How to clean shower drain grate

Showering after a long, tiring day is a blissful time, and an uncleaned/blocked shower drain grate can easily ruin it. A shower drain grate is an indispensable part of every shower. However, it also needs cleaning, and it needs it frequently.

We also understand a clogged drain can become a nightmare when you are showering. In this blog post, we discuss the best and easiest ways to keep the shower grate drain.

shower drain grate

Essential tools and materials for cleaning

  • Plunger.
  • Drain snake or auger.
  • Rubber gloves.
  • Baking soda.
  • Lemon juice.
  • Dish soap.
  • White vinegar.
  • Boiling water.
  • All-purpose cleaner.
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge.
  • Old towels or rags.
  • Tools to remove and reattach the drain grate.

How often do you need to clean your shower drain grate?

For a complete shower drain cleaning, it is a good practice to give it some attention at least once a month. It is because the debris, hair, and other elements build slowly, and once a month of cleaning ensures they don’t become problematic.

You can start by taking off the cover and getting rid of any obvious debris that may be clogging it up.

A drain snake proves to be a lifesaver in situations like these. It effortlessly removes all the hair and grime that has accumulated in the drain.

Quick Fixes for Minor Drain Grate Blockages

Foul smell, overflowing, and gurgling sounds are all signs of drain blockage. You need to clean it to avoid these symptoms.

A few quick fixes that don’t take much time are given below:

  • Pour hot boiling water down the drain. Don’t use this method in the case of PVC components or pipes. Boiling water can lose or soften PVC joints.
  • In the case of PVCs, use an all-purpose cleaner or baking soda. Pour it down the drain and wait for a few minutes. Now, pour semi-hot water.
  • Pouring vinegar, dish soap, and lemon juice can also help increase the water flow and clean the drain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean the Shower Drain Grate

Follow these steps for an easy and clean DIY process.

Step 1: Clean the shower drain cover

Prior to removing the drain cover to begin cleaning out the drain, it’s important to give the drain cover a thorough cleaning.

Get ready to tackle the task at hand by putting on your gloves and carefully lifting the drain cover.

Make sure to thoroughly clean away any stubborn hair or soap residue that may have accumulated.

If it still appears to be quite dirty, you can try immersing the cover in a bowl filled with warm, soapy water. This will allow it to soak while you carry on with the cleaning process.

Step 2: Use the drain snake/auger

A drain snake, also called an auger, is an excellent tool that can get into the drain and remove debris or substances.

Some snake drains are electric; others are manual. If you want to achieve optimal results, it’s always a good idea to refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, we can offer you a few helpful tips:

  • When encountering a clog, gently guide the snake into the drain until you feel some resistance. It is a clear indication that you have successfully encountered a clog!
  • Spin the snake around to snag the clog, then gently lift it out and get rid of the clog.
  • Be careful not to pull the drain snake up too quickly, as it could result in losing the clog.

Step 3: Vinegar and Baking Soda

After getting rid of any stubborn clogs, it’s time to tackle the rest of the drain with the help of two trusty household ingredients: baking soda and vinegar.

  • To start, you’ll want to bring four cups of water to a boil.
  • Next, simply pour the hot water down the drain and add a cup of baking soda.
  • Now, you’ll want to add a generous amount of white vinegar into the drain and let it work its magic for about 15 minutes to an hour. It will help tackle any grime or buildup that may be lurking in the drain.
  • Watch as the mixture begins to fizz.

Step 4: Flushing the water

Debris, hair, and clogs are gone; the mixture has done its magic, and now it is time to rinse the drain.

  • Once the designated time has passed, go ahead and switch on the hot water in your shower.
  • Allow the blend to flow down the drain for a few minutes to eliminate any remaining vinegar and baking soda effectively.
  • After that, you can simply put the drain cover back in place and rinse off any soapy water that may have soaked into it.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning the shower drain grate is something that may be done once a month. Also, if the water in your area is heavy or contains more debris, you must clean your drain more often.

Cleaning is fine, but the product or linear shower drain that you install also plays a vital role in cleaning intervals. YZdrain manufactures and supplies premium quality drains, which are easy to maintain and clean.

Finally, do you know of a better idea on how to clean the shower grate drain? Please let us know in the comments. Good Luck!

FAQs

How often must I clean my shower drain grate?

Cleaning it once a month is a good practice.

What are the signs of minor drain grate blockages?

Unpleasant odor, gurgling sounds, and slow water drainage are some common signs.

Can I use hot boiling water to unclog my shower drain grate if it’s made of PVC?

In the case of PVC, keep the temperature 50 to 70 degrees Celsius. Boiling water is not recommended.

What are the steps to clean the shower drain grate?

Clean the cover, clear with a drain snake/auger, use vinegar and baking soda, then flush with water.

Are there any safety tips to consider when cleaning a shower drain grate?

When cleaning a shower drain grate, wear rubber gloves to avoid bacteria and debris and ventilate the area to avoid cleaning chemical smells.

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