How To Clean And Unclog Shower Drain

How to unclog and clean shower drain? What do you need to clean and unclog? We have your answers here!

This is part of a series of MEIDE articles on bathroom cleaning. Access all our articles right here without any charges (absolutely free):

How To Clean:

  1. The Toilet Bowl
  2. The Shower Area
  3. Toilet Sink Area
  4. Toilet Windows, Ledges, Blinds
  5. Bathroom Floor Tiles
  6. Shower Glass
  7. Shower Curtains
  8. The Bathtub
  9. Shower Drain + Unclog It
  10. Bathroom Walls
  11. Bathroom Light Fixtures and Doors
  12. Bathroom Cabinets, Shelves and Fixtures
  13. Bathroom Mirror and Vanity Area
  14. Bathroom Faucets and Taps
  15. Sink Traps / Bottle Traps

As part of the shower area, do not forget to clean the toilet drain! This area, also known as the bathroom drain or trap area, is the dirtiest place to clean. After all, all unwanted waste eventually flows towards here!

Tools To Clean And Unclog Shower Drain

First of all, ensure all tools are within reach and ready before you begin your shower drain cleansing!

Unclog drains with baking soda at MEIDE
Unclog drains with baking soda at MEIDE

Cleaning Equipment

Yes, there is only one, because the process of clearing toilet drains is pretty dirty and requires largely “disposable” items!

  1. Toilet Drain Scrub (Not To Be Used Elsewhere!)

Cleaning Supplies

  1. Gloves
  2. Toilet Paper
  3. Drain Unclogging Agent
  4. Toilet Detergents
  5. Bleach
  6. Mothballs
  7. Freshener
  8. Other unclogging tools: baking soda, salt, vinegar, dish soap, hot water, plunger, plumber’s snake or coat hanger
Learn Bathroom Cleaning At MEIDE Blog
Learn Bathroom Cleaning At MEIDE Blog

Step By Step Guide To Clean The Shower Drain

Step 1: Remove Hair and Debris

To begin, use a double-gloved hand and some toilet paper to pick up and toss away all dirt and hair. A large amount may have accumulated over the drain. If the drain comes with a net or cover, rinse it and remove it. 

Step 2: Unclog Your Drain

If your drain is clogged, cleaning will have little effect. Dirt and mold will continue to accumulate rapidly, and flies will return latest by the subsequent day! To unclog a drain, try using these methods:

Peek at the section on how to unclog shower drain here.

Alternatively, these 2 websites are good guides on the details of how to go about unclogging drains too:

Step 3: Scrub The Drain

Once you got the drain flowing properly, start on the formal drain cleaning!

Do this by using a strong cleaning detergent, or bleach, to scrub and clean the external and internal parts of the drain. Leave the soap and foamy solution on the area for as long as possible, typically 30 to 60 minutes. Then rinse it all away thoroughly. Do this for all the drains in other parts of the washroom too!

Step 4: Prevent Odors and Flies

Lastly, as a bonus step to maintain your drain cleaned and fresh, do this: place moth balls near the drain because drain flies belong the the same family as moths! Alternatively, place any type of perfume or freshener too. The scent will chase away odor and insects!

Too much work to be done? No time for toilet cleaning? No worries! Book your #1 toilet cleaning services here:


Or, feeling up to the mark? We want you as a home helper then!

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Quick Guide To Unclog Shower Drain

  1. Commercial Drain Unclogging Agents
  2. Dish Soap and Hot Water
  3. Baking Soda and Salt
  4. Baking Soda and Vinegar
  5. Plunger
  6. Plumber’s Snake
  7. Coat Hanger
  8. Engage a Plumber

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Commercial Drain Unclogging Agents

We recommend using the commercial unclogging agents first. Based on experience, they really work wonders and cannot be compared to DIY or home-based methods!

Nonetheless, if budget is of concern, go further down the list.

Dish Soap and Hot Water

This method works best for those trying domestic methods. Start with squirting copious dish soap and brushing it around the drain as deeply as you can. Leave it for a few minutes, then flush with hot water that is almost boiling hot.

Baking Soda and Salt

Use 2 parts of baking soda mixed with 1 part of table salt. Mix it up in a container and scatter it over the drain and clogged area. Let it sit for a few hours. Then, flush down with hot water that is almost boiling. Repeat as necessary.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Sprinkle large amounts of baking soda powder over the clogged area and pour white distilled vinegar over it. Immediately cover the drain with a cover and wait for 10 to 20 minutes. Finally pour in hot water to clear drain clogs. Repeat as necessary.

Plunger, Plumber’s Snake, Coat Hangers and Plumber

These are mechanical ways to unclog drains. To learn how to use them, refer to our links above here! If you are already at this juncture, it may instead be wiser to simply engage a professional plumber!

Keep Your Shower Drain Clean with MEIDE!
Keep Your Shower Drain Clean with MEIDE!

Summary Of How To Deep Clean Shower Drain

We summarize all the steps again for your easy reference. Clean up your bathroom drain, without missing anything, in 6 steps. The last step even helps maintain cleanliness and freshness over the long term!

Time needed: 35 minutes

How To Clean Shower Drain Yourself In 6 Steps

  1. Remove Debris and Hair

    Use a doubly-gloved hand and some toilet paper to pick up and toss away all hair and dirt. If the drain comes with a net or cover, rinse it and remove it. 

  2. Unclog The Drain

    If your drain is clogged, cleaning will have little effect. Dirt and mold will continue to accumulate rapidly, and flies will return latest by the subsequent day!

  3. Apply Generous Cleaning Agent

    The drain is often the dirtiest place of all places! Spray and splatter a strong cleaning detergent or bleach to the entire drain – exteriorly and interiorly.

  4. Scrub Thoroughly and Deeply

    Using small amounts of water and a strong scrub, clean out all stubborn grime and dirt. Push towards to end of the drain.
    Tip: do NOT re-use this scrub for anything else!

  5. Leave On and Rinse Away

    Leave the soap and foamy solution on the area for as long as possible, typically 30 to 60 minutes. Then rinse it all away thoroughly. Repeat from step 1 again if not fully cleaned because the drain is indeed the dirtiest of dirtiest area!

  6. Use Freshener or Moth Balls For Added Freshness

    This is a bonus step to maintain your drain cleaned and fresh. Place moth balls near the drain because drain flies belong the the same family as moths! Place any type of perfume or freshener too. The scent will chase away odor and insects!

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