How to Deep Clean Your Shower Floor: The Easy, No-Bend DIY Method That
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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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.
Add a couple tablespoons of baking soda last—it’ll fizz a bit, so make sure your container has room for that reaction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Comments
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I use the Dawn and vinegar mix that was posted here years ago and have added a dishwasher rinse aid-Finish. The Finish seems to help the water sheet off. I’m now going to add the baking soda and will try the toothpaste. Word of caution-rinse,rinse,rinse!
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Jh…. I do not have a nasty slime or soap scum in my shower or my tub. It is clean twice a week. You need a disinfectant to get rid of the germs. Dawn dish soap is not a disinfectant. Have a wonderful day. God Bless as I said there is a product that you can purchase in the stores. It is “Scrub Free “ and it has a disinfectant
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Will it work on the shower door?
Anyone know if this works on calcium deposits on tiled bathroom shower floor? I've done the vinegar and baking soda paste. It helps, but not 100%
does it work on bathroom tub tiles