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13 Best Shower Cleaners of 2024, Tested by Home Care Experts

Make your tub and tile shine, from spout to grout.

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Cleaning the bathroom rarely tops anyone's list of favorite household chores, but because the shower head, tub, tiles and grout get a daily workout, it doesn't take long for grime to accumulate. Cleaning and sanitizing the shower means unclogging the shower head, drying down glass doors to fight hard water stains and getting in corners where mold and mildew lurk. Fortunately, a full array of sprays, foams and tools awaits to help you do the job.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray

    Best Overall Shower Cleaner

    Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray

    $7 at Walmart
    Read more
  • 2
    Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner

    Best Shower Cleaner for White Grout

    CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner

    Read more
  • 3
    Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach

    Best Germ-Killing Shower Cleaner

    Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach

    Read more
  • 4
    Vinegar Gel Cleaning Spray

    Best Smelling Shower Cleaner

    Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Vinegar Gel Cleaning Spray

    Read more
  • 5
    Daily Shower Spray Cleaner

    Best Daily Shower Cleaner

    Method Daily Shower Spray Cleaner

    Read more

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, our experts and product analysts are continually testing the newest bathroom cleaning products, including grout cleaners, drain cleaners, glass cleaners and more. In the Lab, we do a thorough review of the labeling, packaging, safety warnings and more. Then, we enlist the help of expert and consumer testers to evaluate and score how the products perform cleaning naturally-soiled home showers.

If cleaning the toilet is next, consult our roundup of the best toilet bowl cleaners or the best multi-purpose cleaners for cleaning bathroom floors, countertops and more.

      1
      Best Overall Shower Cleaner

      Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray

      GH Seal
      24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray
      1
      Best Overall Shower Cleaner

      Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray

      Now 41% Off
      $7 at Walmart
      Credit: Microban
      Pros
      • Sanitizes and disinfects
      • Keeps surfaces bacteria-free for up to 24 hours
      • Controls mildew growth with regular application
      Cons
      • Doesn't provide 24-hour protection against viruses

      In our opinion, the best cleaning products not only remove soil and grime but help keep surfaces cleaner for longer. That's exactly why Microban's bathroom cleaner — a GH Seal star — is so revolutionary. It not only sanitizes and disinfects surfaces when you clean them, but it leaves behind added protection to keep bacteria (not viruses) from growing for up to 24 hours.

      In Cleaning Lab tests, this spray cut through tough soap scum easily and left shower surfaces shiny. And because it's EPA-registered, we're confident that its 99.9% germ-killing claims are accurate. To help keep mildew and mold from returning, apply it to clean, hard surfaces every seven days, and apply it to any soft surfaces, like shower curtains, every 28 days. Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner has a 4.7-star rating on Walmart, and one happy customer wrote, "It sprays out evenly over surfaces. I definitely recommend this product!"

      2
      Best Shower Cleaner for White Grout

      CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner

      Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner
      2
      Best Shower Cleaner for White Grout

      CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner

      Credit: Jelmar
      Pros
      • Works with minimal scrubbing
      • Continues to whiten grout as it dries
      • EPA Safer Choice certified
      • Removes soap scum
      Cons
      • Only for white grout
      • Doesn't remove rust

      If dingy grout is your persistent shower cleaning challenge, nothing we've tried works better or faster than CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner. 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. We like that this cleaner is EPA Safer Choice certified and from a woman-owned company. And we've found it effectively removes soap scum from tub and tile surfaces. It dispenses as a foam, so it clings a bit longer to vertical surfaces (pictured) instead of quickly running down walls like thinner liquids do.

      A few things to note about this tile and grout cleaner: It's only effective on white grout, and it doesn't remove rust like other products on this list.

      a hand holding a yellow cleaning spray bottle the nozzle is putting foam cleaner on the wall of the shower a woman's hand shown operating the bottle
      Carolyn Forté/Good Housekeeping
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      3
      Best Germ-Killing Shower Cleaner

      Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach

      On Sale
      Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach
      3
      Best Germ-Killing Shower Cleaner

      Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover with Bleach

      Now 25% Off
      Credit: Tilex
      Pros
      • EPA registered to kills germs
      • Can clean without scrubbing
      • Works on multiple surfaces
      Cons
      • Has strong bleach smell
      • Can discolor fabrics

      Clorox's Tilex is the OG of mold and mildew removers and even though it's been around for years, it's still the one to beat. This Mold and Mildew Remover kills 99.9% of mold and mildew germs, plus bacteria — in just five minutes. You can also use the product to whiten grout and remove stains on other surfaces like walls, countertops and tile floors.

