Deborah is an incredibly talented journalist who's been working for numerous online magazines for over 8 years now. She's also our main research writer who can turn any boring topic into an easy-to-digest text. Loves biking and her two dogs.
Charles's been a plumber his entire life. Thanks to his vast experience we can always rely on Charles' expert opinion when creating any of our articles. He's also a fantastic fisherman and cook.
Last updated: June 14, 2022
Bathroomer is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Are you looking for the best shower cleaners to deep clean your tiles and remove all of the built-up dirt, mold, and mildew? If so, youโve come to the right place!
In this post, we will review seven different products that are designed to clean showers quickly and easily. Weโll also provide some tips on how to use them properly for the best results. To find the best of the best, we tested a variety of shower cleaners to see which ones could quickly and easily remove soap scum, dirt, and grime. We also looked for cleaners that left behind a streak-free shine. In the end, we found that the best shower cleaners are those that make your life easier, not harder. ย So whether youโre dealing with a nasty case of black mold or just want to give your shower a good scrubbing, these cleaners will get the job done!
"Weโve chosen it as our Editorโs Choice because itโs bleach-free and gentle on surfaces, making it ideal for shower walls, tubs, fiberglass, glass, and tile. Delightful smell and long, powerful effect."
"Our biodegradable formula is tough on soap scum and mildew, but gentle on your skin and the planet. Plus, it smells amazing thanks to the ylang-ylang essential oil. Different sizes available."
"This powerful, yet bleach-free formula is tough on grime and soap scum, but gentle on your surfaces and skin. Plus, it has a light, refreshing scent."
"This unique formula is designed to quickly and easily remove soap scum, dirt, and grime from all types of shower surfaces, including tile, wood, fiberglass, and more."
"With just a few swipes, you can erase away dirt, grime, and even unwanted stains from surfaces like your sink, shower, tile, and grout. 10 pads for extra value and convenience."
"This eco-friendly spray is perfect for keeping your shower clean and bacteria-free. Itโs made with natural ingredients and is safe to use on all surfaces."
More features: 12 weeks of cleaning power, bleach-free, no scrubbing
Our top choice is the Wet&Forget Shower Cleaner because itโs a powerful cleaner spray that works on a variety of surfaces, including shower, tub, fiberglass, glass, and tile. With just one application, it provides up to 12 weeks of cleaning power โ no scrubbing required! Plus, itโs bleach-free and has a refreshing vanilla scent. So make your shower cleaning hassle-free with Wet&Forget Shower Cleaner!
Where the Rain-X Shower Cleaner you will see later for the Best for Glass Shower Doors is limited to just doors, this pick of ours can clean your entire shower with ease. Itโs an improved version of shower cleaner that simplifies the process so you donโt need multiple cleaners or a ton of scrubbing power.
Why is it special?
No scrubbing or wiping needed
Prevents the build-up of soap scum, grim, oils, and mildew stains
More features: plant-based, cruelty-free, biodegradable formula
Looking for an eco-friendly and easy way to keep your shower clean? Method Shower Cleaner is for you! This plant-based and biodegradable formula is gentle on surfaces and leaves your shower sparkling clean with no harsh chemicals. Plus, it smells amazing with its ylang-ylang scent. Just a few sprays of this cleaner will keep your shower looking great. So ditch the harsh chemicals and switch to Method Shower Cleaner for a safe and effective clean.
While the Editorโs Pick Wet & Forget allows you to just spray and forget it, this option does require a rinse. However, they are really set apart in overall value based on their ingredients and the design behind the company. Method is a plant-based cleaner that is environmentally friendly, even though it will require you to rinse for cleaning.
More features: bleach-free, no ammonia and harsh chemicals
This unique formula is bleach-free, so itโs safe to use on all types of surfaces in your shower. But donโt let the lack of Bleach fool you, Tilex Shower Cleaner still packs a powerful cleaning punch. Itโs also ammonia-free and free of other harsh chemicals, so it wonโt leave any unpleasant smells behind. Just spray it on and let it work its magic! In no time at all, youโll have a sparkling clean shower that you can enjoy without holding your breath.
