush, the silicone drain covers or the disposable hair catchers will work perfectly. I’d personally choose the silicone ones, as they are reusable.
How to Prevent Smelly Shower Drains
Now that your drain is all cleaned out and protected from future blockages, what if you have a foul odor coming up from your drain? Don’t worry, this is very common and easy to fix!
To keep your shower smelling fresh, make sure to regularly clean the drain cover. I recommend removing it once a week and rinsing it thoroughly with warm water. Discard any hair and debris.
Additionally, using a mild soap or detergent can help break down grease and grime that may be sticking to the drain cover if simple rinsing doesn’t do the job.
Homemade Drain Freshener
To prevent smelly shower drains, or get rid of that nasty odor, try using this homemade drain cleanser made from baking soda and vinegar. These natural ingredients work wonders in eliminating odors. Here are five simple steps to create your own homemade drain cleaner:
- Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
- Follow it with 1/2 cup of vinegar.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes.
- Flush it with hot water.
- Repeat this process once a month to maintain a clean shower drain.
Wrap Up
By regularly cleaning your drain, removing hair and debris, and using the right products, you can easily unclog any blockages that may occur.
Take those preventive steps pf using drain covers as it will go a long way in avoiding future issues. Don’t wait until the water starts pooling or an unpleasant odor wafts through your bathroom; take action early on!
With just a few simple steps, you can keep your shower drain flowing smoothly for years to come.
