How to Deep Clean Your Shower Floor: The Easy, No-Bend DIY Method That

Danielle
by Danielle

Let’s be honest, my shower had definitely seen better days. You know that point where it doesn’t feel dirty, but every time you glance down, the stains are just a little too stubborn to ignore? That was me last week. But instead of shelling out for expensive cleaners or spending an hour on my hands and knees scrubbing, I pulled together a few trusty household staples—and a broom—and gave my shower a serious glow-up.


This DIY shower floor cleaner is affordable, effective, and (bonus!) way easier on your back. The secret? A clever combo of common ingredients and using a broom as your scrub brush. Yes, you read that right.


Let’s dive into how to make and use it, plus why it works so well.

Tools & Materials:

  • 10 fl oz of Dawn dish soap (the blue kind works best)
  • 1 tablespoon of white toothpaste (non-gel)
  • 14 fl oz of white vinegar
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • A generous sprinkle of baking soda
  • A broom (or scrub brush if you prefer)
  • A container or bucket for mixing

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Best DIY solution to clean stained shower floor without bleach or harsh chemicals
Homemade shower cleaner with Dawn and vinegar

1. Mix Your Homemade Shower Cleaner

Grab a bowl or old cleaning bottle and pour in the Dawn dish soap, vinegar, warm water, and toothpaste.

Mix the ingredients in a bowl
Homemade shower cleaner with Dawn, vinegar, baking soda, and toothpaste for deep stain removal

Add a couple tablespoons of baking soda last—it’ll fizz a bit, so make sure your container has room for that reaction.

Cleaning your shower doesn’t have to be a chore when it’s this easy!
DIY cleaning solution coating a stained shower floor

2. Spread It Over the Shower Floor

Pour or spoon the cleaner generously over your shower floor.


You want enough to coat the surface but not so much that it pools.

Clean your shower with a broom to protect your back

3. Prep Your Broom (or Brush) with Toothpaste

Here comes the fun (and slightly odd-sounding) part. Take a small amount of white toothpaste and smear it over the bristles of your broom. Sounds weird—but toothpaste is a mild abrasive and helps lift grime without scratching tile.


Why it works: Toothpaste contains mild abrasives like baking soda or silica that help scrub away gunk without damaging surfaces.

Using toothpaste on a broom helps scrub deep into shower stains
Broom scrubbing helps clean the entire shower without getting on your hands and knees.
Scrubbing with a broom in the shower.

4. Scrub with the Broom (No Bending Needed!)

Use the broom like a giant scrub brush to work the solution into every corner of your shower floor—and up the walls too, if needed. You’ll be surprised at how well it tackles grime, and best of all, your back will thank you.


Don’t forget the edges, grout lines, and textured spots where buildup loves to hide.

Rinse the DIY cleaner away to reveal a refreshed, stain-free shower floor

5. Rinse Away the Grime

Turn on the water and rinse thoroughly. You’ll see the dirt and discoloration wash away, leaving behind a refreshed and squeaky-clean shower.

Cut through soap scum and grime fast

Bonus Tips: Why This Combo Works

Toothpaste + Baking Soda = Power Duo

The mild abrasives in toothpaste help lift stains, while baking soda neutralizes odors and breaks down grime. Together, they’re a powerhouse.

Dawn + Vinegar = Grease and Soap Scum Destroyer

Dawn cuts through oily residues, and vinegar’s acetic acid breaks down mineral deposits and kills bacteria. Heating the vinegar slightly can make it even more effective.

Use a Squeeze Bottle

If you want better control under edges or along corners, pour your cleaner into an empty dish soap bottle with a nozzle.

How to make a non-toxic shower cleaning solution that actually works on tough stains
Easy no-scrub method to clean shower floor

This DIY Shower Cleaner Really Works

With just a few pantry items and an old broom, I was able to completely transform my grimy shower floor. No harsh chemicals, no aching back, and no expensive tools, just a smart, satisfying clean.


Try this method for yourself and let me know how it worked for you in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe for more easy, budget-friendly DIYs that make your home feel brand new.

Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Debra Debra 3 days ago

    Does this work on acrylic bathtubs?

  • Ldr118444858 Ldr118444858 3 days ago

    Can you do this on a kitchen floor with dirty grout?

  • Donna Donna 3 days ago

    How can I clean dried makeup off of a laminate cabinet?

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