Spray, foam or concentrate shower cleaners help keep your shower free from buildup. In this review, the This Old House Team researched shower cleaners to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home.
If you’re struggling to keep your shower clean, you may want to start using a shower cleaner regularly. The best shower cleaners are easy to use, affordable and don’t have an overpowering scent. Some can be applied as often as daily. Popular options come in spray form, but there are also foams and concentrate solutions.
Read on for our curated list of top shower cleaners to keep your tile and glass free from mold and soap scum.
Top 5 Shower Cleaners
- Kaboom Foam-Tastic Bathroom Cleaner: Best Foam Cleaner
- Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner: Best For Daily Maintenance
- The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner: Most Versatile
- Bioclean Hard Water Stain Remover: Best For Hard Water
- Rain-X Shower Door Cleaner: Best For Glass Doors
Compare Top Shower Cleaners
| Product | Quantity | Scent | Works On |
|---|---|---|---|
Kaboom Foam-Tastic Bathroom CleanerCheck Price | 19-ounce can | Lemon citrus | Soap scum, hard water, calcium, and lime stains |
Scrub Free Daily Shower CleanerCheck Price | Two 32-ounce spray bottles | Fresh clean | Soap scum and hard water stains |
The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime CleanerCheck Price | 32-ounce bottle | Light lemon | Soap scum and grime |
Bioclean Hard Water Stain RemoverCheck Price | 40-ounce bottle | No scent | Hard water |
Rain-X Shower Door CleanerCheck Price | 12-ounce bottle | Lemon | Soap scum and hard water stains |
Best Foam Cleaner
Kaboom Foam-Tastic Bathroom Cleaner
We liked that this Kaboom cleaner uses the power of OxiClean to reduce how much scrubbing you have to do and provide top-notch cleaning power. Once the foam turns from blue to white, it’s ready to be wiped away. It doesn’t leave a trace of grime or cleaner except for a citrus scent.
Pros and Cons of Kaboom Foam-Tastic Bathroom Cleaner
- Works for various stain types
- Sprays blue and turns white when it’s ready to be wiped
- Doesn’t require hard scrubbing
- Has a sprayer that can get clogged with foam
- Has an overwhelming scent
What People Are Saying About The Kaboom Foam-Tastic Bathroom Cleaner
We noted that customers mentioned that this cleaner was easy to use, requiring minimal or no scrubbing, even with tough stains. Those who were unsatisfied with the product said that its strong scent made them cough while they were cleaning.
Best For Daily Maintenance
Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner
This spray is meant to help you maintain a clean shower between deep cleans. Our team noted that it works well on mildew, soap scum, and more. Because all you have to do is spray it and leave it to do its job, you can easily use it on a daily basis when you’re taking a shower.
Pros and Cons of Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner
- Comes with two spray bottles of product
- Is made so that you can spray it and then walk away
- Has a fresh scent
- Can leave residue behind
- Has arrived leaky for some customers
What People Are Saying About The Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner
Reviewers stated that this spray had a pleasant scent and was effective for both daily maintenance and deep cleaning. However, we also noted that those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that it didn’t work well on hard water spots.
Most Versatile
The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner
The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner provides a commercial-strength clean for a streak-free clean. It uses bubbles to dissolve tough stains on just about any surface in your bathroom, including glass shower doors, acrylic bathtubs, and tile and grout walls. We like that uou can also purchase it in a bottle without a sprayer, in a bottle with a sprayer, or in a gallon-size jug.
Pros and Cons of The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner
- Has a light scent that smells like lemon water
- Is designed to be non-toxic and septic-safe
- Labeled as being commercial-strength
- Doesn’t work on rust or iron stains
- Doesn’t come with a spray nozzle
What People Are Saying About The The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner
Our team found that customers complimented the product’s pleasant scent and scrubbing bubbles. Most agreed that it required minimal scrubbing and provided a deep clean. Those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that it didn’t work well on bathtub stains.
Best For Hard Water
Bioclean Hard Water Stain Remover
We found that this biodegradable cleaner works hard to get rid of hard water stains in your shower. It has a cream consistency that’s applied to doors, walls, faucets, and other bathroom surfaces that have been exposed to hard minerals. For your convenience, the product cleans and seals in one go.
