You might think the shower keeps itself clean with all that soap and water, but a lot of grime collects on the surfaces!
Cleaning your shower is an essential chore, since it keeps everything safe and hygienic – and looking good. (The perfect backdrop for your shower concert.)
Effective shower cleaners cut through the build-up of soap residue, hard water deposits, and general dirt. They not only ensure your shower is clean, but can prolong the lifespan of fixtures and installations.
Whether you prefer commercial cleaning products or a homemade solution, there’ll be something for you in this round-up of the best shower cleaners in Australia.
Best Overall | Homemade | No-Scrub | Natural | For Shower Glass | For Grout | For Shower Head | For Shower Drain | For Tile | For Mould | For Soap Scum | For Hard Water Stains | For Orange Stains | For Ceramic and Porcelain | For Stone | For Acrylic
What to Know When Buying a Shower Cleaner
A good product can make cleaning the shower easier, quicker, and more effective.
Knowing how to choose the right shower cleaner for your bathroom allows you to get the most bang for your buck – and means your cleaning efforts won’t go down the drain (ha!).
Ingredients
Before anything else, check the ingredients on the back of the package.
If you’re environmentally conscious, you can opt for an eco-friendly cleaner that boasts a natural or plant-based formula. These cleaners tend to be free from harsh chemicals, instead using biodegradable ingredients.
However, if you have severe mould or stains, a strong chemical-based cleaner may be necessary.
Lastly, make sure you check for allergens, especially if someone in the house has asthma or other sensitivities.
Surface compatibility
Different shower materials need different cleaning products.
Tile is a common material for showers, and you can use most types of cleaners to tackle these surfaces.
However, materials like acrylic, fibreglass, or stone require more specialised products.
Make sure to choose a shower cleaner that’s appropriate for your bathroom and its fixtures!
Type of shower cleaner
Like other cleaning products, shower cleaners come in several types or formulations.
- CREAM OR PASTE: Great for deep cleans, grout lines, and stubborn stains
- GEL: Clingy formula works on vertical surfaces, and is often used for drains as well
- SPRAY: Easiest to use on all surfaces, but may be bad for people with respiratory sensitivities
- WIPES OR ERASERS: Best for spot-cleaning or quick touch-ups
Our Top Picks for Shower Cleaners in Australia
We’ve all got our own favourite cleaning products – ones we swear by and tell all our friends to get.
Here’s our round-up of top shower cleaning products that can tackle anything and everything, from water spots to soap scum.
Best overall shower cleaner: Koala Eco Natural Multi-purpose Bathroom Cleaner
Harness the power of native Australian plants with the Koala Eco Natural Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner!
Their vegan formula uses locally sourced ingredients that effectively tackle germs while being environmentally friendly. And the natural fragrance ensures your shower smells as fresh as it looks – so it’s like a spa day every time.
Koala Eco also sets itself apart with its commitment to sustainability. Their bathroom cleaner is packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled material, reducing plastic waste.
Plus, the biodegradable formula makes Koala Eco’s bathroom cleaner the best septic-safe and greywater-safe shower cleaner as well.
Best homemade shower cleaner: Distilled white vinegar
White vinegar is a powerhouse in your home, cleaning everything from benchtops to showers.
The mildly acidic properties of vinegar let it cut through soap scum and other dirt in the shower. It can also help prevent mould and mildew growth.
To keep your bathroom clean, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can add a bit of Castile soap for extra cleaning power.
You can then use the spray on various surfaces, from the walls to the shower screen.
NOTE: Do not use vinegar on specialised materials like stone, as the acid can etch or discolour the surface.
Best no-scrub shower cleaner: Astonish Daily Shower Shine
If you’re not one for elbow grease, Astonish Daily Shower Shine is for you.
Its unique “Spray & Leave” formula sticks to bathroom surfaces, breaking down soap scum, water spots, and other dirt with no effort on your part. Simply spray and rinse, and you’ll get clean shower tiles without scrubbing.
Astonish uses a cruelty-free, plant-based formula with natural surfactants. The Daily Shower Shine works best when used regularly to prevent limescale and residue build-up.
It’s also safe on most non-porous surfaces, so you can use it on everything from shower curtains to the bathroom floor. It’ll even clean your soap trays!
