10 Best Shower Drain Cleaners in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

There is nothing more frustrating than taking a shower with two inches of water at your ankles. Not only is it gross, but your slow drain can lead to larger plumbing problems that will make the shower swamp look like a walk in the park.

Unfortunately, service calls to your local plumber can be expensive and plunging doesn’t always work. What’s worse, a lot of drain cleaning products can do more harm than good to your pipes. So, what to do?

Luckily, some drain cleaners are not only safe for your system, but they also work, too! They relieve stubborn clogs and save you a bundle on repairs. Where’s the catch? Well, finding these safe yet dependable products is not easy.

To help your shower out, we have tested all kinds of drain cleaners and narrowed it down to the top 10. Our reviews below will give you all the info on performance, formula, smell, etc., and we will also share some tips on keeping your drain clog-free.

A Quick Glance at our Favorite Picks in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		XIONLAB	Effective Non-toxic Odorless	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Liquid-Plumr	Septic tank safe Effective Low odor	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Bio-clean	Odorless Preventive maintenance Septic tank and pipe safe	CHECK PRICE
		Green Gobbler	Clears slow drains in minutes Non-caustic Eco-friendly	CHECK PRICE
		Professor Amos’ SuperFast	Pipe and septic tank safe Commercial strength Odor is not overpowering	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Shower Drain Cleaners

1. XIONLAB XL01 Safer Drain Cleaner – Best Overall

Our favorite option for a shower drain cleaner is the XIONLAB XL01 Safer Drain Cleaner. This is a gel liquid that attacks clogs at the root of the issue. You can use this product on sinks, bathtubs, showers, or anywhere that has a stubborn block or slow drainage.

Available in a 32-ounce bottle, this drain cleaner is non-toxic, does not release any harmful gases, and is odorless. As the gel is heavier than water, it works to remove fats, oils, grease, soap scum, lint, hair, and anything else that may stop your drains from evacuating.

The XIONLAB cleaner is non-flammable and non-biodegradable. The package is also made of 100 percent recycled plastic. You can use this clog reliever on any type of plumbing system. Regardless of whether you have plastic, copper, or iron pipes, this is a non-corrosive liquid that will not do any harm.

Recognized by TERRACARE SEAL, this is an environmentally-safe product that’s good for septic tanks. Made in the USA, each sale gives a percentage of its profits to a non-profit organization to cure drug addiction. Overall, this is the best shower drain cleaner available this year.

2. Liquid-Plumr 31019 Clog Eliminator, Liquid Drain Cleaner – Best Value

Unfortunately, shower clogs happen at the most inconvenient time. If your wallet is running on empty, the Liquid Plumbr 31019 Clog Eliminator, liquid Drain Cleaner is the best drain cleaner for showers for the money. This product has 70 percent more active ingredients to eliminate hair, grease, oil, and many other gunky substances.

You can use the Liquid Plumbr on bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs; plus, it is septic system safe. You will find this product to be safe for all types of pipe materials, as well. The thick gel liquid has a lower odor than other options of its kind, and it is biodegradable and contains sodium hypochlorite. That being said, it is safer than the average product containing these ingredients.

You can pick up this shower cleaner in a 16-ounce bottle, and it comes in a one or two-pack. Although this option is known for its hair clog eliminating ability, you will still find it useful for all blocks and slow drains.

3. Bio-clean SYNCHKG016874 Drain Cleaner – Premium Choice

If you have had a recurring clog or you have slow drains, you will benefit from the Bio-Clean SYNCHKG016874 Drain Cleaner. This is a product that not only helps with clogs, but it is also meant to be used as a monthly treatment to keep your pipes and drains moving smoothly.

Available in a 7-pound canister, you get up to a hundred drain treatments per product. The Bio-Clean uses natural bacteria and enzymes to digest dead organisms that are clogging your pipes. Environmentally safe and friendly, you can use this cleaner on shower drains, sink drains, tubs, garbage disposals, and even your cat’s litter box.

Safe for both your septic system and your pipes, this shower cleaner removes grease, hair, and soap scum. It will also work to remove food, paper, and cotton, as well. What’s more, this formula will not produce any heat or fumes, either.

As our premium option, the Bio-clean is slightly more expensive than other options, although it is effective at preventative drain maintenance. That being said, this option works better after prolonged use and is not quite as effective on build-up clogs.