Pros and Cons of Bioclean Hard Water Stain Remover
- Can be used on stovetops, windows, windshields, and other glass surfaces
- Is made to be biodegradable
- Works on hard water, rust, and more
- Needs a lot of elbow grease to work effectively
- Can require multiple applications for the desired results
What People Are Saying About The Bioclean Hard Water Stain Remover
Our research indicated that customers said that this product had a pleasant scent and was easy to use. However, some unsatisfied customers said that it left a residue on their bathroom surfaces, defeating the purpose of using it.
Best For Glass Doors
Rain-X Shower Door Cleaner
This liquid cleaner is designed to remove dirt, hard water stains, soap scum, and more for glass shower doors. For the best results, the manufacturer recommends applying the product to a a damp warm-water microfiber cloth then using the cloth to rub the product on your door in a circular motion. We also found that if you want to protect your door from future grime, you can follow up with Rain-X’s Shower Door Water Repellent.
Pros and Cons of Rain-X Shower Door Cleaner
- Is designed to leave a sparkling shine
- Can follow it up with Rain-X’s water-repellent product
- Works on hard water, soap scum, dirt, calcium, lime, and rust stains
- Can only be used on glass surfaces
- Comes in a small 12-ounce bottle
What People Are Saying About The Rain-X Shower Door Cleaner
Most customers complimented the product for making shower glass look crystal clear. Many reviewers also noted that it worked particularly well on soap scum. Those we found who were unsatisfied with the product said that they had to scrub a lot to get it to do its job.
Buyer’s Guide
Showers quickly become filled with soap scum, hard water stains, and other grime. Finding the right cleaner can help you maintain your shower. Here are four factors we think are important to consider as you’re making a selection.
Fragrance
Some shower cleaners either smell like the harsh chemicals in their formula or something natural, such as lavender or lemon. Other cleaners may be fragrance-free. If you’re sensitive to strong smells, search for a product that has a light scent or no scent.
Surface
Some shower cleaners work on specific surfaces and can act only as a tile cleaner or glass cleaner, while others work for bathroom cleaning on various surfaces, including your shower curtains and countertops. When you’re searching for a product, be sure to scan the label for its recommended surfaces.
Grime
In addition to recommended surfaces, some cleaners have certain types of grime that they can clean. For example, some work as soap scum removers, while others tackle tough mineral stains from hard water that may build up on your shower head or floor. Multipurpose cleaners can generally remove basic grime. If your shower hasn’t been cleaned in months or you have tough stains, such as hard water or rust, choose a professional-strength, grime-specific cleaner instead.
Form
Shower cleaners can come in the form of foam, cream, or liquid. Foam cleaners tend to require the least amount of scrubbing because their bubbles break down the grime for you. On the other hand, cream and liquid cleaners have to be activated with scrubbing.
Tips For Preventing Buildup in Your Shower
Using a shower cleaner regularly is a great way to prevent your shower from building up grime and other nasty materials. However, there are also some other easy steps you can be taking to keep your shower as clean as possible. Here are some tips our team has for preventing buildup.
Keep the Shower Ventilated: Ensure your shower area has proper ventilation to reduce humidity and moisture. After showering, open windows or turn on exhaust fans to allow the steam to escape. This helps prevent mold and mildew growth, which can lead to buildup.
Use a Squeegee or Towel Dry the Area: After each shower, use a squeegee or a clean towel to wipe down the walls, glass doors, and fixtures. This removes water droplets and prevents mineral deposits from forming.
Remove Hair: Hair can easily accumulate in the shower drain, leading to clogs and buildup. Regularly remove any hair from the drain and clean the drain cover or stopper.
Use a Water Softener: If your water supply is hard water (high mineral content), consider installing a water softener system. Hard water can leave mineral deposits and soap scum, making it harder to keep your shower clean. A water softener helps reduce mineral buildup.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: While it’s important to clean your shower regularly, avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning that can damage surfaces or cause discoloration. Mild or natural cleaning solutions are preferable for keeping your surfaces in good condition. Vinegar and baking soda are also effective for removing mineral deposits and soap scum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my shower doors?
To clean your shower doors, analyze the grime. For hard water stains, use an abrasive cleaner with a damp sponge. For soap scum, use a foam cleaner and an abrasive sponge.re.
Should I use a squeegee on my shower doors?
Yes. Using a squeegee on a daily basis can reduce the buildup of soap scum.AQ content here.
How often should I clean my shower?
You should clean your shower once a week. If you have other showers in your home that are used infrequently, you can clean them once every other week. In the absence of a shower cleaner, you can quickly use a home cleaning solution of white vinegar and baking soda to help reduce messes on your shower walls and floor in between deep cleans.
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