This selection from the Clorox line is comparable to our pick for the Best Shower Cleaner for Soap Scum you will see shortly in terms of it being a daily shower cleaner. However, this one does stand apart a bit from options like the Clean Shower brand because it actually works to prevent hard water buildup or scum rather than simply clean it up after the fact. When used daily, your shower looks cleaner for longer.
What stands out?
Pack of 3
No rinsing or wiping required
Prevent soap scum and hard water buildup
Chemicals-free
4 weeks cleaning power
What cons did we manage to find?
Some customers complain that during shipping bottles leak because they are laying down in the package
This powerful spray is formulated to clean tile, wood, fiberglass, and any other surfaces in your shower. Itโs also great for cleaning floors and counters. And itโs so easy to use โ just spay and walk away. No scrubbing required! RMR-86 Shower Cleaner comes in a 32 fl.oz. size and has a fresh, clean scent. So make your showers sparkle and shop for RMR-86 Shower Cleaner today!
Mold and mildew require more power to conquer typically. When you compare this option to our Editorโs Pick from the Wet & Forget, you will notice that this choice is much better at treating mold and mildew residue. Itโs a specialized concept for the tougher jobs rather than your daily cleaning needs you find with the other product.
These convenient pads are perfect for cleaning up tough stains and spills on a variety of surfaces, including sinks, showers, tiles, and grout. Plus, they come in a refreshing lavender scent. And for those really tough messes, the extra foam feature provides even more scrubbing power. So why wait? Get your hands on a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser today and see the amazing results for yourself!
The Magic Eraser option does not compare to other on our list when it comes to how they are used. These disposal choices come with cleaner in each sponge. However, you can compare the power of this sponge to the power of the Clorox, the Best Daily Shower Cleaner. Itโs simple but effective at cleaning your shower and bath.
Do you find yourself feeling icky after a shower? Not with Generic Clean Shower, you wonโt! Weโve all been there- we finish our showers feeling dirty, like we need to take another one. Thatโs because your typical shower cleaner doesnโt do the job properly. But with Generic Clean Shower, you can forget about all of that. Our innovative formula will leave your shower feeling cleaner than ever before. Just spray and rinse- itโs that easy! Plus, it comes with a 60 oz. refill bottle so you can keep your shower clean all year long. So why wait? Try Generic Clean Shower today!
Much like the Best Daily Shower Cleaner from Clorox and the Editorโs Choice from Wet & Forget, this cleaner is designed to be used daily and doesnโt require extensive effort for a deep clean. However, you will find that this particular cleaner outdoes each of those when it comes to cleaning up soap scum, particularly if you have some buildup to conquer.
If youโre looking for a product that will leave your glass and shower surfaces sparkling clean, look no further than Rain-X 630035. This powerful gel formula is tough on dirt and grime, yet gentle enough to use on a variety of surfaces. The lemon scent leaves a refreshing fragrance behind, while the sparkling shine ensures that your surfaces are left looking their best.
The unique capacity of this Rain-X Cleaner stands apart from all of our other cleaners shared here. Much like the Magic Erasers in our Best Tile and Grout Cleaner category, it is unique in capability and design. The formula fights against buildup but is specifically for glass, making it sustainably different from any of the other products weโve shared here.
What are its best features?
Extra cleaning
Removes soap scum, hard water buildup, and calcium
Low price
What could be improved?
Only for glass surfaces
Things to Consider
There are a few things you need to consider when selecting a shower cleaner. We have prepared some tips to assist you in making the best decision for your needs.
Type
There are three main types of shower cleaners: sprays, foams, and gels.
Sprays are the most popular type of cleaner because they are easy to use and can be targeted to specific areas. Foams are also easy to use but they tend to run down the drain quickly. Gels are thick and require a little more work to spread evenly, but they provide a deep clean.
Both these shower cleaners are great and have their advantages: Clean Shower spray is perfect for not scrubbing cleaning, while Rain-X gel has a deep-cleaning effect for glass doors.
Target Surface
Most cleaners are safe for ceramic tile, porcelain, and fiberglass, but be sure to read the labels carefully. If you have a stone shower, youโll need to use a cleaner specifically designed for that type of surface.
