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A smelly shower drain is usually the result of a biofilm, a slimy accumulation of hair, soap scum, skin cells, and oil that lines the inside of the pipe. As bacteria feast on this organic matter, they produce foul odours.
Yet, the good news is you can often eliminate this stink with simple household products and tools designed for light plumbing work, making this an easy DIY task.
Here, The Bathroom Showroom offers a quick guide to walk you through the steps of cleaning a smelly shower drain efficiently and effectively.

Tools You’ll Need

If the drain is slow or the smell is caused by decaying hair and soap scum, a physical tool is essential to remove the buildup.
  • Drain Snake (or Zip-It Tool): This is the best tool for hair clogs. It's a long, thin, flexible piece of plastic or metal with barbs or hooks that grab onto hair and pull it out.
  • Screwdriver (Phillips or Flathead): Needed to remove the drain cover, as many are screwed in place.
  • Plunger (Flat-Cup Style): Used to create suction and pressure to dislodge clogs further down the pipe that a snake can't reach easily.
  • Pliers or Tweezers: Useful for grabbing and pulling out hair that is visible but just out of finger reach.
  • Wire Coat Hanger (DIY Hack): Can be bent straight with a small hook at the end to fish out hair if you don't have a commercial snake.
  • Rubber Gloves: Essential for hygiene, especially when manually pulling out hair and gunk.

Supplies for Chemical/Natural Cleaning

These supplies are used to dissolve biofilm and soap scum and neutralise odour after the physical clog has been addressed.
  • Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda): A natural deodoriser and mild abrasive.
  • White Vinegar (Cleaning Vinegar): The acidity helps to cut through soap scum and grease, and the foaming reaction with baking soda helps to agitate and lift minor debris.
  • Hot Water: Used to flush the pipe after cleaning (use hot tap water, not boiling water, if you have PVC pipes).
  • Dish Soap (Grease Cutter): A few squirts can be poured down the drain first to help break down grease and oil before the baking soda and vinegar.
  • Enzyme/Biological Drain Cleaner (Optional): This non-caustic solution uses bacteria to "eat" organic matter (hair, soap, oils), which causes the smell. It's safe for pipes and excellent for monthly maintenance.

Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning a Smelly Shower Drain

Start with the most effective and least intrusive methods first:
  1. Manual Removal: Use the screwdriver and a drain snake to physically remove all visible hair and gunk.
  2. Natural Clean: Follow up with the baking soda and vinegar flush to sanitise the pipe walls and eliminate residual odours.

Biofilm & Odour Removal - Using a Drain Snake

This method is essential for removing hair and soap clogs, which are the primary sources of odour and slow drainage.
  • Gather Tools: Put on rubber gloves, grab your plastic drain snake (or Zip-It tool), and a paper towel/plastic bag.
  • Remove the Cover: Use a screwdriver to remove the drain cover/grate. Keep the screws safe.
  • Insert the Snake: Slowly feed the flexible end of the drain snake down the drain opening. Stop when you feel resistance (the clog) and gently rotate the snake a few times.
  • Hook the Clog: Pull the snake out slowly and carefully. Immediately wrap the retrieved hair and sludge in a paper towel or plastic bag, then dispose of it.
  • Repeat & Flush: Reinsert the snake until it comes out relatively clean. Run hot water for 1 minute to check that the water flows freely.
  • Replace Cover: Screw the drain cover back into place.
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Biofilm & Odour Removal - Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

This natural method cleans the pipe walls, breaks down minor organic matter, and neutralises odours left behind by physical clogs.​
  • Clear the Drain: Ensure the drain is empty of standing water. If necessary, use a drain snake first to clear major clogs.
  • Add Baking Soda: Pour 1 cup of baking soda directly down the drain.
  • Add Vinegar: Follow quickly with 1 cup of white vinegar. The mixture will foam vigorously.
  • Wait and Rest: Let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the reaction to break down the grime.
  • Flush Thoroughly: Run the drain for several minutes with hot tap water. Caution: Avoid using boiling water with PVC pipes.
  • Check the Odour: Once the bathroom has aired out, the odour should be gone or significantly reduced.

Make Your Shower Drain As Good As New

This short video demonstrates the simple, effective baking soda cleaning method, to create a sparkling clean shower drain.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cleaning a Smelly Shower Drain

What is the main cause of a bad odour coming from my shower drain?
The main cause is the build-up of biofilm and hair clogs. Biofilm is a slimy layer of bacteria, hair, soap residue, and dead skin cells that coats the inside of the drainpipe. As the bacteria feed on this organic matter, they produce foul, often musty or sour-smelling gases.
Can I fix a smelly shower drain using only household ingredients?
Yes, in most cases, you can. The most popular and effective natural method uses baking soda and white vinegar.
  • Method: Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz for 15-30 minutes to break down the biofilm and loosen minor clogs, then flush with hot tap water.
What tools are best for removing hair clogs from a shower drain?
The best tool is a plastic drain snake (or Zip-It tool). These are inexpensive, flexible tools with small barbs that easily hook onto hair and pull the mass out of the drain. Alternatively, a straightened wire coat hanger with a small hook bent at the end can work in a pinch.
If I smell rotten eggs, is cleaning the shower drain enough?
Not always. A rotten egg smell is usually hydrogen sulfide gas. While bacteria in the drain can produce this, the primary culprit is often a Dry P-Trap.
Action: If you smell rotten eggs, first run the shower for 1-2 minutes to restore the water seal in the P-trap. If the smell persists, proceed with the deep-cleaning methods.
How can I prevent the shower drain from smelling again?
Prevention involves reducing the organic matter entering the drain:
  • Use a Hair Catcher: Install a simple mesh or silicone hair catcher over the drain to intercept hair before it goes down the drain.
  • Regular Flushing: Perform the baking soda and vinegar flush once every 1–3 months as preventative maintenance.
  • Run the Water: If the shower isn't used frequently, run the water briefly once a month to ensure the P-trap seal stays full.
I've cleaned the drain multiple times, but the smell keeps coming back. What should I do?
If cleaning and checking the P-trap doesn't permanently fix the odour, the problem is likely deeper in your plumbing system.
  • This could be a main line clog or, more commonly, a blocked plumbing vent pipe (which causes gases to back up into the bathroom).
  • Action: At this point, you should contact a licensed plumber who can perform a professional drain or vent cleaning.

Long-Term Solution for Smelly Drains: Clean, Prevent, and Maintain

Following our helpful guidance, you can work on fixing DIY issues with bathroom drains to ensure a fully functional space. 
By combining physical removal of hair clogs with the disinfecting and degreasing action of baking soda and vinegar, you can banish the most common shower drain odors. 
For regular maintenance, repeat this natural cleaning process monthly, and always use a drain catcher to minimise future hair build-up.
​Why not check out our Help & Advice section for further guidance on tackling common DIY bathroom jobs? From How To Fix & Maintain A Smelly P-Trap to advice on Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Like Rotten Eggs?, we help promote a healthier space for everyone in the home.
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With more than 290 showrooms and several decades of experience, The Bathroom Showroom can help you create your dream bathroom with ease. Book an appointment today to learn more about the fantastic services and the huge range of bathroom products we offer.