Can You Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner to Clean a Shower? A Pro Says Yes

If the grout in your ceramic tile shower is discolored and covered with mildew, there’s a secret superhero cleaner that you can use: toilet bowl cleaner.

Most toilet bowl cleaners can work double duty in your shower. They contain chlorine bleach and strong acids that will cut through the grime.

Learn how to use toilet bowl cleaner safely and when you should opt for a traditional shower cleaner.

Can You Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner In the Shower?

Yes, you can use toilet bowl cleaner in the shower, but there are important precautions you should take to protect your shower finishes. You may find that there are safer, more effective shower cleaners.

Most toilet bowl cleaners contain strong acids that remove mineral build-up and kill bacteria in a porcelain toilet bowl. But they, can also damage natural stone and weaken grout if used too often.

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How to Clean Your Shower With Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Before using toilet bowl cleaner to clean a shower, open windows, turn on the bathroom fan, and add a circulating fan to improve ventilation. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from accidental splashes.

1. Apply the cleaner. Carefully squeeze out a small amount of the undiluted cleaner onto the stained grout.
2. Give it time to work. Let the cleaner work for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub the grout.
4. Rinse well. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Will Toilet Bowl Cleaner Ruin Your Shower?

Because toilet bowl cleaner is formulated with strong ingredients to remove stains on porcelain, it can permanently damage some shower finishes.

Don’t use toilet bowl cleaner on these shower finishes:

• Chrome and brass: The acids can discolor and cause pitting on metal shower fixtures like chrome and brass.
• Natural stone: Toilet bowl cleaner is too harsh for natural stone enclosures (slate, marble, granite) and will permanently etch the surface.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass shower enclosures do not withstand repeated cleanings with harsh chemicals.

The Best DIY Shower Cleaners to Try

These DIY shower cleaners can be created from items in your pantry and are effective for removing soap scum, grime, and mildew and they are less expensive than commercial toilet bowl cleaners.

For Fiberglass Showers:

You can use vinegar and baking soda to clean a fiberglass shower.

• Use the steam from hot water to soften the soap scum.
• Make a paste of one cup of baking soda and one-fourth cup of white distilled vinegar in a small bowl.
• Spread the paste on the shower floor and walls with a non-abrasive sponge.
• Let it work for ten minutes and then rinse away.
• Dry the surfaces completely with a microfiber towel.

For Ceramic Tile Showers:

Make a DIY shower cleaner with vinegar and dish soap.

• Mix one cup of distilled white vinegar, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle.
• Start at the top of the shower and spray well.
• Let it work for 20 to 30 minutes, and then use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe down the shower.

For Natural Stone Showers:

Make an effective cleaner using just dish soap and water.

• Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in one quart of warm water.
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the stone, using a bit of extra elbow grease on any water spots and soap scum.
• Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth, starting at the top of the shower and working to the bottom to avoid streaking.