Marianne Martinez
Keeping your shower pan and drain clean is important to prevent clogging and bad smells. Hair, dead skin cells, and soap scum can accumulate in the shower drain, blocking the flow of water and causing it to smell. To clean your shower pan, you can use a variety of household products such as baking soda, vinegar, or commercial cleaners. For tough stains, you may need to use a scrub brush or sponge to agitate the dirt and grime. To clean the drain, you can use a plunger or a drain snake to dislodge any clogs. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your shower pan and drain will help to keep them in good condition and prevent major plumbing issues.
How to clean a pan shower drain
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Clean the shower drain regularly to remove trapped hair and soapy sludge. If there are multiple shower users with long hair, clean the drain every other week. |
| Tools | Toilet plunger, drain snake, commercial solution, gloves, eye protection |
| Commercial solutions | Commercially available drain cleaners, Clorox toilet wands, Mr. Clean sponges, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, Kaboom Foam-Tastic W/OXI-CLEAN, automotive sandpaper, oven cleaner, Magic Erasers, Barkeeper's Friend, Clorox gels |
| Homemade solutions | Baking soda, distilled white vinegar, chlorine bleach, dish soap, Castile soap, water, hydrogen peroxide, blue Dawn dish liquid, salt, borax, nail polish remover, automotive white wax, car wax, mild cleaners, scrub brushes, handheld broom, vacuum, grout brush, toothbrush |
| Preventative measures | Brush hair outside the shower before washing, collect hair by hand while shampooing, install a hair trap in the drain, use a hand shower to wash hair from the bathroom floor and divert it to the drain, dry the pan after every use, use a squeegee to pick up moisture and dry off the pan, wipe down the floor and door after each use, use a daily shower spray |
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What You'll Learn
Removing hair and debris
Clearing Loose Hair and Debris:
Before applying any cleaning solutions, it's important to remove loose hair and debris from your shower floor and drain. Use a handheld broom or vacuum to sweep away this material. This step ensures that you don't push hair and debris further into the drain, causing potential clogs.
Using a Drain Snake:
A drain snake, also known as a toilet auger, is a highly effective tool for removing hair and debris clogs. First, remove the drain cover. Then, insert the drain snake into the drain pipe. Push it in until you feel resistance, indicating that you've reached the clog. Slowly pull the snake out of the drain to remove the hair and debris.
Cleaning with Baking Soda and Vinegar:
A natural, non-toxic way to clean your shower drain and remove hair clogs is by using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar, about half a cup each, and pour this solution down the drain. The baking soda acts as a cleaning agent, while the vinegar is a powerful disinfectant. This combination helps to unclog and clean the drain.
Using Commercial Drain Cleaners:
If you're short on time or need a stronger solution, you can opt for commercially available drain cleaners. Follow the safety instructions provided with the product. Make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using these cleaners. Never mix commercial drain cleaners with other products or attempt to plunge or snake the drain after using them, as this can cause dangerous chemical reactions or splashing.
Preventing Hair Clogs:
To reduce the amount of hair entering your shower drain, brush your hair thoroughly before stepping into the shower. You can also collect loose hair by hand while shampooing and dispose of it in the trash. Installing a hair trap in the drain is another effective way to catch hair before it clogs the drain.
Remember to always wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling cleaning products and tools. By following these steps, you can effectively remove hair and debris from your shower drain, keeping it clean and functional.
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Using a plunger
First, remove the drain cover and check for any visible blockages. Use a wire coat hanger to pull out any hair or debris. Next, fill the shower with a small amount of water—just enough to cover the bottom of the plunger. To be effective, the plunger's cup needs to be under at least an inch of water. If you are having trouble getting a good seal, apply some petroleum jelly to the edge of the cup.
Now, place the plunger cup over the drain opening and push down to release the air trapped in the cup. Then, grasp the plunger handle firmly and move it up and down rapidly to create suction and force the water through the drain pipe. Most clogs require about six good plunging rhythms.
After plunging, lift the plunger to see if the water is draining away quickly. If the water is not draining, plunge again. Repeat this process several times if necessary. If the clog still persists, you may need to try a different method, such as a plumbing snake or chemical drain cleaner.
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Using a drain snake
Before you start, put on some rubber gloves and goggles. You don't want to risk cutting your fingers on the shower drain or snake, and it's important to protect your eyes from any splashback. Remove the drain cover using the tools necessary for your specific cover. Most shower drain openings are protected by a metal grate-like cover. This is usually secured with simple screws or may be held in by a catch, so pry it up and remove the screws or shower grate from the drain opening.
Now you're ready to start snaking! Feed the snake into the drain, pushing until you feel resistance. Once you feel resistance, lock the wire and begin rotating the auger until it advances past the resistance. Keep rotating the snake as you push it down the drain. You'll notice that the handle becomes more difficult to turn as the snake collects more hair and gunk. This is a good sign! If you experience resistance, pull the snake back a little and then gently press it back down into the drain while turning it. Snake the drain until you feel resistance lessen, then give the handle one more full turn to ensure that the obstacle is fully hooked.
Finally, slowly back the snake out of the drain, pulling the clog with it. Use paper towels or a gloved hand to pull the clog off the snake and dispose of it. Before replacing the drain cover, test the drain with water to ensure no clogs remain. If the water continues to drain slowly, repeat the snaking process.