4. Green Gobbler GGDIS2CH32 Drain Cleaner

The Green Gobbler GGDIS2CH32 Drain Cleaner is a product that comes in a 31-ounce bottle that is pre-measured into two easy-to-use applications. This liquid shower cleaner works to remove hair, soap scum, paper, grease, and anything organic that could plug up your piping system.

The Green Gobbler is advertised to clear out clogs in minutes from your sink, tubs, showers, and toilets. You can use this regardless of what type of pipes you have; plus, safe for septic tanks. What’s more, it does not contain any caustic ingredients.

Made in the USA, this shower drain cleaner is not as effective at eliminating hair buildup in your shower drain, which is the most common reason for a backup. On the other hand, this is an odorless and eco clean option, but you should be advised that it is also not as effective on clogs that are deeper within your plumbing system.

5. Professor Amos’ SuperFast Drain Cleaner

Professor Amos’ Superfast Drain Cleaner is a commercial strength microbial shower cleaner that is safe for all types of piping material. This product will help remove hair, soap scum, oil, grease, and any other pipe blocking materials that may get stuck.

Septic tank safe, you can use the Professor Amos’ cleaner in sinks, tubs, and showers. Although it has an odor, this is a great option for slow drains. You should know that this product is less effective on stubborn clogs or any food obstructions.

You can use this product on commercial properties such as restaurants, stores, etc., however, as we mentioned before, it is better for slow drains. With that being said, shower use is best, as you are unlikely to find a large amount of food in your shower drain-we hope.

6. Harris EDC-18 Drain Cleaner

If you prefer a powder cleaner, the Harris EDC-18 Drain Cleaner is just that. This shower cleaner is an enzyme biodegradable option that is eco-friendly and works to remove clogs and odors from your sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and garbage disposal.

The Harris cleaner is also good as a preventative powder to help prevent future build-up. There are no harsh chemicals in the formula, and it is safe for pipes and septic tanks. Made in the USA, be aware that this particular option requires you to remove any built-up hair in your drain before using the powder. Otherwise, it is not as effective.

Unfortunately, this shower drain cleaner is also slow to work and can take several applications before you see any real improvement. It is also not recommended for deep clogs within the pipe. Finally, as mentioned, this is not the best cleaner for the shower specifically as the hair is the number one cause of blocks.

7. BioFresh Enzyme Drain Cleaner

Biofresh Enzyme Drain Cleaner is our number seven option. This shower cleaner comes in either a 32-ounce, 1-gallon, or 5-gallon option. If you have drains that are producing nasty odors within your home, this is a good option. That being said, it is best used for garbage disposals, urinals, washing machines, and slow drains.

With that being said, the Biofresh is not recommended for clogs. Although it is septic and pipe safe, it is better used as preventative maintenance and an odor eliminator. Made in the USA, this is advertised to be an eco-friendly option, however, there is a very strong odor with this option, plus it uses bacillus bacteria in its formula.

Beyond that, you will need several applications of the Biofresh to eliminate the odors within your drains. The ingredients have a fragrance of their own, but mixed with the other ingredients it can be very strong and unpleasant.

8. Bioda BEB-00013 Drain Cleaner

The Bioda BEB-00013 Drain Cleaner is a bio-enzymatic solution that removes odors, grease, and animal fats from your shower drain, sinks, and garbage disposals. You can pick this option up in a one-gallon bottle, and it comes in a liquid form.

Unfortunately, the Bioda is not as effective at removing hair, food, or soap scum. Both hair and soap scum are the two leading causes of shower blocks making this product not as effective at removing clogs or slow drains. Also, in general, this option is not as effective on the whole.

On a bright note, there are no harsh chemicals within this option, and it is safe to use with your septic system and your pipes. Plastic, copper, and iron pipes will all be safe with this liquid formula. As a drawback, however, the product is not odorless.

Finally, although this particular solution is meant to remove smells from your drain, it is not effective in doing so.

9. Earthworm Drain Cleaner

The Earthworm Drain Cleaner is a 64-fluid ounce product that deodorizes your drains and is natural and safe for your family. This option is meant to be safe for your shower, sinks, tubs, and any other areas that have any organic material build-up.

Although this option is safe for your septic system and your pipes, it is not as effective at removing blocks that produced slow drains. Again, the Earthworm does not use any caustic chemicals, so it is safe for use on your garbage disposals, RV floors, and even a cat box. As mentioned, however, removing odors is the primary focus of this product.

Unfortunately, this product is not as efficient at removing odors, either. It has a citrus and sage fragrance that can be quite overwhelming and is not a favorite of many people.

