Mixing up a homemade shower cleaner can spare you the stress of watching your hard-earned money slip down the drain.
Homemade vs. Commercial Shower Cleaners
If you spend a ton of time cleaning your shower stalls with commercial products, then you know the type of damage it can do to your wallet. Likewise, many store-bought shower cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can hurt the environment. In an effort to reduce spending and protect the planet, many homeowners have started to move away from purchasing costly chemical-laden shower cleaners and are now making their own.
Recipes for Homemade Shower Cleaner
Making your own shower cleaner at home is very simple and inexpensive. What's more, there is an endless variety of recipes for homemade shower cleaners available for frugal homeowners, including:
Daily Cleaners
If you strive to have a sparkling clean shower everyday, then consider mixing up a cleaner featuring vinegar and water. Simply, place a one-to-one ratio of the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake vigorously and spray liberally in your shower.
You can say goodbye to overpriced shower cleaners by making your own with vinegar and Dawn dishwashing detergent. This simple recipe is one of the most popular used to get shower stalls clean and fresh. All you need to do is mix a few squirts of Dawn liquid dishwashing soap with a quarter cup of vinegar and apply it to soap scum and hard water stains that have collected in your shower. Once the mixture has been applied, gently scrub the offending areas and rinse with clean water. The recipe will clean and deodorize your shower, plus it will leave behind a pleasant smell.
Other cheap and easy options include using straight mineral oil or baking soda. For the former, just dab a little mineral oil on a rag and gently scrub away soap scum build up. For the latter, simply sprinkle a little baking soda on a sponge and wipe away mineral stains.
Heavy Cleaners
If you have especially tough hard water stains or mold and mildew growing in your shower, then you will need the aid of a heavy homemade shower cleaner. The following recipes will help rid your shower of unsightly stains and gunk:
Ingredients:
- Hot water
- 1 teaspoon Borax
- 1 teaspoon Sodium carbonate (a.k.a. washing soda)
- 1 tablespoon Dr. Bronners Pure Castile soap
- 1/2 cup vinegar
Directions: Fill a spray bottle with hot water and then add the remaining ingredients. Shake well, and then spray directly on stains.
Additional Options
Another option is to make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Use a one-to-one ratio and apply mixture to dirty shower walls. Next, gently scrub away the grime with a brush or sponge. For tight corners, opt for an old toothbrush.
If you don't enjoy scrubbing, then consider making a stronger cleaner by mixing eight ounces of either rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide with water and a few squirts of Jet Dry dishwasher rinsing agent. Apply the liquid mixture to your stained shower stall and let sit for a few minutes. You don't have to scour or rinse.
Finally, if your shower is filled with mold or mildew, then you will need to use a powerful cleaner. A homemade version includes mixing one part bleach with eight parts water. Place the mixture into a spray bottle and apply directly to mold and mildew stains. Let mixture sit for five minutes before rinsing with clean water.
Be Proactive
To avoid having to clean your shower frequently you can take measures to reduce soap scum and filth. For example, instead of using traditional bar soap in the shower, use liquid soap. Another idea is to have the last person, who takes a shower, wipe down the shower walls and doors with a chamois cloth. By eliminating excess water you can reduce soap scum, grime, and mildew.