      To use, spray your surface, let the formula penetrate for a few minutes, scrub lightly if needed and rinse. It does contain bleach and thus has the potential to discolor fabrics — and it emits a strong smell. It's best to open a window or turn on a fan, especially if you'll be using it in a small bathroom or area. Still, it has a solid 4.7-star rating on Amazon and thousands of five-star reviews.

      4
      Best Smelling Shower Cleaner

      Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Vinegar Gel Cleaning Spray

      Vinegar Gel Cleaning Spray
      4
      Best Smelling Shower Cleaner

      Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Vinegar Gel Cleaning Spray

      Credit: SC Johnson
      Pros
      • Comes in two scents, Apple Blossom and Lemon Verbena
      • Contains vinegar to dissolve mineral stains
      • Gel formula clings to surfaces
      Cons
      • Spray nozzle does not adjust to different settings

      Mrs. Meyer's cleaners are well known for their essential oil scents, and when we tested its creamy baking soda cleanser in the same Lemon Verbena scent as this new Vinegar Gel Spray we weren't disappointed. We loved it so much — and our consumer testers did too — that we awarded it a previous Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award.

      But there are other attributes besides the scent that we're excited about when it comes to this shower cleaner. It's a gel formula so it clings to surfaces, and the label claims that no rinsing is needed. Because it contains vinegar, we expect it will remove hard water film, especially on glass shower doors. All of the cleaning ingredients are plant-derived and even though it's new to the market, has already earned a 4.5 rating on Amazon. One consumer wrote, "It's awesome," though a few wished it sprayed out a bit more evenly.

      5
      Best Daily Shower Cleaner

      Method Daily Shower Spray Cleaner

      On Sale
      Daily Shower Spray Cleaner
      5
      Best Daily Shower Cleaner

      Method Daily Shower Spray Cleaner

      Now 10% Off
      Credit: SC Johnson
      Pros
      • Pleasant fragrance
      • No rinsing required
      Cons
      • Needs daily application to be most effective

      Daily upkeep is the key to a clean shower, whether you squeegee and dry the walls yourself or let a daily shower cleaner, like this one from Method, do the work. All you have to do is spray this cleaner on your shower — no rinsing required! The ingredients in the formula mix with the water on shower surfaces to keep soap scum and hard water minerals from sticking. 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 and the bottle is made of 100% recycled plastic.

      Customers love Method's Daily Shower Spray, available in eucalyptus mint and ylang ylang. Over 14,000 online reviews earned it a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. One five-star reviewer wrote, "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!"

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      6
      Best Shower Cleaner for Large Showers

      Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer

      Mega Shower Foamer
      6
      Best Shower Cleaner for Large Showers

      Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer

      Credit: SC Johnson
      Pros
      • Clings to vertical surfaces
      • Sprayer covers a large area
      • Kills bacteria and viruses
      Cons
      • One can may not last too long

      Scrubbing Bubbles is a bathroom cleaning legend, known for its ability to quickly dissolve soap scum with just a spray and a light scrub. Like other foaming cleaners, this formula clings to surfaces longer than liquids do and more contact time means grime gets erased more quickly. And it's EPA registered, so you can trust that it will kill germs and viruses as it claims.

      What we particularly like about this Mega Foamer is all the ground you can cover with just one spray. Press the button and with a sweeping motion, you can cover several rows of wall tiles or a large section of your shower surround. Wait two minutes, then wipe and rinse. While you are waiting, spray the next section so it's working while you are wiping and rinsing.

      7
      Best Shower Cleaner for Stone Surfaces

      Granite Gold Shower Cleaner

      Shower Cleaner
      7
      Best Shower Cleaner for Stone Surfaces

      Granite Gold Shower Cleaner

      Credit: GRANITE GOLD
      Pros
      • Safe for marble and natural stone
      • Works on more than natural stone
      • Refill sizes are available
      Cons
      • May take scrubbing to remove heavy build-up
      • Doesn't remove mold and mildew

      Most shower cleaners caution against using them on marble, granite and other natural stones. Doing so can etch and mar the stone. No so with Granite Gold. This line of cleaners was developed by a family of stone experts who know a thing or two about keeping natural stone looking great. The line also includes a Grout Cleaner and Stone Polish to protect natural stone surfaces from stains and help them stay cleaner longer.

      To use this Granite Gold Shower Cleaner, select whether you want to apply it as a spray or foam, spray your surface, let it set a few minutes then scrub with a delicate, non-scratch scrub pad. It worked well for us on lightly soiled showers but it may take a little extra muscle to clean away heavy soil. We think Granite Gold is a great option for marble and stone showers.

