How to Remove Shower Cleaner Buildup
Build-up in showers is common, even with constant cleaning. Mold, mildew and a filmy residue from commercial cleaners can build up on the walls and floor over time, making the shower appear dirty even after you've just cleaned it. To help prevent this problem, use a few household items to make your own shower cleaners. They will destroy shower cleaner build-up and prevent it from coming back. Best of all, they're safer and more environmentally friendly than commercial cleaners. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sponge
- Soap
- Lemon
- Knife
- Borax powder
- Distilled white vinegar
- Castile soap
- Spray bottle
- Essential oil
- Stiff bristled scrub brush
- Paper towels
- Baking soda
Instructions
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Use a soft sponge to wash the shower wall and tub with warm soap and water. Rinse well with warm water. This prepares the tub for deeper cleaning by wiping away any loose dirt and grime on the surface.
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Cut a lemon in half and press it into borax powder. Coat the lemon liberally with the powder and use it to scrub the tub or floor of the shower, and any tile in the shower area. When the lemon becomes too dirty to continue using, dip the other half of the lemon into the borax and continue scrubbing. According to "Green Clean," this method is excellent for removing grime on tubs and tiling.
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3
Rinse the shower after scrubbing. Mix together 1 tsp. of borax, 1/8 of a cup of distilled white vinegar, 2 cups of hot water and 1 tbsp. of castile soap in a spray bottle. "Green Clean" recommends adding 10 drops of essential oil in the fragrance of your choice to create a more pleasant smelling mixture.
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Spray this mixture on tile or plastic shower walls and use a sponge to clean away the shower cleaner build-up and other grime. Use a stiff bristled scrub brush to clean cracks and the lines between tiles.
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Mix 1 to 2 tsp. of distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle of warm water and use it to clean the glass and metal parts of the shower, such as the handles and faucet. Dry the glass with a paper towel and scrub the metal with a sponge before rinsing with warm water.
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Sprinkle baking soda on tough stains or spray distilled white vinegar and allow it set for 10 to 15 minutes. Wipe away with a damp sponge and rinse with warm water.
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Rinse the shower after you've finished cleaning. Fill a spray bottle with one half water and one half distilled white vinegar. Keep this mixture in the bathroom and spray down the shower walls and floor after using the shower. This prevents build-up without exposing you to the toxic chemicals of store bought cleaners.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep borax powder away from children and pets. If you are worried about using it in your home, use a vinegar and water mixture for cleaning instead.
