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<p>At the end of the guide, you’ll find more information on how we test as well as what to look for when buying a new shower cleaner. If cleaning the toilet is next, consult our round-up of the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g19746417/best-toilet-bowl-cleaners/” target=”_blank”>best toilet bowl cleaners</a> or check out the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/multi-purpose-cleaners/g579/best-multi-purpose-cleaners/” target=”_blank”>best multi-purpose cleaners</a> for a one-stop shop. </p><ul></ul><ul></ul>” />
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1
Best Overall Shower Cleaner
Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray
1
Best Overall Shower Cleaner
Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray
As soon as a surface is touched (even immediately after cleaning it!) bacteria starts to grow. But that’s exactly why Microban’s bathroom cleaner — a GH Seal star, and also our best value pick — is so exciting to us. Like all the products in the Microban 24 Hour line, it not only sanitizes and disinfects surfaces when you clean them, but it also puts down a protective barrier to keep bacteria from growing for up to 24 hours. However, note that it doesn’t provide the same protection against viruses.
In Cleaning Lab tests, this budget-friendly spray cut through tough soap scum, didn’t leave any damaging residues and, because it’s EPA-registered, we’re confident that its 99.9% germ-killing claims are accurate. To maximize its mildew- and mold-preventing powers, apply it to clean, hard surfaces every seven days and any soft surfaces (read: shower curtains) every 28 days. The spray has a 4.7-star rating on Walmart and one happy customer writes, “It’s sprays out evenly over surfaces. I definitely recommend this product!” There are more five-star reviews like this one to convince you to try the product for yourself.
2
Best Shower Cleaner for Tile & Grout
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner
2
Best Shower Cleaner for Tile & Grout
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner
Now 13% Off
If you have white grout to brighten, there’s nothing that works better than CLR Brilliant Bath cleaner in our experience. Spray it on, let it sit for a minute or two and then scrub. In our tests, stains not only disappeared quickly, but as the grout dried, it continued to get whiter and whiter. This cleaner also effectively removes soap scum from tub and tile surfaces. It dispenses as a foam, so it clings well to vertical surfaces for better penetration, instead of quickly running down walls like thinner liquids do.
A few things to note bout this tile and grout cleaner: It’s only effective on white grout and doesn’t remove rust like other products on this list. Still, multiple five-star online reviews say this cleaner successfully removes soap scum and helps make their shower look good as new.
3
Best Daily Shower Spray
Method Shower Spray Cleaner
3
Best Daily Shower Spray
Method Shower Spray Cleaner
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- No rinsing required
Cons
- Not available in single pack
Customers love Method’s Daily Shower Spray, available in eucalyptus mint (pictured), eucalyptus and ylang ylang, as well as packs of four or eight bottles. Close to 9K online reviews amounts to a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. One five-star review writes, “I’ve got everyone spraying after every shower and I seldom have to scrub anymore! And the bathroom smells so nice! I love this stuff!” Numerous reviews also note the lovely fragrance and say that it isn’t too strong, a plus if you are sensitive to perfume.
All you have to do is spray this cleaner on your shower — no rinsing required! Method says you can also use the product on tile, fixtures, glass and tubs. The brand claims the product is made without parabens or phthalates. Amazon only sells the daily spray in packs with multiple bottles, which makes your supply last longer, but isn’t ideal if you have a small shower to clean and don’t require as much product.
4
Best Shower Cleaner for Stains
CLR Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
4
Best Shower Cleaner for Stains
CLR Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Pros
- Odorless
- Easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t kill or prevent mold and mildew
CLR’s Mold and Mildew Clear was top-rated in our 2022 Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards. Testers used the cleaner to remove stains from a variety of items, including shower rods. The foam is easy to work into the surface at hand, with minimal elbow grease required. It is less clingy than other products, though, so it’s best to work quickly when cleaning vertical surfaces like your shower walls.
The stain remover is best used for brightening your grout as it won’t kill existing mold or prevent it from reappearing in the future. But we appreciate that this shower cleaner is unscented and produces no uncomfortable fumes when it is dispensed. Multiple five-star reviews on Home Depot are pleased with the product and report back that it works great.
5
Best Germ-Killing Shower Cleaner
Tilex Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach
5
Best Germ-Killing Shower Cleaner
Tilex Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Kills germs
- Cleans without scrubbing
Cons
- Strong bleach smell
Clorox offers a way to clean your entire bathroom without reaching for a second product — that means you target your shower, toilet and sink in one full swoop. The Mold and Mildew Remover takes it one step further killing 99.9% of mold and mildew germs as well as bacteria — in just five minutes. You can also use the product to whiten grout and remove any shower stains.
To use, spray your grout, let the formula penetrate for a few minutes and rinse. You also most likely won’t have to scrub the product onto the surface, making this an easy cleaning experience. However, it does contain bleach and thus emits a strong smell that can be bothersome for some as well as has the potential to discolor fabrics. Still, it has a solid 4.7-star rating on Amazon and thousands of five-star reviews that say “It actually works” and remark how “My bathroom is sparkling.”
