How to Clean a Scummy Shower Floor

Last Updated November 6, 2023

Fact: Unless you’re strictly a bath person, your shower will eventually develop a not-so-clean collection of soap scum. If this is the case, it’s time to shower your shower floor with a little love, in the form of a thorough cleaning.

This white, unsightly, filmy side effect of getting clean every day is a foul combination of water, minerals, dirt, body oil, skin cells, and soap lather. It usually accumulates on the door, walls, and floor of your shower. It’s especially quick to form in homes that have hard water due to its high mineral content.

Thanks to the cleaning experts at Molly Maid®, you’ll learn how to clean a shower floor, so it doesn’t become a major job every time you clean your bathroom.

Step-By-Step Cleaning of a Scummy Shower Floor

The best way to clean a shower floor depends on what it's made of. In general, baking soda and vinegar are a great way to clean your shower floor gently and effectively, especially when dealing with soap scum and water stains. Keep reading for specific shower cleaning tips.

Gather Supplies and Prepare the Area

Learning how to clean a dirty shower floor includes gathering the right cleaning supplies, including mild cleaners, scrub brushes, and gloves. Clear the area by removing personal items. This provides a a clutter-free space and ensures a smoother cleaning process. It also helps you reach all the nooks and crannies effectively.

Remove Loose Debris and Hair

Start by removing loose debris and hair from your shower floor. Use a handheld broom or vacuum to sweep away dirt and hair that might clog drains or make cleaning harder. This step clears the way for a more thorough and effective cleaning process.

Use an Effective Cleaning Solution

Select an effective cleaning solution for your shower floor. Mild cleaners consisting of baking soda and water work well to loosen stubborn grime. If you have a significant buildup of soap scum, add some vinegar to the solution to increase the cleaning power. Apply the solution, spread it evenly across the surface, and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grime and stains. This prepares the surface and makes scrubbing away the soap scum easier. It will also give the surface a refreshed look, and sets the stage for a clean shower floor.

Note: If you decide to use commercial cleaners, never mix them together. And never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. The combination of chemicals produces fumes that are lethal in such a confined space.

Scrub and Agitate the Scum Buildup

With a scrub brush or sponge, vigorously scrub the soapy buildup on your shower floor. Use circular motions to agitate the dirt and grime, focusing your efforts on those stubborn stain areas. This hands-on approach helps break down the buildup of soap and grime, and loosens tough stains, which should result in a cleaner surface when you're done.

Focus on Grout and Tile Joints

Curious about how to remove soap scum from tile and grout? These areas often accumulate dirt and grime quicker. After applying your cleaning solution, let it sit for a few minutes, use a grout brush or an old toothbrush to scrub along and in between the grout lines and tiles. This targeted cleaning method helps revive the look of your grout and creates a fresh and neat appearance.

Rinse and Wipe Down the Shower Floor

After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the shower floor and walls with clean water. Use a handheld showerhead or a bucket to wash away the cleaning solution and loosen any remaining dirt. Then, use a clean cloth or squeegee to wipe down the surface. This step removes any remaining residue and leaves your shower floor looking clean and refreshed.

Prevent Future Scum Buildup

To prevent future soap scum buildup on your shower floor, walls, and door, consider using a daily shower spray. It’s also important to regularly wipe down the floor and door after each use. Adequate ventilation and a squeegee can minimize moisture, reducing the conditions that promote the accumulation of soap scum and grime.

Expert Cleaning Hack for Tough Stains

When dealing with tough stains in your shower floor, try using a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Create a paste, apply it to the stained areas, and let it sit for a while before scrubbing. For rust stains, a mixture of lemon juice and salt can work wonders. Experiment with these methods to find what works best for your specific stains. There’s no one way to master how to clean a shower floor!

Maintaining a Clean Shower Routine

Maintaining a clean shower and bathroom is no easy task. It takes time and a lot of elbow grease. If you’d rather spend your valuable time doing things other than cleaning the messes around your home or apartment, Molly Maid can help. Our services give you more time to do the things you love. So, let us handle all the cleaning while you spend your time the way you want to. As house cleaning professionals, we can have your shower, bathtub, and the other parts of your home looking spotless. All our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction.

To get started, contact your local Molly Maid to request a free estimate for a custom cleaning plan that meets your schedule, budget, and needs.