How to Get Rid of Smells From a Shower Drain

How to Get Rid of Smells From a Shower Drain

A smelly shower drain is often caused by soap residue, body oils, hair and other organic material that accumulates inside the drain. As this material builds up, it can create unpleasant odors even when the shower itself looks perfectly clean.

The best way to get rid of shower drain smells is to remove accessible debris and address the organic buildup inside the drain, rather than simply masking the odor with fragrance.

Why Does My Shower Drain Smell?

Every time you shower, small amounts of material enter the drain.

This can include:

• Hair

• Soap residue

• Body oils

• Skin and other organic material

• Shampoo and personal-care product residue

Hair can become caught inside the drain and provide a place for additional residue to accumulate. Over time, this combination can create buildup and unpleasant odors.

How to Clean a Smelly Shower Drain

If your shower drain has developed an odor, start with the areas closest to the drain opening.

1. Remove Visible Hair and Debris

Remove the drain cover when appropriate and clean away accessible hair, soap residue and other material.

Hair is a physical obstruction, so removing it manually is generally more effective than expecting a drain-maintenance product to eliminate it.

2. Clean the Drain Cover

Soap residue and organic material can accumulate on both sides of the drain cover.

Clean it thoroughly before replacing it.

3. Treat Organic Buildup Inside the Drain

Once accessible debris has been removed, use an enzyme drain cleaner according to its directions.

Enzymes help break down organic material that can accumulate farther inside the drainpipe and contribute to unpleasant odors.

4. Allow the Product Time to Work

Enzyme-based products generally work more gradually than traditional chemical drain openers.

Follow the product directions for the proper amount and contact time rather than immediately flushing the product away.

5. Maintain the Drain Regularly

Once the odor has been addressed, regular drain maintenance can help manage organic buildup before the smell returns.

Can Enzyme Drain Cleaner Get Rid of Shower Drain Odors?

It can help when organic buildup is the source of the smell.

An enzyme drain cleaner works on organic residue inside the drain rather than simply covering the odor.

This makes enzyme-based products particularly useful for shower drains because soap residue, body oils and other organic material continually enter the drain during normal use.

How Can You Prevent Shower Drain Smells?

Preventing buildup is easier than waiting for a strong odor to develop.

A few simple habits can help:

• Use a drain screen or hair catcher.

• Remove accumulated hair regularly.

• Clean the drain cover periodically.

• Don't allow visible residue to accumulate around the drain.

• Address slow drainage early.

• Use an enzyme drain maintainer regularly according to its directions.

Regular maintenance helps reduce the organic material that can contribute to both drain odors and slow drainage.

Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Like a Sewer?

A sewer-like odor may have a different cause.

If the shower isn't used frequently, water in the drain trap can sometimes evaporate. Plumbing vent problems, drain leaks or other issues can also allow sewer odors to become noticeable.

If the shower hasn't been used recently, running water may refill the drain trap.

If a strong sewer-like odor continues after the drain has been cleaned and regularly used, the problem may require inspection by a qualified plumber.

What If the Shower Drain Is Also Slow?

An odor combined with slow drainage can indicate that material is accumulating inside the drain.

Start by removing accessible hair and debris. An enzyme drain cleaner can then help address organic residue farther inside the drain.

If the shower remains very slow or becomes completely blocked, there may be a physical obstruction that requires a drain snake or professional plumbing service.

Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes

Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes is an all-natural enzyme-based formula designed for ongoing drain and septic maintenance.

When used according to the product directions, it helps:

• Clean drains

• Deodorize drains

• Neutralize odors

• Help prevent clogs

• Maintain drains and septic systems

For shower drain odors caused by organic buildup, Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes helps address the material that can contribute to the smell while making regular drain maintenance simple.

Instead of waiting until your shower drain becomes slow or develops an unpleasant odor, incorporate enzyme drain maintenance into your regular cleaning routine.

Shop Natural Armor Drain Maintainer with Enzymes →