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10 Best Shower Cleaners of 2024

Updated
Grimy shower? Pick one of these great cleaners and make your shower spotless and shiny again.

Your shower enclosure will usually be one of the first parts of your home to require cleaning, as it will frequently be exposed to soapy and dirty water. Cleaning will be far more effective if you use a shower cleaner, and there are numerous products to choose from.

Choosing a shower cleaner is not as simple as grabbing any product from the shelves of your local store. Some cleaners that are highly effective for one material could be ineffective or even damaging on a different surface.

To help you find the best shower cleaner for your bathroom, we have reviewed ten of the best cleaning products available today. We chose these products based on their effectiveness, material suitability, scent, and eco-friendliness.

Our Top Picks

We independently evaluate, assess and research all recommended products and services. If you purchase through the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Most Environmentally Friendly: Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner
  • Non-toxic, plant-based ingredients
  • Cruelty-free
  • Multi-surface
Best Shower Disinfectant: CleanSmart Daily Shower Cleaner
  • Kills viruses & bacteria
  • No chemical residue
  • Non-abrasive
Best Cleaner for Mold & Mildew: Mold Armor Mold & Mildew Remover
  • No scrubbing required
  • High percentage of bleach
  • Removes mold and mildew
Best for Shower Glass Doors: Bio-Clean Stain Remover
  • Non-toxic
  • Removes hard water stains
  • No harsh chemicals used
Best Cleaner for Hard Water Stains: Bring It On Cleaner Stain Remover
  • Non-toxic
  • Removes water spots & stains
  • Cleans rust & grout
Best Shower Cleaner for Stone Walls: Stone Care Granite Stoner Cleaner
  • Restores original stone colors
  • Doesn’t contain phosphates or ammonia
  • Neutral pH
Best Vinegar Shower Cleaner: Mrs. Meyer's No-Rinse Cleaner
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Uses 30% recycled plastic
  • Gel textured
Best All-In-One Shower Cleaner: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Scrubber
  • All-in-one solution
  • User-friendly
  • Fresh scent
Best Fragrance-Free Shower Cleaner: Grab Green Natural Shower Cleaner
  • Plant & mineral-based
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Fragrance-free
Best Cleaner for Shower Stalls: The Bucko Scum & Grime Cleaner
  • Cleans acrylic & fiberglass surfaces
  • Non-toxic ingredients
  • Little or no scrubbing required


Product Reviews

There are so many cleaning products available today that it would be impossible to list them all. To narrow your search, we reviewed ten of our favorite shower cleaning products. We judged these products based on their ingredients, effectiveness, fragrances, and customer feedback.

Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate

Most Environmentally Friendly Shower Cleaner

This award-winning cleaner from Puracy combines efficiency and eco-friendly ingredients. The concentrated cleaner is meant to be mixed with water at a 1 to 7 ratio. This small bottle contains enough for a gallon of cleaner, minimizing plastic waste.

Doctors developed this plant-based formula to keep you, your family, and your pets safe while cleaning and using the shower enclosure. This cleaner is eco-friendly. It is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and vegan. It has never been tested on animals and is biodegradable.

The ingredients are all taken from plants — citric acid, sodium citrate, decyl glucoside, and benzisothiazolinone. Even with a lack of chemical ingredients, it is still effective and versatile. It is not only suitable for a shower enclosure but can also be used on surfaces throughout your home.

Every time you purchase a Puracy product, the company donates part of the profits to a charity in the United States.

Pros

  • Non-toxic, plant-based ingredients
  • Cruelty-free
  • Multi-surface
  • Biodegradable

Cons

  • Doesn’t include a spray

Product Specs

Aroma Green Tea & Lime
Surface Multi-surface
Size 16 ounces (to be mixed with water)
Main Ingredients Plant-based
Unique Feature(s) Plant-based, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, vegan-friendly

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Material Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Safety
5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

CleanSmart Daily Shower Cleaner

Best Shower Disinfectant

Bacteria can live throughout our homes but they are particularly prevalent in bathrooms (1). This cleaner won’t only remove dirt but will also kill 99.9% of bacteria, germs, viruses, and fungi. E-coli, salmonella, listeria, herpes, HIV, the common cold, and athlete’s foot are just some of the infections CleanSmart can prevent from spreading.