Ingredients and Scent
Shower cleaners usually contain bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. Bleach is the most effective at killing mold and mildew, but it can also be harsh on your skin. Ammonia is a strong cleaner but it has a strong smell. Vinegar is a natural cleaner thatโs gentle on surfaces but it doesnโt work as well as bleach or ammonia.
When it comes to scent, you can find cleaners with a variety of fragrances, from citrus to lavender. Or you can choose an unscented cleaner if youโre sensitive to smells.
Usage
Most shower cleaners need to be left on the surface for a few minutes before being rinsed off. Be sure to read the label carefully so you know how long to leave the cleaner on before rinsing.
If you have a large family or live in a hot, humid climate, you may need to clean it weekly. Otherwise, cleaning it once a month should be sufficient.
Cleaning Effect
When testing shower cleaners, we looked for ones that quickly and easily removed soap scum, dirt, and grime. We also looked for cleaners that left behind a streak-free shine. We tested a variety of shower cleaners, and we found that some worked better than others. In general, we found that the best shower cleaners were those that contained powerful ingredients like bleach or hydrochloric acid. These cleaners cut through even the toughest stains with ease. However, we also found that some of these cleaners were harsh on sensitive skin, so we made sure to include options that were gentle enough for everyday use.
Sometimes even proper cleaning doesnโt help to remove all the dirt, in this case, you may replace a shower base with a new one, which is durable and long-lasting. This guide includes only the best shower bases available to make your choice easier.
Depending on how much use your shower gets, you may need to adjust this schedule accordingly. If you notice that soap scum or dirt is building up more quickly than usual, itโs probably time to give it a good scrub.
There are a few different ways to clean your shower, but we think the best method is using a spray cleaner. Simply apply the cleaner to the dirty areas and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. For particularly tough stains, you may need to scrub a bit with a sponge or brush. Be sure to rinse the cleaner off completely so it doesnโt damage your shower surfaces.
There are a few things you can do to get rid of shower grime. First, you can use a mechanical scrubber or brush to scrub the surfaces. This will help loosen and remove any dirt or grime that is stuck on the surface. Second, you can use a chemical cleaner such as bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. These cleaners will help break down and remove any tough grime. Finally, you can rinse the surfaces with clean water to remove any residue. Doing these things regularly will help keep your shower clean and free of grime.
You can clean your shower curtain by using a mild detergent and washing it in the machine on a gentle cycle. You can also use a vinegar solution to remove any mold or mildew that may be present. Be sure to rinse the curtain thoroughly after cleaning. If you have a plastic shower curtain, you may want to consider replacing it with a fabric one that is more resistant to mold and mildew.
In case you want to replace a shower curtain to get rid of regular dirt and mold on it, here is the list of the best shower doors.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effectiveness of a DIY shower cleaner depends on the ingredients you use. However, in general, DIY cleaners are not as effective as commercial cleaners. This is because commercial cleaners contain stronger cleaning agents that are designed to remove tough dirt and grime. If youโre looking for a deep clean, we recommend using a commercial cleaner. However, if youโre just looking to remove soap scum or mild dirt, a DIY cleaner may be sufficient.
Our Verdict
The Wet&Forget Shower Cleaner tops our list of the best shower cleaners. This bleach-free and no-scrub spray comes with 12 weeks of cleaning power, so you can keep your shower looking sparkling new all year long. Plus, the vanilla scent is sure to leave your bathroom smelling fresh and inviting.
The Method Shower Cleaner is a plant-based, biodegradable spray is perfect for tile, glass and shower surfaces โ and it comes with a refreshing ylang-ylang scent. Additionally, itโs cruelty-free and free of harsh chemicals.
Due to its effectiveness, the Clorox Company Tilex Shower Cleaner has one of the highest ratings among the best shower cleaners. Unique bleach-free, no ammonia, and harsh-chemical formula keeps your shower cleaner for longer with a light scent that isnโt overpowering. The 32 oz. bottle will last you a long time, so you can stop wasting money on other cleaners that donโt work as well.
References
1.
Mold | Washington State Department of Health
Molds are tiny microscopic organisms that digest organic matter and reproduce by releasing spores. Molds are a type of fungi and there are over 100,000 species. In nature, mold helps decompose or break-down leaves, wood and other plant debris. Molds become a problem when they go where they are not wanted and digest materials such as our homes.