      8
      Best Fume-Free Shower Cleaner for Mold & Mildew

      CLR Mold & Mildew Clear Stain Remover

      Mold & Mildew Clear Stain Remover
      8
      Best Fume-Free Shower Cleaner for Mold & Mildew

      CLR Mold & Mildew Clear Stain Remover

      Credit: Jelmar
      Pros
      • Odorless
      • Works on a variety of surfaces
      • EPA Safer Choice certified
      Cons
      • Doesn't disinfect, kill or prevent mold and mildew

      Though not specifically a shower cleaner, CLR's Mold and Mildew Clear was top-rated in a previous Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards and it tackles pesky mold stains frequently found in showers and bathrooms. Testers used the cleaner to remove stains from a variety of items, including painted walls and shower rods. We found the foam easy to work into the surface with minimal elbow grease and, unlike other typical mold and mildew removers, it's EPA Safer Choice certified.

      Even though it dispenses as a foam, we found it less clingy than other products so it's best to work quickly when cleaning vertical surfaces. The stain remover is bleach-free so it won't disinfect, kill existing mold or prevent it from reappearing. But we appreciate that this shower cleaner is unscented and produces no uncomfortable fumes when dispensed.

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      9
      Best Shower Cleaner for Hard Water Stains

      CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover

      On Sale
      Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
      9
      Best Shower Cleaner for Hard Water Stains

      CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover

      Now 42% Off
      Credit: CLR
      Pros
      • EPA Safer Choice-certified
      • Can be used on a variety of surfaces
      • Works on rust stains
      Cons
      • Severe buildup may need additional applications
      • Most uses require diluting

      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 buildup known as limescale. CLR's Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover is formulated to melt away hard water stains, remove rust and dissolve limescale residue on a variety of household surfaces.

      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. Or dip a soft brush in the solution and scrub away the loosened deposits. Rinse with cold water. This remover has over 17,000 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."

      10
      Best Shower Glass Protection Kit

      EnduroShield Glass Treatment Kit

      Glass Treatment Kit
      10
      Best Shower Glass Protection Kit

      EnduroShield Glass Treatment Kit

      Credit: EnduroShield
      Pros
      • Prevents spotting and filming
      • Easy to apply
      • Also works on car and home windows
      • One kit covers 40 square feet
      Cons
      • Very large glass showers may need more than one kit
      • Frequently used showers may need more frequent applications

      Treating shower glass and surfaces with a protectant to repel hard water, soap scum and grime is a smart way to cut down on cleaning, save time and leave glass looking crystal clear.

      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 the pre-cleaner to prep the glass, then apply the treatment with the included soft, microfiber cloth. The next time you clean, it will be easier to do — if you have to do it at all!

      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 may require more than one kit to properly protect. A five-star reviewer on Home Depot wrote, "Enduro Shield took our nasty shower and transformed into a clean, new looking shower! It was simple to use."

      11
      Best Shower Cleaning Scrub Pad

      Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Bath Multi-Purpose Cleaner

      GH Seal
      Magic Eraser Ultra Bath Multi-Purpose Cleaner
      11
      Best Shower Cleaning Scrub Pad

      Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Bath Multi-Purpose Cleaner

      Credit: MR. CLEAN
      Pros
      • Contains foaming cleaner
      • Activates with water
      • Tackles soap scum
      Cons
      • Can be messy to store

      This GH Seal star is the newest addition to the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser family, and like its siblings, it cleans away dirt and debris from hard surfaces. Simply wet the pad and squeeze to activate the foamy cleaner inside, then scrub surfaces clean. This new version is strong and durable so it lasts longer and is less prone to breaking and disintegrating. And because it's an all-in-one tool, no extra cleaners are needed.

      In our tests, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers pair the right combination of cleaner and muscle to dissolve and scrub away grime (pictured). And it's not just for showers. It can be used on any washable bathroom surface, even floors. Grabbing a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser makes quick clean-ups easy. When you're done, be careful not to completely rinse out all the cleaner and allow it to dry before storing it away.

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      best shower cleaners testing a scrub pad on a tub
      Carolyn Forte/Good Housekeeping
      12
      Best Rechargeable Shower Scrub Brush

      BLACK+DECKER Grimebuster Pro Power Scrubber Brush

      Grimebuster Pro Power Scrubber Brush
      12
      Best Rechargeable Shower Scrub Brush

      BLACK+DECKER Grimebuster Pro Power Scrubber Brush

      Credit: BLACK+DECKER
      Pros
      • Great for bathroom or kitchen use
      • Comes with a brush and scrubbing pad
      • Can be immersed in water
      • Ran for over 90 minutes on a single charge
      Cons
      • Doesn't include a long handle for added reach

      Powered scrub brush systems take all the muscle out of cleaning and they come with lots of attachments, but they can be bulky to grip and storing all those pieces can be a challenge. That's why Black & Decker's mini motorized scrubber caught our eye. Easy to store and comfortable to hold, this Grimebuster Pro Power Scrubber Brush stashes neatly in a vanity cabinet or closet so it's handy when you need it. Plus, it comes with two heads — a round brush and a scrubber sponge — and it recharges easily while suspended in its storage caddy.