Hypochlorous is one of the ingredients of this detergent. It is non-abrasive, safe, and naturally produced by the human body, which is why it is even used to help heal wounds (2). However, hypochlorous only constitutes 0.017% of this cleaner, while the other ingredients remain undisclosed.

CleanSmart claims that its products are safe enough to be used with pets and children around. It won’t release harmful fumes or unpleasant smells, or leave chemical residue behind.

Pros

  • Kills viruses and bacteria
  • No chemical residue
  • Non-abrasive
  • Includes a natural antibacterial agent

Cons

  • Not all ingredients are listed

Product Specs

Aroma Fragrance-free
Surface Multi-surface
Size Two bottles of 23 ounces
Ingredients 0.017 percent of hypochlorous acid, other ingredients not displayed
Unique Feature(s) Disinfectant, antibacterial

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Material Compatibility
4 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Mold Armor Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

Best Shower Cleaner for Mold and Mildew

Customer reviews are enthusiastic about this cleaner’s ability to remove fungus. Chlorine — a compound found in bleach — is highly effective at killing mold (3). Mold Armor contains almost twice as much bleach compared to the average product for improved performance.

This cleaner should be sufficient to remove dirt and germs. Simply spray the area, wait for 5–10 minutes to allow the cleaner to work, then rinse it off. The grime should come off easily without scrubbing.

This cleaner can be used on several materials, including grout, fiberglass, and tiles. However, it isn’t recommended for glass as it can erode the top layer. If any of the cleaner gets onto rubber, such as the shower head nozzles, or vinyl, be sure to rinse it within 15 minutes to avoid damage.

Warning

Do not apply this cleaner to colored surfaces as it could fade them. Test it on a small area first.

Pros

  • No scrubbing is required
  • Twice as strong as average cleaners
  • Highly effective against fungus
  • Removes mold and mildew

Cons

  • Bleach content requires ventilation

Product Specs

Aroma Bleach
Surface Fiberglass, grout, tile
Size 2 bottles of 16 ounces
Main Ingredients Bleach and other detergents
Unique Feature(s) Kills mold and mildew, no scrubbing is needed

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
5 / 5
Material Compatibility
3.5 / 5
Safety
3 / 5
Eco-friendliness
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Bio-Clean Stain Remover

Best for Shower Glass Doors

Bio-Clean is a popular detergent among homeowners and is safe to use on shower glass. Customers report excellent results with all types of glass panels — including their windows and cars windscreens.

In addition to shower glass, you will be able to use it to clean fiberglass shower stalls, tiles, porcelain, and many other surfaces. It will remove deposits of rust, mildew, mold, and hard water spots.

Despite being very effective, it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. It won’t release toxic fumes or strong synthetic smells into the atmosphere as it is biodegradable. This product is so safe that it is widely used in hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, stores, and other public spaces.

Reviews do mention a strong abrasive smell and you should wear gloves while using it to prevent skin irritation. If you aren’t satisfied with the cleaner within 60 days, the manufacturer promises a full refund, so you can buy with confidence.

Pros

  • Suitable for shower glass
  • Non-toxic
  • Removes hard water stains
  • No harsh chemicals are used

Cons

  • The ingredients are not listed
  • Strong abrasive smell

Product Specs

Aroma Not specified
Surface Tile, fiberglass, porcelain, glass
Size 40 ounces
Main Ingredients Not specified
Unique Feature(s) Can be used on glass, chemical-free

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Material Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover

Best for Shower Cleaner for Hard Water Stains

Hard water is caused by high mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium, which leaves deposits behind (4). It can even lead to rust on the metallic parts of your shower. If it has been a while since you last cleaned your shower, this Bring It On cleaner is a great option.

It contains non-toxic oxygen bleach that will remove the most stubborn dirt and water stains inside your shower enclosure. Whether your shower is surrounded by tiles, fiberglass, porcelain, or ceramic material, this cleaner will be suitable. It can also be used to clean glass shower doors and grime on grout.

This detergent comes in a bottle. Simply apply the liquid with a sponge or cleaning tool, leave it for a few minutes, rinse, and then start scrubbing. When your shower is clean, your bathroom will smell like fresh mint.

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Removes hard water spots and stains
  • Clears rust and grout
  • Can also be used on glass

Cons

  • May require multiple applications

Product Specs

Aroma Mint
Surface Multi-surface, including glass
Size 32 ounces
Main Ingredients Oxygen bleach
Unique Feature(s) Removes hard water stains

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Material Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Stone Care International Granite Stone Cleaner

Best for Stone Shower Walls

Granite, slate, and marble are the most popular types of stone used in shower enclosures, and all require special care. Most stone enclosures are sealed and can be cleaned with stone cleaner to prevent mold formation.