Best natural shower cleaner: Green Potions No.15 Bathroom Cleaner
Green Potions No. 15 Bathroom Cleaner stands out for being both effective and eco-conscious.
The formula is designed to tackle bathroom grime and other nasties, with all-natural ingredients that are kind to the planet.
No. 15 Bathroom Cleaner works thanks to citric acid, sugar-based alcohol, and essential oils. It also leaves a nice scent of lemon myrtle, basil and spearmint on any surface it cleans.
Green Potions’ product also doubles as a daily shower spray that can dissolve soap scum and limescale.
Best shower glass cleaner: Koala Eco Glass Cleaner
Koala Eco’s Glass Cleaner is a must-have for crystal clear, streak-free glass shower glass.
Infused with the refreshing aroma of peppermint, this product leaves your glass shower door sparkling clean. The peppermint scent is also a natural insect deterrent, while the formula discourages dust build-up.
Koala Eco’s plant-based formula removes bacteria, funky odours, and any film or residue on glass surfaces. That means it’ll work on multiple surfaces – use it on windows and mirrors, too!
Their Glass Cleaner is also septic-safe, so you can rinse it down the drain without worry.
Best shower grout cleaner: Grout-Eez Heavy Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner
Clean tile grout easily thanks to Grout-Eez Tile & Grout Cleaner!
The heavy-duty formula tackles dirt and stains on ceramic, porcelain, and subway tiles – and the grout lines, too! The 2-in-1 cleaner allows you to be more efficient when cleaning bathroom tiles.
Grout-Eez offers a 2 pack that comes with a grout brush in a special V-shape, which fits perfectly into grout lines and removes dirt. Paired with its deep-penetration formula, it’ll leave your grout looking as good as new.
Do not use Grout-Eez on natural stone.
TIP: If you prefer a homemade grout cleaner, a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide works great.
Best shower head cleaner: Distilled White Vinegar
Hard water can cause mineral build-up on shower heads, which can impede water flow and cause unsightly stains.
White vinegar acts as a natural descaler, breaking down limescale deposits without damaging the fixture.
When cleaning a shower head, just soak it in some white vinegar for a few hours (or overnight). Then, for a handy trick from our cleaners, take some hot water from the shower and use it to rinse!
Best shower drain cleaner: Liquid-Plumr Drain Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator
A dirty shower drain can be a nightmare in the bathroom – imagine the shower filling with gross, soapy water because it’s not draining properly.
Fortunately, Liquid-Plumr combines the power of its Drain Clog Destroyer with its Hair Clog Eliminator to provide a dual-action solution.
It’s even formulated to work on different pipe materials, including PVC, plastic, and copper. It’s also safe for septic systems.
NOTE: Work in a well-ventilated room with protective gear to keep yourself safe from any harmful fumes.
Best shower tile cleaner: Windex Shower Cleaning Spray
Windex is up there with crowd-favourite cleaning brands, and their Shower Cleaning Spray is one of the best tile cleaners.
It’s formulated specifically for tackling soap residue, body oils, and other shower dirt – no rinsing or wiping necessary. All you need to do is spray the wet surfaces after showering, and you’re good to go.
This cleaning product works on multiple bathroom surfaces, including shower walls and vinyl curtains.
Best shower cleaner for mould: Ajax Professional Mould Remover Cleaner
Mould can be dangerous, and since the shower is often damp and warm, it’s the perfect environment for mould and mildew growth.
Ajax’s mould remover has a powerful formula built to get rid of mould in your shower in minimal time.
The fast-acting formula gets deep into surfaces to eradicate mould down to the spores. It also cuts through soap residue and grime, making cleaning quick and easy.
Plus, the new upside-down foam trigger lets you apply the product even in hard-to-reach areas!
Best shower cleaner for soap scum: Ajax Professional Bathroom Antibacterial Disinfectant Cleaner
Cleaning soap scum is a breeze with the Ajax Professional Bathroom Disinfectant Cleaner.
This powerful cleaner disinfects surfaces while breaking down stubborn soap scum, grime, and even rust stains! Get a professional clean on every surface in your bathroom thanks to the upside-down foam trigger.
