What Is The Best Cleaner for RV Shower [In 2024]

Keeping your recreational vehicle (RV) shower clean can be a tricky task. The small, enclosed space, moisture, and grime build-up lead to stubborn stains, soap scum, mold, and mildew. Finding the right cleaner is key to maintaining a fresh, hygienic shower space.

When selecting an RV shower cleaner, you’ll want one that cuts through the nastiest of stains effectively and safely. Striking the balance between cleaning power and low toxicity is essential for use in your mobile living space. Ease of use is also paramount for cleaning in tight spaces.

Our Top 5 Picks

Top Cleaners for RV Showers

With an array of RV shower cleaners available, narrowing down the choices can seem difficult. I’ve taken the legwork out by highlighting some top-rated products below.

1. Concrobium Mold Control

Overview

Concrobium Mold Control tops many lists as the best RV shower cleaner for tackling mold and mildew. The non-toxic, EPA Safer Choice-certified formula uses innovative tech to eliminate existing mold while preventing regrowth.

Thick gel clings to vertical surfaces, allowing for excellent coverage in hard-to-reach spots. The extended contact time also boosts Concrobium’s stain-fighting capabilities. While pricier than some, the long-lasting 32oz bottle provides value for money.

Pros

• Effectively eliminates and prevents mold
• Non-toxic and low odor
• Gel clings well to vertical surfaces
• Inhibits regrowth for up to 6 months

Cons

• Higher price point
• Gel consistency may make rinse-off difficult in some areas

2. Thetford Aqua-Clean Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Overview

Originally designed for plastic RV toilets, Aqua-Clean works well as an economical RV shower cleaner too. The affordable toilet cleaner uses a blend of acids and detergents to break down mineral deposits, soap scum, dirt, and grime.

While not specifically anti-mold, some RV owners have success combatting mildew in their showers with Aqua-Clean too. Just spray or scrub with brush (not provided), let sit for a few minutes, and rinse away.

Pros

• Budget-friendly pricing
• Removes variety of common stains
• Minimal odor
• Comes in handy quart bottle with angled neck

Cons

• Not designed for RV showers specifically
• May require more scrubbing than specialized cleaners
• Doesn’t prevent mold regrowth

3. Camco Heavy Duty Cleaner

Overview

Camco specially formulates this cleaner to target all types of stains in RV showers and other living areas. The fast-acting stain fighters break through grime, hard water build-up, soap scum, and even grease or wax.

While not claiming anti-mold properties, the pH-balanced formula helps inhibit mildew and other bacterial growth. The spray gel consistency saves effort while cleaning vertical stall walls and clings to problem areas well.

Pros

• Removes wide variety of stains
• Gel spray evenly coats walls, ceilings, doors
• Helps prevent stain regrowth
• Low-odor for small spaces

Cons

• May require repeat use for tough mold removal
• Strong chemicals necessitate gloves during use

4. Protect All Heavy Duty Cleaner

Overview

Protect All presents a biodegradable, non-toxic formula using plant-derived ingredients to take on tough RV shower grime. The pH-balanced cleaner removes layers of soap scum, hard water deposits, grease, and more with minimal effort.

Protect All touts itself as an all-purpose RV cleaner but wins rave reviews particularly for shower maintenance. Its cleaning power against stubborn buildup combined with ease of rinsing give it another leg up as a top performer.

Pros

• Plant-based, biodegradable formula
• Non-toxic and septic system safe
• Foaming gel clings to vertical surfaces
• Safe for a variety of materials

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than some cleaners
• May need repeat use for severe mold issues

5. Thetford Premium RV Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Overview

Already a leader for cleaning RV toilet bowls, Thetford recently upgraded their Premium formula for even better shower cleaning abilities. The viscous, clinging liquid now eliminates existing mold and mildew on contact while preventing regrowth.

In addition to its anti-mold properties, the Professional Strength Premium formula powers away stubborn toilet bowl stains, hard water buildup, soap scum, and other grime with ease. While priced higher than original Thetford cleaner, value comes from both toilet and shower cleaning prowess.

Pros

• Viscous liquid coats vertical surfaces evenly
• Now prevents and eliminates mold
• Removes layers of built-up grime
• Septic and plastic safe

Cons

• Higher price point
• Strong bleach smell, require good ventilation

Common RV Shower Cleaning Issues

RV showers present some unique cleaning challenges you may not experience in a regular household bathroom. Understanding the most common problems will help you choose the right cleaner to address them.

• Save

Hard Water Stains

Hard water is a common culprit behind stubborn stains in RV showers. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind mineral deposits that build up over time. These stains impede the aesthetics of your shower as well as provide places for grime and even mold to take hold.

The close quarters of RV shower stalls also lead to more frequent contact between the water and the stall walls. This increases the opportunity for hard water stains to form. A good RV shower cleaner will break down these stains with ease.

Mold and Mildew

The warm, humid environment in RV shower stalls makes them a prime location for mold and mildew growth. These fungi can leave behind unsightly stains and pose health hazards if left unchecked.

Choosing a cleaner specifically designed to eliminate and inhibit mold and mildew is critical. Quick treatment when you first notice growth will also prevent larger infestations.

Soap Scum Build-Up

It doesn’t take long for layers of soap scum to accumulate in the RV shower. This sticky film not only looks dirty and dingy but also traps additional dirt and bacteria. Soap scum also makes other stains harder to tackle.