Also, you should note that it takes many applications of cleaner to be effective in any way. It can also cause staining on some surfaces such as fours.

10. Liquid Lightning Sulfuric Acid Drain Cleaner

Our final and least favorite shower and drain cleaner is the Liquid Lightning Sulfuric Acid Drain Cleaner. As the name states, one of the drawbacks of this option is the harsh chemicals within the formula. This option, although claiming to be safe, is not recommended to be used with your septic system or your plumbing system as it can cause damage.

Although this option can be fast-acting, it is not as effective at removing deep and stubborn clogs. The Liquid Lightning comes in a set of two 32-ounce bottles and can be used on sinks, tubs, and shower drains. Also, you should note that it just has a very strong chemical odor associated with it.

Finally, you should be advised that the option does have chemical properties in it that are not always safe and can be flammable. In the long run, this is our least favorite option for a shower drain cleaner and your plumbing system will fare better with another option.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Drain Cleaner for Showers

Important Facts to Know

When it comes to a clogged shower drain, most people want to eliminate the problem as quickly as possible. Although that is certainly understandable, it is important to be aware of what you are putting down your drain as some products can cause more damage than the original clog.

Certain chemicals within liquid drain cleaners can eat away at your piping causing a lot of damage. Not only that, but the toxicity of the fumes can cause you to become ill. Let’s take a look at some of the chemicals that you should avoid I’m looking for a drain cleaner

• Sulfuric Acid: Sulfuric acid, used in the correct consistency, can be a great drain cleaner as it will naturally eat away at the substances that are causing the block. That being said, high quantities of this can be unstable and extremely corrosive to your pipes. Also, the fumes from this ingredient are toxic. When the solution is done correctly, it can be a benefit although you should use caution.
• Sodium Hydroxide: Also known as lye, sodium hydroxide is another chemical that can be an effective drain cleaner, however, it also can be very corrosive to pipes: specifically, metal Plumbing. As mentioned with sulfuric acid, it needs to be in the correct solution where the ingredient will be stable, Plus the fumes are toxic to your house.
• Sodium Hypochlorite: Better known as bleach, this is another ingredient that is typically put in drain cleaners. Just as bleach will affect you if using it as a cleaning agent, the same effects are true in this type of drain cleaning solution.
• Phosphorus Acid: Again, this is an ingredient of shower drain cleaner that can be effective and useful in the right formula. Typically, phosphorus acid is not as damaging to your pipes as some of the other ingredients listed. You will find phosphorus in Coca-Cola, which is why you will sometimes hear the home remedy of putting the soda down your drain if you have a clogged.

As mentioned, some of these ingredients are worse than others. Regardless, if you are going to use a chemical drain cleaner you want to be aware of the formula and how much of the toxic chemical is being used.

If you wish to avoid chemicals altogether, there are many eco-friendly and safe options available. Many non-corrosive formulas will use a combination of enzymes and natural bacteria to eat away and consume the clogs in your drains.

What you want to be aware of here are products that contain certain bacterias. For example, bacillus bacteria are often used in shower drain cleaners. Although most strands of this bacteria are not harmful to humans, some can be so you do want to be aware of the product that you are using.

Tips to Keep Your Shower Drains Clog-Free

To avoid getting clogs all together, take a look at these helpful tips for avoiding this inconvenient and annoying situation:

• Use a drain strainer in your shower to collect hair, dirt, and other debris that could go down the drain.
• Do not pour any grease or oil down your drain. Water has little to no effect on these liquids and they will easily block up your pipes.
• Only water and soap are meant to go down your shower drain, so avoid anything else that could potentially make its way down. This includes kids with bath time toys.
• If you have hard water, the mineral buildup from the sediment can narrow your pipes and cause slow drains and blocks. Consider getting a water softening system.
• Avoid flushing anything besides teepee down the toilet. Although we are talking about shower drains, major clogs in other areas of your home can cause slow drains and backups in your Shower.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed the above reviews and they have given you some food for thought on the best way to solve your clogged-up shower drain. We get that this can be an annoying situation to handle, but we want to make sure that you get the best solution without the pesky consequences.

Overall, we recommend the XIONLAB XL01 safer drain cleaner. This is the best option for eliminating clogs, slow drains, and odors from your shower. If you need a quick and cheap solution, try the liquid – plumber 31019 clog Eliminator, liquid drain cleaner that will give you some powerful action on the cheap.

See also: 8 Best Drain Cleaners for Grease

Featured Image Credit: NET_Photog, Shutterstock