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Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda
Baking soda and vinegar are effective cleaning agents for your shower drain. They are natural, eco-friendly, and safe alternatives to chemical drain cleaners. The combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) produces a chemical reaction that creates a fizzing action, helping to break down and dislodge debris and grime. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your shower pan drain using baking soda and vinegar:
Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Ingredients and Tools
You will need baking soda, white vinegar, a kettle or pot of boiling water, and a clean cloth. Additionally, ensure you have a pair of gloves, a drain snake or tweezers, and a cup or small container.
Step 2: Clear the Area and Pre-Treat the Drain
Before pouring anything down the drain, it is important to remove any visible debris, such as hair or soap scum, near the drain opening. Use gloves and a drain snake or tweezers for this step to ensure a thorough cleaning. This pre-treatment step ensures that the baking soda and vinegar solution can focus on breaking down more stubborn residues.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda and Vinegar to the Drain
Sprinkle about half a cup of baking soda into the shower drain. The amount of baking soda may vary depending on the severity of the clog, but it is typically recommended to start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
Next, slowly pour vinegar into the drain. The volume of vinegar should be roughly half the amount of baking soda. The mixture will start to foam and fizz, which is a normal and desired reaction. This foaming action is crucial in helping to clear the drain by dislodging debris.
Step 4: Allow the Mixture to Work
Cover the drain with a clean cloth and let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. During this time, the chemical reaction between the two substances will continue to break down any clogs or residues in your drain. The carbon dioxide gas produced during this reaction may also create pressure that aids in dislodging stubborn blockages.
Step 5: Flush the Drain with Hot Water
After the waiting period, carefully pour a kettle or pot of boiling water down the drain. This step helps to flush away the vinegar, baking soda mixture, and any loosened debris. Be cautious not to burn yourself during this step. If your shower drain is heavily clogged, you may need to repeat the entire process a few times until the water drains smoothly.
Additional Tips for a Well-Maintained Shower Drain:
- Use a Mesh Drain Cover: Install a mesh cover to catch hair and larger debris, preventing them from entering and clogging the drain.
- Regularly Flush with Hot Water: Once a week, flush your drain with hot water to prevent the buildup of soap scum and other residues.
- Avoid Pouring Grease or Oil: Grease and oil can solidify and clog your drain. Properly dispose of them in the trash instead.
- Clean Your Shower Regularly: Keeping your shower walls and floor clean reduces the likelihood of debris entering and clogging the drain.
While the combination of baking soda and vinegar is generally safe and effective, it is important to note that it works best on organic clogs, such as hair and grease. For more severe or stubborn clogs, you may need to seek professional help or explore alternative solutions.
Additionally, if you have a weak or old plumbing system, the acidity of vinegar can potentially corrode older or fragile pipes. Always assess the condition of your plumbing system before using this cleaning method, and if in doubt, consider alternative drain cleaning approaches.
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Maintaining shine
Maintaining the shine of your shower drain and pan is an important part of keeping your bathroom looking and feeling fresh. Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve and preserve that shine:
Clean Regularly:
It is essential to clean your shower drain and pan regularly to prevent the buildup of soap scum, hair, and other debris that can cause clogs and odours. Aim to scrub your shower drain cover with a sponge or soft-bristle brush every time you use it. Additionally, pour hot water down the drain weekly, followed by a 1:2 ratio of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a folded rag for about 10 minutes to allow the solution to deodorize and loosen gunk, then flush with more hot water.
Deep Cleaning:
Once a month, perform a deeper clean by removing the drain cover and clearing any visible debris, hair, or globs of gunk. You can use a wire coat hanger with a small hook at the end to fish out any stubborn clumps. After removing the clog, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain (unless you have PVC pipes).
Natural Cleaning Solutions:
Natural cleaning solutions are effective and safe for both your shower pan and drain. A simple and powerful combination is baking soda and vinegar. Pour a 1:1 ratio of these two ingredients down your drain, let it sit for an hour, and then flush with hot water. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to your shower pan with a scrubber to remove tough soap scum.
Wax Conditioning:
For a fiberglass shower pan, conditioning with automotive white wax will help maintain its shine. Wash the pan with a wet rag, then use another rag to lightly apply the wax, especially to dull or scratched areas. Manufacturers recommend doing this twice a year.
Squeegee Drying:
To keep your shower pan shiny, use a squeegee to remove moisture and dry it off after every shower. This simple step will make a big difference in maintaining the shine and reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
Remember to always wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning your shower drain and pan, especially when using chemical products. With regular maintenance and the right cleaning techniques, you can keep your shower drain and pan sparkling clean and odour-free.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clear the area of any clutter and personal items. Then, put on gloves and eye protection. If you have long hair, tie it back. You can then use a handheld broom or vacuum to remove loose debris and hair from the shower floor. If you are using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions on the label. If you are using a natural solution, such as baking soda and vinegar, pour it down the drain and leave it to work its magic before rinsing with boiling water.
To prevent your shower drain from getting clogged, brush your hair before showering and collect loose hairs by hand while shampooing. You can also install a hair trap in the drain.
Natural solutions for cleaning a shower drain include baking soda and vinegar, salt and borax with vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide with blue dawn dish liquid.
Commercial products for cleaning a shower drain include Clorox toilet wands, Mr. Clean sponges, and Kaboom Foam-Tastic W/OXI-CLEAN.
