7 Best Shower Cleaners of 2023

As soon as a surface is touched (even immediately after cleaning it!) bacteria starts to grow. But that's exactly why Microban's bathroom cleaner — a GH Seal star, and also our best value pick — is so exciting to us. Like all the products in the Microban 24 Hour line, it not only sanitizes and disinfects surfaces when you clean them, but it also puts down a protective barrier to keep bacteria from growing for up to 24 hours. However, note that it doesn't provide the same protection against viruses.

In Cleaning Lab tests, this budget-friendly spray cut through tough soap scum, didn't leave any damaging residues and, because it's EPA-registered, we're confident that its 99.9% germ-killing claims are accurate. To maximize its mildew- and mold-preventing powers, apply it to clean, hard surfaces every seven days and any soft surfaces (read: shower curtains) every 28 days. The spray has a 4.7-star rating on Walmart and one happy customer writes, "It's sprays out evenly over surfaces. I definitely recommend this product!" There are more five-star reviews like this one to convince you to try the product for yourself.

If you have white grout to brighten, there's nothing that works better than CLR Brilliant Bath cleaner in our experience. Spray it on, let it sit for a minute or two and then scrub. In our tests, stains not only disappeared quickly, but as the grout dried, it continued to get whiter and whiter. This cleaner also effectively removes soap scum from tub and tile surfaces. It dispenses as a foam, so it clings well to vertical surfaces for better penetration, instead of quickly running down walls like thinner liquids do.

A few things to note bout this tile and grout cleaner: It's only effective on white grout and doesn't remove rust like other products on this list. Still, multiple five-star online reviews say this cleaner successfully removes soap scum and helps make their shower look good as new.

Customers love Method's Daily Shower Spray, available in eucalyptus mint (pictured), eucalyptus and ylang ylang, as well as packs of four or eight bottles. Close to 9K online reviews amounts to a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. One five-star review writes, "I've got everyone spraying after every shower and I seldom have to scrub anymore! And the bathroom smells so nice! I love this stuff!" Numerous reviews also note the lovely fragrance and say that it isn't too strong, a plus if you are sensitive to perfume.

All you have to do is spray this cleaner on your shower — no rinsing required! Method says you can also use the product on tile, fixtures, glass and tubs. The brand claims the product is made without parabens or phthalates. Amazon only sells the daily spray in packs with multiple bottles, which makes your supply last longer, but isn't ideal if you have a small shower to clean and don't require as much product.

Clorox offers a way to clean your entire bathroom without reaching for a second product — that means you target your shower, toilet and sink in one full swoop. The Mold and Mildew Remover takes it one step further killing 99.9% of mold and mildew germs as well as bacteria — in just five minutes. You can also use the product to whiten grout and remove any shower stains.

To use, spray your grout, let the formula penetrate for a few minutes and rinse. You also most likely won't have to scrub the product onto the surface, making this an easy cleaning experience. However, it does contain bleach and thus emits a strong smell that can be bothersome for some as well as has the potential to discolor fabrics. Still, it has a solid 4.7-star rating on Amazon and thousands of five-star reviews that say "It actually works" and remark how "My bathroom is sparkling."

CLR's Mold and Mildew Clear was top-rated in our 2022 Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards. Testers used the cleaner to remove stains from a variety of items, including shower rods. The foam is easy to work into the surface at hand, with minimal elbow grease required. It is less clingy than other products, though, so it's best to work quickly when cleaning vertical surfaces like your shower walls.

The stain remover is best used for brightening your grout as it won't kill existing mold or prevent it from reappearing in the future. But we appreciate that this shower cleaner is unscented and produces no uncomfortable fumes when it is dispensed. Multiple five-star reviews on Home Depot are pleased with the product and report back that it works great.

If you're looking to clean less often, you can treat shower surfaces with a protectant to repel hard water, soap scum and grime. We like EnduroShield Home Glass Treatment. In our tests, we found it very easy to apply and it successfully repelled water, so post-shower squeegeeing was easier too. To use, apply this long-lasting treatment to glass shower doors after cleaning to help them stay crystal clear (i.e. no spotting or filming) — then, the next time you clean, you'll be able to skip the tough scrubbing.

The manufacturer claims one application lasts for over three years, but it's easy to refresh it should you need to. Plus, you can use this product on car and home windows too. Note that larger surface areas, whether its your shower or window, may require more than one kit to properly clean. A five-star review on Home Depot writes, "Enduro Shield took our nasty shower and transformed into a clean, new looking shower! It was simple to use."

High levels of magnesium and calcium minerals can turn water "hard" — and when hard water droplets dry on surfaces like tile walls and shower heads, the minerals stay behind, leaving spots or, worse, a white, crusty buildup known as limescale that can clog plumbing. To remove hard water stains and dissolve limescale residue on a variety of household surfaces, try CLR's Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover.

To use on your shower head, mix equal parts cleaner and warm water, then submerge your shower head in the solution for no longer than two minutes. Scrub away the loosened deposits with a soft brush and rinse with cold water. This remover has over 17K online Amazon reviews and counting, with numerous five-star reviews noting how easy it is to pour with one describing the product as a "magic liquid."