This Stone Care shower cleaner has been formulated to work on any coated stone surface and can be used daily to remove grime and hard water spots. It is made without ammonia or phosphate to prevent damage and has a neutral pH to avoid acid contact.

It is used by simply spraying it on and wiping it off, so it is very user-friendly. If the stone surface is uneven, leave the cleaner on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off.

The detergent shouldn’t leave any marks, so you will be able to enjoy a streak-free finish. In addition to your shower, this product can also be used on stone countertops, floors, and any other sealed stone surface.

Warning

Do not use this cleaner on unsealed stone.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Restores original stone colors
  • Doesn’t contain phosphates or ammonia
  • Neutral pH

Cons

  • Some reviewers expected a more gleaming finish

Product Specs

Aroma Not specified
Surface Sealed stone
Size 32 ounces
Main Ingredients Not specified
Unique Feature(s) Safe for stone — ammonia and phosphate-free

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4 / 5
Material Compatibility
5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Mrs. Meyer's No-Rinse Vinegar Cleaner

Best Vinegar Shower Cleaner

Vinegar is a very effective natural cleaner for both shower panels and glass tiles or doors (5). In addition to vinegar, this Mrs. Meyer’s cleaner contains at least 99% natural ingredients, including essential oils. You won’t find any parabens, artificial colors, or phthalates in this cleaner.

This mild product can be used everywhere in your shower enclosure — glass, handles, shower head, walls — and should even remove hard water stains. The gel texture provides greater control while cleaning, and you won’t even need to rinse it after applying it.

If you are concerned about a vinegar smell, this cleaner has a light and refreshing citrus scent. Each bottle is made using at least 30% recycled plastic, a sign of the brand’s environmental commitment.

Warning

Vinegar shouldn’t be used to clean treated stone surfaces as it can ruin the finish.

Pros

  • Contains natural ingredients
  • Uses recycled plastic
  • Gel texture
  • Can be used on most surfaces

Cons

  • Relatively small bottle

Product Specs

Aroma Lemon verbena
Surface Multi-surface
Size 12 ounces
Ingredients Vinegar, essential oils
Unique Feature(s) Natural ingredients, 30% recycled plastic bottle

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4 / 5
Material Compatibility
4 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber

Best All-In-One Shower Cleaner

If you have limited space for cleaning products, this one from Mr. Clean combines a sponge and a cleaning agent. It can remove three times more dirt than average bleach cleaning sprays and can wash both indoor and outdoor showers.

This product’s sponge will enable you to clean soap scum on shower tiles and shower doors. Simply soak the sponge in water, squeeze it three or four times to activate the cleaning agent, and then scrub!

This set includes two pads, which should be enough to clean your shower at least six times. It also leaves behind a refreshing meadow and rain Febreze scent.

Warning

Do not use with chlorine, other detergents, or stainless steel hardware.

Pros

  • Saves storage space
  • Easy to use
  • Fresh scent
  • Cleans your shower six times

Cons

  • Won’t last as long as cleaning sprays

Product Specs

Aroma Febreze — meadow and rain
Surface Multi-surface
Size 4 sponges per box — 4.5 x 3.19 x 0.59 inches
Main Ingredients Not specified but it doesn’t contain phosphate
Unique Feature(s) Cleaner and sponge in one

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Material Compatibility
3.5 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Grab Green Naturally Derived Shower Cleaner

Best Fragrance-Free Shower Cleaner

If strong smells bother you, this fragrance-free plant-derived cleaner should make life easier. It is also hypoallergenic and doesn’t include masking agents or dyes. The formula is free from phosphates, formaldehyde, and ammonia.

Despite being eco-friendly and biodegradable, this cleaner is still highly effective. Years of research have led to a formula with a careful balance of plant and mineral compounds. The detergent has been designed to quickly get rid of the grime and dirt that accumulates in showers.

Although many manufacturers don’t disclose their ingredients, Green Grab is transparent and shares the ingredients and their purpose. For example, C9-12 Pareth 3-8 is the cleaning agent, while Laureth 10 emulsifies the ingredients, and benzisothiazolinone preserves them.

