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Homemade cleaners are often cheaper and better for the environment. They’re also safer because they contain fewer chemicals. Here is my favorite homemade shower cleaner, made with non-toxic ingredients that work great for soap scum and hard water stains.

Homemade soft scrub shower cleaner being stirred into a glass container.
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This post was originally published on August 27, 2019.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on cleaning products anymore. In fact, there are many homemade recipes that are just as effective as store-bought ones.

It is now easier than ever to have a sparkling bathroom. Drop a homemade toilet cleaner bomb in the toilet, spray down the mirrors and floors with your DIY all-purpose cleaner, and sprinkle this homemade shower cleaner in the tub, and you will have a bathroom looking as good as new.

I often stick to all-purpose spray for most cleaning, but when it comes to stubborn stains, I break out the DIY shower cleaner. This stuff is the non-toxic version of a comet cleanser. 

Use this scrub for a deeper clean and when dealing with rust rings, stains, and hard water.

Homemade shower scrub brush dipped into the scrub ready to be worked into tub.

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Shower cleaner recipe  

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add baking soda to the storage container. 
  2. Stir in castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon essential oil. 
  3. Secure lid. 

NOTE: I find it best to make a new batch before each cleaning, as it doesn’t hold up well. This amount will clean the three tubs in my home.

How to use DIY shower cleaner/scrub

Use the back of a scrub brush to scoop the shower cleaner onto the shower or tub walls. Then, use the brush to spread the mixture over the whole tub. Pay extra attention to heavy grime and stubborn stains.

 Let the cleaner work its magic for several minutes before wiping off with a wet cloth.

If there are still stains present, Use the scrub brush with a little cleaner, and scrub the area vigorously for several minutes before wiping it clean again with the damp cloth.

Use the shower to rinse clean with warm water.

How often should I clean my bathroom

Showers and tubs should be cleaned at least twice a month. However, using a homemade daily shower cleaner can allow you to extend the time between the deep cleanings.

On the other hand, sinks, faucet knobs, shower curtains, and toilet seats (all high traffic areas) are all breeding grounds for germs that would benefit from a good cleaning every day, or at least every couple of days.

Before and after picture of the clean tub.

Homemade shower cleaner (non-toxic)

So why not just run to the store and buy a shower and sink cleaner? Are there really any harmful ingredients in them? 

Unfortunately, yes, and exposure to some of these ingredients found in conventional cleaners can potentially cause a number of issues.

The first ingredient to watch out for is “fragrance.” Sounds harmless, right? Most products that have fragrances in the ingredient list also have phthalates.

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, and exposure to them can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues.

Another ingredient that is often found in shower cleaners is 2-Butoxyethanol, though you may not see this ingredient listed on your cleaner because most laws allow the distributor to leave it unlisted.

Yet, according to the environmental working group, EWG, 2-Butoxyethanol can have a number of adverse side effects and receives an F for safety. 

Chlorine, ammonia, triclosan, and sodium hydroxide can lurk in many bathroom cleaners. All of these substances can cause skin and eye irritation, unbalance hormones, and be dangerous when inhaled. 

Making your own cleaner is much safer, especially if you have young kids in your home. The ingredients in most shower cleaners can be harmful.

Soft scrub shower cleaner with a wooden spoon and a whole lemon on a wicker mat.

So what’s in this recipe?

BAKING SODA

The base of this recipe is baking soda. In fact, I have used plain baking soda in the past, and it worked pretty well. Baking soda is a great natural cleaning agent and has been used in cleaning for many, many years. 

With its mild alkali properties, it can cause dirt, grime, and grease to dissolve quickly. In addition, it absorbs odors and neutralizes the smell. Baking soda is effective for removing soap scum and hard water.

CASTILE SOAP 

I love using castile soap for so many DIYs around my home. I use it in my homemade foaming hand soap, homemade shampoo, DIY baby wash, and homemade body wash. Adding it to this cleaner just made sense! 

Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap that is extremely concentrated; a little goes a long way. I typically buy Dr. Bronners, but I also bought a gallon of La Almona last year on sale and still have some left.

Castile soap can remove germs and bacteria, making it an excellent all-natural cleaning agent.  

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE 

Hydrogen peroxide can be used as an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine-based cleaners and bleach. It is considered safe to use on almost all floors, showers, and sinks because it is so mild. 

The EGW rates it an A for safety and doesn’t find it to be a lung irritant. I added it to this recipe because it works well at cleaning grout and is a great alternative for removing soap scum without vinegar. 

LEMON

Lemon is an excellent natural cleaner, whether it be freshly squeezed, the juice, or lemon essential oil. I typically stick with lemon for most cleaner recipes because of its purifying properties and fresh scent. 

If you are an essential oil user, below you will find a few other essential oil options for cleaning if you choose.

Dipping a scrub brush into the shower cleaner.

Essential oils for cleaning 

  • Lemon 
  • Melaleuca (Tea Tree) 
  • Wild Orange 
  • Lavender 
  • Rosemary 
  • Peppermint 
  • Clove 
  • Cinnamon 

You can find all of these oils listed above here.

Scrub brush with soft scrub shower cleaner, ready to scrub onto the sides of the shower and tub.

Cleaning without vinegar

As you may have noticed, I decided to make this homemade shower cleaner without vinegar simply so that this recipe can be used on any shower or tub.

Though vinegar is great as a homemade stain remover, it should not be used on natural stone such as granite, marble, or tile because of its harsh acidic nature that can damage the stone’s protective sealant.

I do hope you enjoy this cleaner recipe. It really is the best shower cleaner. I even use it in place of my DIY soap scum remover and my shower cleaner for calcium buildup.

Once you try this shower cleaner without vinegar, make sure you leave a comment below, letting me know how it worked for you. And as always, for more great natural cleaners, check out some of these favorites below.

4.52 from 35 votes

Homemade Shower Cleaner

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 scrub
It's now easier than ever to have a sparkling bathroom! This four-ingredient homemade soft scrub shower cleaner works great and will leave your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup of baking soda
  • ¼ cup of castile soap
  • 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
  • 10 drops of lemon essential oil

Instructions 

  • Add baking soda to the container.
  • Stir in castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon essential oil.
  • Use the back of a scrub brush to scoop the shower cleaner onto the shower or tub walls. Then, use the brush to spread the mixture over the whole tub. Pay extra attention to heavy grime and stubborn stains.
  • Let the cleaner work its magic, then wipe off with a wet cloth.
  • Rinse clean.

Video

Notes

I find it best to make a new batch before each cleaning, as it doesn’t hold up well. This amount will clean the three tubs in my home.
Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse!

About Laura

Welcome to Our Oily House, I’m so glad you’re here! Explore DIY cleaners, homemade soaps, skincare and hair care recipes, fragrance-free solutions, and sustainable laundry tips for a naturally inspired home.

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4.52 from 35 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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13 Comments

  1. Donna says:

    5 stars
    I cannot praise this cleaner enough! My husband owns a transmission shop. Which, as you can imagine! The greasy shop build up in our shower. Add to that our EXTREMELY hard water! The shower flooring is textured! It is a nightmare to clean! I have tried so many products and THIS RECIPE worked better than anything store bought or diy that I have tried! AND I spent only minutes scrubbing as opposed to an hour plus! THANK YOU!!!

    1. Laura says:

      What a wonderful review, thank you!