Besides the shower, you can use the Ajax Bathroom Cleaner on sinks, taps, toilets, and other hard surfaces.
Best shower cleaner for hard water stains: Bar Keepers Friend Spray and Foam Cleaner
Minerals like calcium and magnesium can build up on the bathroom floor, fixtures, and even shower screens. Known as limescale, it can degrade fixtures and look unsightly.
Enter the Bar Keepers Friend Spray and Foam Cleaner. It’s formulated to remove “MORE” from hard surfaces – that is, Mineral deposits, Oily residue, Rust stains, and Everyday grime.
The BKF cleaner features an adjustable nozzle so you can choose between a spray to cover wider areas or foam for vertical surfaces! That makes it perfect for cleaning the shower, since the product will cling to the glass or walls.
Avoid using the BKF Spray and Foam Cleaner on painted surfaces, non-sterling silver, and natural stone.
Best shower cleaner for orange stains: Hydrogen peroxide
Orange stains in the shower are usually caused by iron in hard water or pink mould (a bacteria called Serratia marcescens).
They can be a cause for health concerns, since pink mould is associated with respiratory or gastrointestinal issues.
One effective cleaner for orange shower stains is hydrogen peroxide. You can apply it with a spray bottle, or mix it with baking soda to form a cleaning paste.
However, if the stains persist – especially with a slimy texture – it could be pink mould. It’s best to consult a professional or your water provider to tackle the problem.
Best Shower Cleaners According to Types of Material
Looking for cleaning products formulated for your shower’s material?
Here are our recommendations for keeping your tile, stone, or acrylic shower clean and stain-free.
Best cleaner for a ceramic tile shower: Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer
This foaming, grime-busting cleaner works on different kinds of shower tile – ceramic, glazed porcelain, and even fibreglass.
Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer features a wide-spray trigger that you can set to apply the product vertically or horizontally, covering large surfaces.
No need to scrub, either! Spray the foaming cleaner on, then wait for it to penetrate dirt and tough stains. After rinsing, it’ll leave your bathroom smelling “Rainshower fresh.”
Best cleaner for a stone shower: Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Plus!
Stone tiles require specialised formulas since certain ingredients (such as acids) can degrade or discolour the material.
Black Diamond has created many products for cleaning stone surfaces, and their Granite Plus! cleaner has a 2-in-1 formula – it cleans and seals stone.
This no-rinse, pH-neutral product works on most natural stone showers, including granite, marble, and limestone. The formula is also hypoallergenic and biodegradable.
Best cleaner for an acrylic shower: Method Daily Shower Spray
Acrylic is a durable, easy-to-clean material – but you can’t use just any product! It’s best to avoid highly acidic or abrasive cleaners so you don’t damage the surface.
Method’s Daily Shower Spray has a pH of 6.25, which is fairly neutral. Method advertises its Daily Shower Spray as safe to use on acrylic, but recommends you test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
The product is made with plant-based ingredients, with a biodegradable formula that uses Method’s Powergreen™ Technology. And best of all, it cleans without rinsing!
FAQs About Shower Cleaners
Here are answers to some common questions and concerns about shower cleaning and cleaners.
Should I use a sponge or brush to clean my shower?
If you’re doing general cleaning, go for a sponge since they can easily tackle soap scum.
If you want a deeper, more thorough clean, brushes are ideal for grout lines and tougher stains.
What is the best device to clean glass shower doors or shower screens?
Microfibre cloths or squeegees combined with a good quality cleaner like Koala Eco Glass Cleaner can leave your screens spotless.
For stubborn stains, try a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge.
What harsh chemicals should I watch out for when choosing a shower cleaner?
Avoid cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or sodium hydroxide.
You should ideally go for eco-friendly or septic-safe cleaning products to keep you and your home safe.
What Do Professionals Use to Clean Showers?
The choice depends on what your shower’s made of and how often you want (or need!) to clean the space.
Our cleaning experts use a combination of commercial products and homemade cleaning solutions when you book a bathroom cleaning service.
If you’re doing the cleaning yourself, it’s best to clean the bathroom once a week.
This minimises dirt, soap residue, and grime build-up – ensuring your shower remains a clean, tidy space for any home concert or awards speech during bath time.
