How to Make a Homemade Shower Cleaner

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

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 toilet cleaner bomb in the toilet, spray down the mirrors and floors with the all-purpose spray, 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.

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Shower cleaner recipe  

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of baking soda 
• 1/4 cup of castile soap (I like this kind.) 
• 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (You can find it here.) 
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil 
• Storage container

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 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.

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.

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, shampoo, baby wash, and 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.

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.

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 for stains, 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 for soap scum, grime, and hard water stains.

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.

• Simple screen cleaner hack for your phone, computer, or tv.
• Leather shoe care – remove stains and polish the leather all at once.
• Natural oven cleaner – never use the self-clean option again!
• Drain cleaner – using 2 ingredients
• How to get rid of calcium buildup in the shower