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:
- The Toilet Bowl
- The Shower Area
- Toilet Sink Area
- Toilet Windows, Ledges, Blinds
- Bathroom Floor Tiles
- Shower Glass
- Shower Curtains
- The Bathtub
- Shower Drain + Unclog It
- Bathroom Walls
- Bathroom Light Fixtures and Doors
- Bathroom Cabinets, Shelves and Fixtures
- Bathroom Mirror and Vanity Area
- Bathroom Faucets and Taps
- 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!

Cleaning Equipment
Yes, there is only one, because the process of clearing toilet drains is pretty dirty and requires largely “disposable” items!
- Toilet Drain Scrub (Not To Be Used Elsewhere!)
Cleaning Supplies
- Gloves
- Toilet Paper
- Drain Unclogging Agent
- Toilet Detergents
- Bleach
- Mothballs
- Freshener
- Other unclogging tools: baking soda, salt, vinegar, dish soap, hot water, plunger, plumber’s snake or coat hanger

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:
- Commercial Drain Unclogging Agents
- Dish Soap and Hot Water
- Baking Soda and Salt
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Plunger
- Plumber’s Snake
- Coat Hanger
- Engage a Plumber
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:
- https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/repair-maintenance/how-to-unclog-your-kitchen-sink-drain/
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-unclog-a-drain-2718779
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:
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Quick Guide To Unclog Shower Drain
- Commercial Drain Unclogging Agents
- Dish Soap and Hot Water
- Baking Soda and Salt
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Plunger
- Plumber’s Snake
- Coat Hanger
- 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!

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
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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! - 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!
- 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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