      In our tests, after spraying on bathroom cleaner, the Grimebuster muscled its way through soap scum residue, hard water film and grout stains saving us lots of time and effort. And it ran for over an hour and a half on a single charge. The only issue we see is that it lacks a pole extension that would make cleaning up high and down low easier.

      13
      Best Shower Cleaning Squeegee

      Casabella Clip-On Squeegee

      Clip-On Squeegee
      13
      Best Shower Cleaning Squeegee

      Casabella Clip-On Squeegee

      Credit: Casabella
      Pros
      • Clips to shower head or door handle
      • Comfortable to hold
      • Silicone grabs water and glides smoothly
      Cons
      • Blade is on the small side

      Mold and mildew love moisture so the faster you get rid of moisture the cleaner your shower will stay. The best way to keep a shower spotless is to wipe water away daily. While most squeegees are adequate for the job, the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab likes Casabella's clip-on silicone squeegee because it grabs water in a single pass and clips onto the showerhead or door handle so there's no need for a separate wall hook.

      It has a soft grip that is comfortable to hold and online customer reviews appreciate that it isn't too big to maneuver around fixtures and into corners and curves — although, consequently that means this squeegee's blade is on the smaller side. Regardless, the silicone material easily grabs water and glides across your shower without any fuss. "This is the best shower squeegee. Perfect size and handle, convenient built-in hook," wrote one five-star reviewer.

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      How we test shower cleaners

      best shower cleaners testing a shower scrub brush
      Carolyn Forte/Good Housekeeping

      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 they cut through and remove grime on our ceramic tile floors and wall panels. We also check how easy they are to rinse and if they leave any residue behind.

      best shower cleaners testing a shower squeegee
      Carolyn Forte/Good Housekeeping

      While there is an industry-standard recipe for creating artificial soap scum, we prefer to test products on the real thing. We send products to consumer testers' homes to see how well they remove the soapy build-up, limescale and mildew stains that form naturally in everyone's showers. Tester feedback, both qualitative and quantitive, is gathered and assessed via an online survey.

      What to look for when shopping for shower cleaners

      line break

      ✔️ 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 do 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 precautions 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, from glass to plastic 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 you get to 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. If you don't clean it often, look for something more heavy-duty. If you are fastidious about wiping it down, a lighter-duty cleaner should suffice. You can also shop for daily upkeep products that will help maintain your shower's cleanliness.

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      Can I use a multipurpose bathroom cleaner in my shower?

      line break

      Yes! 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? Multipurpose bathroom cleaners are more jacks-of-all-trades, safe for all bathroom surfaces and well-suited to tackle most dirt and stains. Shower cleaners tend to be more targeted and formulated to tackle typical heavier soils, like mold and hard water stains.

      Of course, there are some multi-purpose bathroom cleaners on the market too that can take care of all of the above and more, Ultimately, it comes down to what cleaning goals you want to accomplish and what surfaces and soils you have to clean.

      Should I let a cleaner sit on a shower wall before scrubbing?

      line break

      Any cleaning product works better the longer it sits on a surface, which gives it time to penetrate soil. If you wipe it away before it has a chance to work, you'll have to likely apply it again. Start with the dwell time recommended on the product label, then scrub with a brush or use a sponge and rinse. Finally, wipe the surface down with a microfiber towel to dry it to a shine. On the flip side, it's never a good idea to let a cleaning product dry onto a surface. Not only will it be harder to remove but it could damage it causing pitting or stains. Never stray too far after applying a cleaning product to a surface.

      Headshot of Carolyn Forté
      Carolyn Forté
      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.

      Headshot of Alice Garbarini Hurley
      Alice Garbarini Hurley
      Contributing Writer

      Alice Garbarini Hurley has been a lifestyle and consumer writer since a pizza parlor taste test for the Dumont High School Periscope. She wrote about prom dresses and mascara at Seventeen, then about everything that matters at Good Housekeeping as a senior lifestyle writer for 10 years and as a GH freelancer for 10 more. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Coastal Living and InStyle. She has published essays and has blogged at Truth and Beauty since 2010. Writing keeps Alice calm and focused while raising a teenage girl. She loves bluebells and daffodils, Cape Cod, accessories, cream in her coffee and reading cookbooks cover to cover.   

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