How to Clean a Bathroom Drain (Hair, Soap Scum, and Odors)

Bathroom drains — in the sink, shower, and tub — accumulate hair, soap scum, and organic biofilm that causes slow draining and persistent odors. Regular cleaning prevents clogs and keeps drains smelling fresh.

What You'll Need

• Baking soda and white vinegar
• Zeiff Probiotic Enzyme Cleaner — breaks down organic biofilm for slow drains and odor elimination
• Drain Snake Hair Clog Remover (3-Pack) — removes hair clogs from shower and sink drains
• Silicone Drain Strainer — catches hair before it enters the drain
• Boiling water
• Rubber gloves

Weekly Maintenance: Baking Soda + Vinegar Flush

1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
2. Follow immediately with ½ cup of white vinegar.
3. Cover the drain and let the fizzing reaction work for 10–15 minutes.
4. Flush with a full kettle of boiling water.

This breaks down soap scum and neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. Do weekly to prevent buildup from accumulating.

Monthly Deep Clean: Enzyme Cleaner

1. Pour Zeiff enzyme cleaner down the drain according to directions.
2. Let sit overnight — don't run water for 6–8 hours.
3. Flush with warm water in the morning.

Enzyme cleaners digest the organic biofilm coating the inside of drain pipes — the primary cause of slow drains and persistent odors. Safe for all pipe types and septic systems.

Removing Hair from Shower and Tub Drains

1. Remove the drain cover or strainer.
2. Insert the drain snake into the drain.
3. Rotate and pull to hook and remove hair clogs.
4. Dispose of the hair and repeat until no more comes out.
5. Follow with the baking soda + vinegar flush.

Cleaning the Drain Cover and Strainer

1. Remove the drain cover or strainer.
2. Scrub with an old toothbrush and dish soap to remove soap scum and hair.
3. Soak in white vinegar for 10 minutes to remove mineral deposits.
4. Rinse and replace.

How to Prevent Drain Buildup

• Install a silicone drain strainer to catch hair before it enters the drain
• Never pour grease or oil down bathroom drains
• Do the baking soda + vinegar flush weekly
• Use enzyme cleaner monthly
• Clean the drain strainer after every shower

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean bathroom drains?

Baking soda + vinegar flush weekly. Enzyme cleaner monthly. Hair removal from the drain strainer after every shower. This schedule prevents clogs and keeps drains odor-free.

Why does my bathroom drain smell even though it drains fine?

The smell comes from organic biofilm — a layer of bacteria, soap scum, and hair coating the inside of the drain pipe. Enzyme cleaner is the most effective solution because it digests the biofilm rather than just masking the smell.

Is it safe to pour boiling water down bathroom drains?

Safe for metal pipes. For PVC pipes, use very hot tap water rather than boiling water — boiling water can soften PVC joints over time.