How to Deep Clean a Shower Drain (And Get Rid of That Smell!)
A Step-by-Step Guide by Cleaning School Kenya
“Umenawa bafu, lakini harufu bado iko? The problem is probably your shower drain.”
Many Kenyans clean their bathrooms regularly, but forget the one spot that harbors the most gunk, odor, and germs — the shower drain. Whether you live in an apartment, bungalow, or mabati house with a basic drain system, failing to clean the drain leads to:
• Foul odors even after a fresh clean
• Slow drainage or flooding
• Mold and bacteria build-up
• Attracting cockroaches or drain flies
At Cleaning School Kenya, we train professionals to clean smart, not just hard. Here’s a professional-level guide for deep cleaning your shower drain — using simple items available in most Kenyan homes.
🧽 You’ll Need:
• Hot water (preferably boiled)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) – ~1/2 cup
• White vinegar – ~1/2 cup
• Old toothbrush or bottle brush
• Screwdriver or knife (to lift drain cover)
• Gloves
• Optional: lemon, Dettol, or jik
🪠 Step-by-Step Shower Drain Deep Clean
✅ Step 1: Remove the Drain Cover
• Put on gloves.
• Use a screwdriver or butter knife to gently lift the metal or plastic cover.
• If it’s stuck with grime or hair, loosen it by pouring a little hot water around it.
✅ Step 2: Pull Out Hair and Debris
• Use your fingers or a hooked wire to remove hair, soap scum, and grime.
• Place it in a bag — don’t flush it down the toilet.
✅ Step 3: Scrub the Inner Edges
• Use an old toothbrush to scrub the inside of the pipe and around the opening.
• If mold or slime is present, scrub using hot water + baking soda.
✅ Step 4: Deodorize with Baking Soda & Vinegar
• Pour ½ cup baking soda directly into the drain.
• Follow with ½ cup vinegar — it will fizz and bubble (this is good!).
• Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
✅ Step 5: Flush with Hot Water
• After 30 minutes, pour a full kettle of boiling water down the drain.
• This clears blockages and flushes out loosened debris.
✅ Step 6: Sanitize (Optional)
• Pour a capful of Dettol or diluted jik into the drain for extra disinfection.
• Add a few drops of lemon juice for a fresh scent.
🚿 Maintenance Tip:
Repeat this process every 2–3 weeks to keep drains odor-free and working efficiently.
💡 Pro Tip from Cleaning School Kenya:
If your bathroom still smells after this, the issue may be in your P-trap or floor trap. That requires a professional inspection — and our trained Mama Fuas or technicians can handle it safely.
📢 Want to Learn the Full Bathroom Deep Cleaning Course?
At Cleaning School Kenya, we teach:
• Safe chemical use & ratios
• Disinfection SOPs
• Mold & mildew prevention
• Eco-friendly cleaning options
• Industrial drain solutions for hotels, schools & homes
📍Enroll Today | 🌐 www.cleaningschool.co.ke
📱 Instagram: @cleaningschoolkenya