Homemade Tub, Tile n’ Shower Cleaner for Soap Scum
I’ve used this two-ingredient cleaner on my tub and shower since 1993, and I’ve never found a store-bought one I like better. It breaks down soap scum and grime so it rinses right off.
Servings: 1 (32-ounce) bottle
Cost: About $2.00 per 32-ounce bottle
Equipment
- 32-ounce spray bottle
- Sponge or soft brush (for the first deep clean)
Ingredients
- 1 cup blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
- 3 cups white vinegar labeled 5% acidity (about, enough to fill the bottle)
Instructions
To mix:
- Pour 1 cup blue Dawn into a 32-ounce spray bottle. (Use 1/2 cup for a 16-ounce bottle.)
- Fill the rest of the bottle with white vinegar, leaving a little room at the top so it doesn’t overflow.
- Attach the sprayer top and shake gently to mix.
To use:
- Spray generously on tub and shower walls, floor, doors, tracks, and faucets.
- Let it sit 30 minutes for light buildup, or overnight for years of soap scum. The grime will turn soft and gooey.
- For the first deep clean, go over it with a sponge or soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly. This cleaner must be rinsed away.
Notes
Weekly upkeep: While you’re in the shower, spray everything within reach, then rinse it all away with the handheld sprayer before you step out. No scrubbing, no squeegee.
Mold: This is a soap scum and maintenance cleaner. For heavy black mold, pretreat with liquid chlorine bleach following the label directions, and rinse it away completely before using this cleaner.
Safety:
- Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. It makes toxic chlorine gas.
- Don’t use it on natural stone. Vinegar can etch marble, travertine, and limestone and strip the sealer on granite.
- Use a non-slip mat. Soapy tub floors are slippery.
- Don’t spray it on floors or into the air.