Seeking out cleaning products powerful enough to cut through soap scum buildup will save you lots of elbow grease. Preventative measures like squeegeeing the walls after showering also helps reduce soap scum formation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cleaner

With so many heavy-duty cleaners on the market claiming to tackle RV shower stains, it can get overwhelming sorting through your options. Keep the following factors in mind while shopping to find your perfect match:

Type of Stains to Remove

Consider what kind of stains plague your RV shower when selecting a specialty cleaner. If you mainly struggle with mold and mildew, choose a cleaner designed specifically for eliminating fungi and preventing regrowth.

Those fighting hard water stains will want a cleaner with ingredients aimed at breaking down mineral deposits. If you battle all of the above common shower issues, seek a versatile cleaner effective against various stain types.

Toxicity Levels

While you want a powerful cleaner, you also don’t want harsh chemicals inside your RV living space. Try to find cleaners with non-toxic or low-toxic formulas.

Many RV shower cleaners now use natural ingredients but still pack a cleaning punch. Some products meet EPA Safer Choice standards for low environmental and human health risks while still getting the job done.

Pay attention to scent levels as well, since strong odors can cause discomfort in confined spaces. Finding the sweet spot between cleaning power and non-toxicness takes some label reading but pays off in the long run.

Ease of Use

Cleaning an RV shower calls for maneuvering in tight quarters and limited space. Seeking products with dispensing mechanisms and packaging suited for use in small areas will make the task much more manageable.

Cleaners that foam, spray, or otherwise adhere to vertical surfaces allow you to cover more ground before rinsing. Containers designed for bathrooms with angles and corners also ease product application.

Price

RV shower cleaners range widely in terms of cost due to ingredients, dispensing methods, brand names, and quantity per package. Set a budget for yourself and try to find the most effective cleaner possible within that price point.

Sometimes spending a little more means a longer-lasting product that requires less physical effort on your part during cleaning. Resist the temptation to overbuy on bulk quantities though since storage space in an RV comes at a premium.

Tips for Keeping Your RV Shower Clean

Using the right cleaners on a regular basis helps maintain cleanliness between deep cleans. But implementing some simple tips in your regular RV usage also reduces overall grime and stains:

Clean Regularly

Don’t let soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew build up for long stretches at a time. Plan to deep clean walls, floors, doors, and seals at least monthly or biweekly if showering frequently.

Spot clean problem areas more regularly and immediately treat any emerging mold and mildew growth you notice. Taking preventative cleaning actions reduces effort required down the line.

Allow Proper Ventilation

Cracking the bathroom door or ceiling vent after showering allows moisture escape so it doesn’t feed molds and lead to dampness. Letting light inside also inhibits fungi growth. Consider installing a vent fan to reduce lingering humidity in your RV bathroom.

Use Filtered Water System

Investing in an RV water filtration system can work wonders to reduce hard water stains over time. Filters remove minerals from the water that would otherwise deposit on shower walls as staining residue once the moisture evaporates. This one upgrade eliminates a key source of nasty buildup.

FAQs 

Cleaning an RV shower brings up many common questions for those new to mobile living. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked queries about keeping your shower sparkling:

How often should I clean the RV shower?

Ideally, do a thorough clean including walls, floors, doors, and seals at least once a month. If showering daily or multiple times per week, bumping cleaning up to biweekly or even weekly is best to stay atop soap scum and gunk buildup.

Spot clean problem areas where you notice mold, mildew or heavy staining as needed between deep cleans. Don’t let things sit unaddressed for long stretches.

Can I use regular household cleaners in my RV shower?

You’ll want to avoid household cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and acidic products not designed for RVs. These can damage plastic and fiberglass shower stalls over time, especially in poorly ventilated small spaces. Specialty RV shower cleaners are formulated specifically for safe use.

What is the best DIY cleaner for an RV shower?

If looking to take the natural route, try mixing a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before lightly scrubbing with a brush and rinsing away. Baking soda also works for gentle abrasive scrubbing.

How can I prevent mold and mildew in my RV shower?

Using a specialty cleaner containing anti-mold ingredients helps keep fungi at bay between cleanings. Always allow proper ventilation after use by cracking windows or turning on exhaust fans. Consider installing a vent fan if your RV bathroom lacks one.

Check all seals around doors, windows and fixtures regularly for watertightness to prevent moisture seepage behind walls that allows hidden mold growth. Address any leaks or drips right away.

What is the easiest way to clean an RV shower?

Look for spray gel or foam cleaners designed specifically for RVs. These formulas cling to vertical and angled surfaces allowing cleaners to penetrate layers of grime more effectively before rinsing. Minimal scrubbing saves time and elbow grease.

Application from a spray bottle or foaming dispenser lets you cover all needed surfaces while avoiding repetitive stooping or twisting in the confined space.

Following these tips and using the right specialty cleaner tailored to your exact RV shower staining issues will make maintenance a breeze!

Conclusion

As you can see, keeping an RV shower clean brings unique challenges but also many solutions. Understanding common stains and choosing hard-working, non-toxic cleaners designed specifically for RV use provide a path to success. Implementing preventative measures and regularly addressing grime also minimizes effort for spotless results.