Pros

  • Full ingredient list
  • Derived from plants and minerals
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Scentless

Cons

  • Only includes one sprayer

Product Specs

Aroma Fragrance-free
Surface Multi-surface
Size Three bottles of 16 ounces
Ingredients Plant and mineral-based
Unique Feature(s) Fragrance-free

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4 / 5
Material Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Eco-friendliness
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner

Best Cleaner for Shower Stalls

Shower stalls are often made of acrylic or fiberglass, which can be damaged by harsh cleaning products. Thankfully, this Bucko cleaner can be used on delicate surfaces without risking any damage.

This detergent has been developed to make your white acrylic stall look new again by removing grime and stains. It should also give new life to your glass doors and fixtures. This is achieved without the use of chemicals, acid, or bleach. It also leaves a refreshing lemon scent.

For light stains, you can spray it on and rinse it away immediately. For more stubborn stains, you should wait a few minutes for the product to work before wiping it off. For most showers, scrubbing won’t be necessary, which is why this cleaner is used by many professional cleaning companies.

Pros

  • Cleans acrylic and fiberglass stalls
  • Non-toxic
  • Little or no scrubbing is required
  • Lemon scent

Cons

  • Not particularly efficient

Product Specs

Aroma Lemon water
Surface Multi-surface
Size 32 ounces
Main Ingredients Water, chelator, diethylene glycol butyl ether, surfactants, fragrance
Unique Feature(s) Cleans all shower stalls

Our Ratings

Cleaning Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Material Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Eco-friendliness
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Aroma Surface Size Main Ingredients
Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner Environmentally Friendly Green Tea & Lime Multi-surface 16 oz Plant-based
CleanSmart Daily Shower Cleaner Disinfectant Fragrance-free Multi-surface 23 oz 0.017 percent of hypochlorous acid
Mold Armor Mildew Remover Mold & Mildew Bleach Fiberglass, grout, tile 16 oz Bleach and other detergents
Bio-Clean Stain Remover Shower Glass Doors N/A Tile, fiberglass, porcelain, glass 40 oz N/A
Bring It On Cleaner Stain Remover Hard Water Stains Mint Multi-surface, including glass doors 32 oz Oxygen bleach
Stone Care International Cleaner Stone Walls N/A Sealed stone 32 oz N/A
Mrs. Meyer’s No-Rinse Cleaner Vinegar Cleaner Lemon verbena Multi-surface 12 oz Vinegar, essential oils
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Scrubber All-In-One Meadows & rain Multi-surface 2.79 oz Doesn’t contain phosphate
Grab Green Natural Cleaner Fragrance-Free Fragrance-free Multi-surface 16 oz Plant and mineral-based
The Bucko Soap Scum & Grime Shower Stalls Lemonwater Multi-surface 32 oz Water, chelator,  fragrance

Product Selection Criteria

When choosing a shower cleaner, it is essential that it is suitable for the surface of your shower. If you are cleaning acrylic, fiberglass, or stone, you will need a specialized cleaner. A cleaning spray that is perfect for ceramic tiles could damage a marble shower tray.

You should also consider how sensitive you are to chemicals and fragrances as some products can cause allergic reactions. If there are children in your household, non-toxic, plant-based, and even fragrance-free products are all available.

Facing your supermarket’s cleaning aisle can be daunting. If you want to find the best cleaner for your shower, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Type of Cleaner

  • Spray bottles: Spray bottles tend to be easier to use as they are already mixed and can be applied straight onto the surface.
  • Pouring options: Many cleaners come packaged in a sealed bottle and are poured onto the surface or a cleaning tool. They are less convenient than sprays but they are a good option if you also want to clean large surfaces such as your bathroom floor with a larger cleaning tool.
  • Combined options: Some products combine a cleaning tool — usually a sponge — with the washing agent for an all-in-one cleaning solution.

Surface Material

It is vital to consider the type of surface you are cleaning to prevent damage.

  • Acrylic: Cleaners containing ammonia or bleach can crack acrylic shower trays, voiding your warranty in the process.
  • Stone: Stone surfaces require gentle, non-acidic products to avoid leaving permanent marks.
  • Glass: Your glass door or screen will also need to be wiped with a non-abrasive cleaner.

If you don’t want to invest in a cleaning product for every surface type, there are multi-purpose cleaners intended to wash most surfaces in your home, including your shower. If you aren’t trying to remove particularly stubborn dirt from delicate materials, they are a good option.

