How to clean a smelly drain in the shower

Last updated: October 31, 2026 8:00:00 AM

Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to break down the buildup causing the odor. Flush the pipe with hot water a few minutes later to wash away the loosened debris.

To clean a smelly drain in the shower, you need to break down the trapped organic buildup and flush away the underlying cause of the odor using household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. These everyday items react to dissolve hair, soap scum, and mildew without requiring harsh chemical cleaners.

Clear the visible hair and debris

Bef The 6 Best Electric Scrubbers We Tested - Real Simple ore pouring any liquids down the drain, you must remove the physical blockages resting near the surface. These clumps are usually the primary source of the foul smell, as they trap stagnant water and bacteria.

Start by removing the drain cover or stopper. Depending on your setup, this might require unscrewing a central bolt, popping off a snap-in grate, or simply twisting it counterclockwise. Once the opening is exposed, put on a pair of rubber gloves.

Use your fingers or a hooked piece of wire—such as a bent coat hanger or a specialized plastic drain tool—to reach down into the pipe. Pull up any accumulated hair, lint, and black slime. Avoid pushing the debris further down, as this can create a dense plug that is much harder to remove. Drop the pulled material directly into a trash bag. Shine a flashlight down the pipe to check fo Oct 28, 2026 · Buy SYNOSHI | Electric Spin Scrubber, Power Cleaning Brush with 3 Replaceable Heads, Cordless Waterproof Scrubber Dual …Read more r any remaining chunks near the opening.

Pour the baking soda and vinegar mixture

With the loose debris gone, it is time to neutralize the organic acids and bacteria clinging to the interior walls of the pipe. This method relies on a classi Best Buy | Official Online Store | Shop Now & Save Shop Best Buy for electronics, computers, appliances, cell phones, video games & more new tech. Store pickup … c fizzing reaction to lift residue from surfaces you cannot reach by hand.

Measure out a half-cup of baking soda and pour it directly down the drain opening. Follow it immediately with a cup of white vinegar. As the two substances combine, they will create a bubbling, hissing foam. This reaction helps dislodge grease and mildew stuck to the pipe walls.

To maximize the contact time, place a stopper or a damp cloth over the drain opening to trap the fizzing action inside the pipe rather than letting it escape upward. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about fifteen minutes. During this time, the solution works its way through the trap, breaking down the foul-smelling bacterial film.

Flush the pipe with hot water

After the waiting period is complete, you need to wash the loosened residue and remaining debris entirely out of the system.

Bring a kettle or a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully carry the hot water to the shower. Remove the cover or cloth from the drain and slowly pour the boiling water down the open Oct 27, 2026 · See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions. ing in a steady stream. Pouring it slowly gives the water time to melt away l Oct 27, 2026 · Shop Best Buy for electronics, computers, appliances, cell phones, video games & more new tech. Store pickup & free 2-day …Read more ingering soap scum and carry the baking soda and vinegar mixture past the P-trap and into the main plumbing line.

If you have plastic or PVC pipes, take care not to use water that is at a rolling boil if your plumbing system advises against it, though very hot tap water or a mix of boiling and cold water can serve as a safer alternative while still achieving the desired flush.

Scrub the drain cover and surrou Oct 27, 2026 · Yahoo Finance - Stock Market Live, Quotes, Business & Finance News At Yahoo Finance, you get free stock quotes, up-to-date news, portfolio management … nding area

Even if the interior of the pipe is clean, a lingering odor can often emanate from the drain cover, strainer, or the immediate surface area of the shower floor where soap scum has settled.

Take the drain cover you removed earlier and place it in a bucket or a sink. Scrub all surfaces using an old toothbrush, dish soap, and warm water. Pay close attention to the underside of the cover, where hair and black mildew frequently accumulate and breed odor-causing bacteria. Rinse the cover thoroughly with clean water.

Next, examine the rim of the drain opening in the shower floor. Scrub this area with a brush and soap to eliminate any visible film or discoloration. Rinse the surrounding floor thoroughly to wash away all loosened particles. Once everything is clean and dry, reattach the drain cover securely, screwing or snapping it back into place.

Maintain a fresh drain regularly

Preventing future odors requires simple, consistent habits that stop buildup before it has a chance to accumulate.

After every few showers, wipe away loose hair from the drain strainer rather than letting it wash down the pipe. Once a week, run hot tap water down the drain for a full minute to keep the P-trap filled and to prevent sewer gases from rising into the bathroom. You can also repeat the b Oct 27, 2026 · Best Buy | Official Online Store | Shop Now & Save Shop Best Buy for electronics, computers, appliances, cell phones, video games & more new tech. Store pickup … aking soda and vinegar process once a month as a preventative measure to keep the interior walls of the pipe clear of organic film.

By keeping the pipe free of trapped hair and washing away soap scum on a regular schedule, you can ensure that the shower drain remains clear and free of unpleasant smells.