How To Clean an RV Shower and the Best Product To Use

RV showers need a routine cleaning, much like a regular shower in a house. Cleaning your RV shower can improve its water pressure and make it much more sanitary. However, RV showers can’t handle the same harsh chemicals as home showers due to their plumbing quality.

To clean an RV shower, use Thetford Aqua-Clean to scrub the walls, door, and shower tracks. Remove water spots with a squeegee after each use to preserve your shower’s condition. You should also use baking soda and vinegar on the showerhead and the drain.

Throughout this article, I’ll explain how to clean an RV shower, which products to use, and several maintenance tips.

1. Squeegee Your RV Shower

You should squeegee your RV shower after each use to prevent water spots from forming and to make it easier to clean for next time. All you have to do is wipe the door from top to bottom with the squeegee before or after getting out of the shower. You don’t need to use cleaning supplies after each shower, but you’ll need them for some of the remaining steps.

Try the OXO All-Purpose Squeegee (available on Amazon.com). It comes with an ergonomic handle to help you remove the water spots without slipping out of your hand. The rubber cleaning tip is removable and washable, preventing mold and mildew buildup.

2. Use a Sponge With Thetford Aqua-Clean

Spray the shower door with Thetford Premium RV Aqua-Clean (available on Amazon.com), let it sit for 30 seconds, then scrub it with a sponge. This product is designed for RVs because it doesn’t have harsh chemicals that could corrode the plumbing. You can use it on plastic, porcelain, and more (and yes, you can use it on the RV toilet).

Tip: Use the soft end of the sponge to avoid scratches. Never use the green abrasive edges of a sponge, and always avoid steel wool when cleaning any part of your shower. I suggest emptying your RV’s greywater tank if you use a lot of cleaning chemicals. You don’t want it settling at the bottom of the tank for too long.

3. Scrub the Shower Tracks With a Brush

The tracks are often overlooked when cleaning a shower, regardless of whether it’s in an RV or a house. Gabe’s Pride explains that you can clean the tracks with a grout brush. You can also use a toothbrush or a stiff (unused) toilet brush.

Follow these steps:

1. Spray Thetford Aqua-Clean into the shower tracks.
2. Let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds to soak.
3. Scrub the tracks with a stiff brush to remove as much grime and buildup as possible.
4. Repeat the process as much as needed.

The more often you clean your RV shower tracks, the less time you’ll spend during each cleaning session.

4. Decalcify the Shower Head

Check your RV’s shower head. Is it filled with white, brown, and other colors? They’re likely caused by mold or mineral buildup. Dirty RV shower heads produce less water pressure, even if your RV water supply provides the same gallon total. Cleaning the shower head is very easy, and you don’t need to get any extra chemicals.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Place one tablespoon (13.8 g) of baking soda in a plastic bag.
2. Put half a cup (118 ml) of white vinegar in the bag.
3. Tightly wrap the plastic bag around the shower head, completely submerging it in the baking soda white vinegar solution.
4. Use a rubber band or tape to secure the plastic bag around the shower head.
5. Remove the plastic bag from the shower head after 10 minutes, then remove the solution with water.

Minerals build in the shower head from hard water. Most water supplies have a lot of minerals, so they need to be removed to prevent them from clogging the shower head.

5. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar To Clean the Drain

Much like removing minerals from your RV’s showerhead, you can also use the same solution to clean the drain.

Try this method for the best results:

1. Pouring two to three tablespoons (28-32 g) of baking soda on the drain will give you some abrasive while you are brushing the gunk out of your shower drain and the surround.

Note: If your RV shower is dirty and you don’t want to get other cleaning supplies, you can use this vinegar and baking soda solution to clean any part of the shower. Thetford Aqua-Clean will yield better results, but baking soda and vinegar always work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

RV showers have sensitive plumbing, so using the right cleaning products is essential. Furthermore, you should use soft sponges, brushes, and other cleaning supplies to prevent scuff marks and scratches. Deep cleaning your RV shower once per week (while you’re camping) can make a big difference in hygiene and functionality.