Product Efficiency

In addition to the surface material, consider the type of dirt you need to remove. Some products contain specific cleaning agents that are effective at targeting grime, hard water stains, or even bacteria. To buy the most effective cleaner, choose one designed for your specific dirt.

Cleaner Fragrance

It is estimated that more than 2 million Americans are affected by fragrance allergies daily, so it is important to choose a shower cleaning product that won’t negatively affect you (6).

Cleaning products containing bleach or other harsh chemicals can make it difficult to breathe and generally leave a strong unnatural smell behind. In contrast, natural cleaners often leave your shower with a fresh scent, such as eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, or lavender.

Quick Tip

If you find that all cleaning scents affect you, try to find a fragrance-free cleaner.

Eco-Friendly Options

Bleach and ammonia — among other chemical cleaners — can cause skin, eye, and throat irritation. They can also trigger headaches, and, with prolonged exposure, could even increase the risk of cancer (7).

One issue with cleaning products is that most commercial cleaners don’t provide a full list of ingredients. Thankfully, as consumers become increasingly aware of the dangers of chemicals, natural ingredients are becoming more common. These include vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, or even baking soda. Chemical-free formulas are much safer options if you have children or pets at home.


FAQs

How Often Should You Clean a Shower?

Whether it’s a bath or a shower, you should deep clean it once every two weeks (preferably once per week). It’s also good to rinse your shower after each bathing session to wash down the soap scum that usually sticks to the shower’s walls and floor.

Interestingly, the shower curtain should be cleaned and disinfected weekly, even more frequently than the shower itself. This can help prevent mildew formation, which irritates the eyes, nose, and throat.

While it’s a good idea to clean the shower weekly, people who don’t take showers daily can postpone the cleaning process to once every two weeks.

How Do You Clean a Shower Without Scrubbing?

To clean a shower without scrubbing, you need to use a powerful solution to dissolve dirt and residue on its own.

People who like to avoid shower cleaners can make a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix a cup of each into a clean bowl, apply it to your shower tiles, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

How Do You Remove Hard Grime from a Shower?

If you have hard grime on your shower tiles, make a solution using two cups of vinegar, a cup of water, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap.

Mix these ingredients in a clean spray bottle and apply them to the shower walls. Let it sit for 15 minutes and use a sponge to scrub off any excess grime. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.

However, avoid using vinegar in showers that have stone or travertine. If your shower floor is made with either of these, lay absorbent towels to catch any run-off from your spray.

What Is the Best Shower Mold and Mildew Cleaner?

There are some things to consider when trying to find the best shower mold and mildew cleaner. The first is what type of cleaner you need.

There are a variety of cleaners on the market, but not all of them are created equal. You need to get a cleaner specifically designed to remove mold and mildew.

Otherwise, you may not be able to get rid of all of the mold and mildew in your shower. The second thing is how strong of a cleaner you need. Some cleaners are very powerful and can quickly remove mold and mildew. However, these cleaners can also be harsh on your skin.

Finally, you must decide how often you use the cleaner. If you have a lot of mold and mildew in your shower, you may need to use the cleaner more frequently.

Does Wet and Forget Work on Showers?

Yes, Wet and Forget will work on your shower, but it is not a miracle cleaner. No, it will not remove all the mold and mildew in one application. However, it will help to keep your shower clean and free of mold and mildew if used regularly.

Does CLR Work on Shower Glass?

CLR can be used on shower glass to help remove hard water stains, soap scum, and other build-ups. Simply spray CLR onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.

For super tough stains, you may need to scrub a bit with a nylon brush before rinsing the area with water.

Shower glass is one of the most difficult surfaces to keep clean. Water spots, soap scum, and mineral deposits can quickly build up, making it difficult to see through the glass.

Many people turn to harsh chemicals and scrubbing tools to remove these build-ups, which can often damage the glass or leave it looking streaky.

What Is the Best Product to Clean Showers?

Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser is arguably one of the best products to clean showers and is often recommended by experts for cleaning other bathroom areas. It promises to remove up to three times more soap scum while being 30 percent larger.


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About the Author

Peter Gray

Peter has been a homeowner for 35+ years and has always done his own repair and improvement tasks. As a retired plumber, Peter now spends his time teaching others how they can fix leaks, replace faucets, and make home improvements on a budget.