6
Best Shower Glass Cleaner
EnduroShield Glass Treatment Kit
6
Best Shower Glass Cleaner
EnduroShield Glass Treatment Kit
Pros
- Prevents spotting and filming
- Easy to apply
- Also works on car and home windows
Cons
- Very large glass showers may need more than one kit
If you’re looking to clean less often, you can treat shower surfaces with a protectant to repel hard water, soap scum and grime. We like EnduroShield Home Glass Treatment. In our tests, we found it very easy to apply and it successfully repelled water, so post-shower squeegeeing was easier too. To use, apply this long-lasting treatment to glass shower doors after cleaning to help them stay crystal clear (i.e. no spotting or filming) — then, the next time you clean, you’ll be able to skip the tough scrubbing.
The manufacturer claims one application lasts for over three years, but it’s easy to refresh it should you need to. Plus, you can use this product on car and home windows too. Note that larger surface areas, whether its your shower or window, may require more than one kit to properly clean. A five-star review on Home Depot writes, “Enduro Shield took our nasty shower and transformed into a clean, new looking shower! It was simple to use.”
7
Best Shower Cleaner for Hard Water Stains
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
7
Best Shower Cleaner for Hard Water Stains
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
Pros
- EPA Safer Choice-certified
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
- Works on rust stains
Cons
- Severe buildup may need additional applications
High levels of magnesium and calcium minerals can turn water “hard” — and when hard water droplets dry on surfaces like tile walls and shower heads, the minerals stay behind, leaving spots or, worse, a white, crusty buildup known as limescale that can clog plumbing. To remove hard water stains and dissolve limescale residue on a variety of household surfaces, try CLR’s Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover.
To use on your shower head, mix equal parts cleaner and warm water, then submerge your shower head in the solution for no longer than two minutes. Scrub away the loosened deposits with a soft brush and rinse with cold water. This remover has over 17K online Amazon reviews and counting, with numerous five-star reviews noting how easy it is to pour with one describing the product as a “magic liquid.”
How we choose the best shower cleaners
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we evaluate shower cleaning products by first assessing them for safety. We scan labels for appropriate eye and skin irritant warnings and confirm the product is registered with the EPA — an assurance that it will actually eliminate the bacteria and viruses it claims to. Then we look at how well sprays dispense and how sturdy scrubbing tools are. We apply them according to label directions and assess how easily it cuts through and removes grime. We also check how easy it is to rinse and if it leaves any residue behind.
Finally, while there is an industry-standard recipe for creating artificial soap scum, we prefer to test on the real thing by placing the products in consumer testers’ homes to see how well they remove the soapy build-up, limescale and mildew stains that form naturally in everyone’s bathrooms.
What to look for when shopping for the best shower cleaners
✔️ Formula: Read the label of any cleaner you’re considering to be sure it lists the soils you want to remove so it delivers the level of clean you expect. Some are formulated to remove stains and whiten grout but not actually kill mildew or disinfect. To dissolve soap scum and tackle hard water stains, look for an acid — often lactic acid — in the ingredient list. Always follow any safety precaution on the label and let products sit for the recommended time to sanitize and disinfect.
✔️ Surface: You’ll also want to check that the product is safe to use on the surfaces you aim to clean. Most shower cleaners are not recommended for use on natural stone like marble. Some can work on a variety of surfaces while others are only meant for tubs, tiles or grout. Multi-purpose cleaners are great for tackling multiple surfaces in one go, form glass to fabric and more, while specific cleaners can target problem areas. Consider which type of surfaces make up the majority of your bathroom.
✔️ Type: Shower cleaners vary by type and we’ve included a variety in this list from liquid and foam sprays to sponges and squeegees. There are also scrubbers and brushes with extendable handles that help get hard-to-reach areas with minimal bending.
✔️ Cleaning Job: The type of cleaning job you’re hoping to take on will also help you determine the right shower cleaner for your needs. Opt for a cleaning product like Microban’s 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray if mold and mildew are your main concerns. Whereas if you want to target grout, try CLR’s Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner to brighten. You can also shop for daily upkeep products that will help maintain your shower’s cleanliness.
What is the best product to clean my shower with?
It depends! When selecting a shower cleaner, you’ll want to consider what problems you are hoping to address. Do you want to brighten the grout in your shower and remove stains? Or are you looking for a cleaning product that will remove mold and mildew as well as prevent future flare-ups?
Of course, there are some multi-purpose shower cleaners on the market too that can take care of all of the above and more, like Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach. Ultimately, it comes down to what cleaning goals you want to accomplish and which products work best for you in terms of factors like fragrance.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab provides expert tips and reviews on all things cleaning. Carolyn Forté brings over 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as Executive Director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab. She has deep analytical testing and editorial writing expertise in categories like washers, dryers and vacuum cleaners, plus every tip needed to keep a home clean and organized.
Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute‘s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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