What a job to clean bath/shower walls! It doesn't have to be that way. I placed another shower curtain and tension rod against the wall in my bath. Now instead of cleaning the wall, I just take down the shower curtain and throw it in the wash. No more back-bending chore of cleaning the actual wall. So easy.
This page contains the following solutions.
I keep a squeegee in the shower and using it after showering seems to do the trick without chemicals.
I use my plastic indoor watering can (purchased half price at the dollar store) to rinse down my shower walls and bathtubs after cleaning.
The iron is so bad in our water that I have to clean our shower once a week. There are two things that work for me. The first is "The Works Tub and Shower Cleaner" from the Dollar Tree. You spray it on, leave it and wipe off. It's magic.
If you have a molded shower stall the best thing to use to clean it is an exfoliating mitt from the dollar store. The gloves work OK but the mitt has more surface area.
Do this last step after cleaning in whatever method you chose. Using a CLEAR acrylic type floor cleaner, wet a cloth with it and wipe down the walls and doors. This will allow you to extend the next cleaning cycle, due to it's water repellent nature after it dries.
To quickly and efficiently clean tubs and showers, use this procedure:
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
What cleaning products will bring back a 20 year neglected clear glass shower enclosure with beige tile walls and floors with grout?
Diane from Gig Harbor, WA
I use a product called "The Works" that I buy at the Family Dollar Store. It cuts through rust, lime, and calcium deposits. But, I have to warn you, that it is strong. You must use it in a well ventilated area....open windows, run fans, whatever, to get some air, or you will start coughing!
This isn't as strong of a product as the previous post, but one thing you can try is that "scrubbing bubbles" type of spray-on bathroom cleaner (also sold at most dollar stores). The secret is to leave it on & keep it wet for quite some time then use the back of a "scrubby sponge" & some elbow grease.
You can also try: Kaboom Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner (from the TV commercial) The commercial shows a remarkable cleaner. I wonder if it's as good as they advertise?
YOU CAN BUY IT HERE::
secure.cyberbrands.com/
I have a fiberglass shower stall, with glass doors that is a big pain to clean. One thing I recently discovered (maybe on this site?) was that I can clean the glass door with a "Magic Sponge". Wow. It didn't take any more elbow grease than with the chemicals, and the results were spectacular. I can't use it on the fiberglass, but if you have glazed tile, you could use it on that, too! Then, if your grout still needs work, I would start with a product with bleach (or even bleach water in a spray bottle), spray it, and let it sit. (With the door closed, and the vent fan on!) AFter a couple of applications of that, see where you are, and then you can start with "products".
But I really suggest giving the magic sponges a try; I was thrilled.
I suggest Purple Power its usually in the automotive section, it is really strong and again follow previous posters advice on ventilation. You can actually watch it eat the crud off your tub, I bought a house with a very neglected bathtub and now it looks almost new. Good luck!
I clean houses for a living and believe me the best thing I have found is Pledge. I didn't believe it until I tried it.It really works. Spray liberally on a cloth and wipe down and go back and dry it.You'll be amazed! I was!
Wet a fabric softener dryer sheet and scrub the door. It may take several sheets but it melts the scum.
I got this suggestion from a lady who said she manages rental properties for a living. She suggests using oven cleaner on tubs, tiles, etc. for removing the crud that accumulates, especially soap scum. Oven cleaner is great for breaking up grease on ovens, so I guess that's why it works so well.
I use Kaboom spray & love how my shower looks after I use it! Not too much elbow grease after spraying on either! Give it a try!
We saw a demonstration on You Tube about using Purple Power Citrus Cleaner from Walmart. It's an auto/shop degreaser, but it has a pleasant odor. Just wear rubber gloves. Don't get any of this on shower/tub floor, because it will be slippery, unless you clean it up/rinse well.
I am looking for a daily shower spray to keep shower tiles and doors somewhat clean between cleanings.
By Amy
I use a Lysol multi-purpose bathroom spray every other day.
Simple solution to keeping the tiles clean between cleaning is to simply wipe the walls down after every use with a towel. You will be wiping off all the soap residue that is left behind after a shower that causes the soap scum build up. I have been doing it for years and don't have spend a lot of time cleaning my shower.
First off, I stopped using BAR soap, of any kind. I have been using liquid body wash, which doesn't leave that nasty residue. Next, I fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray after each use, wipe it down with my towel and I'm done. Very inexpensive and easy on the environment using no harsh chemicals. Keeps the tiles or enclosure nice and clean. I also keep a spray bottle of half rubbing alcohol and peroxide handy to spray on faucet handles and sink tops. Helps keep germs under control.
I also wipe down the shower after every use -- or if several shower in a row, only the last person needs to do it. I don't spray anything. It is easy to do, and less fuss than any sort of cleaning product. I do need to clean the soap scum off the bottom of the tub every once in awhile. For that, I use Mr. Clean & a magic eraser.
I am a retired housecleaner. Nothing works better than using a squeegie whenever you shower. Rinse the doors and squeegie them dry. Water has dissolved minerals in it that combine with soap scum and embeds itself in the small pits (that you cant see) in glass. Once the water has evaporated the minerals are a permanent part of the glass.
Avoiding the use of soap certainly helps keep away the buildup, and so does shower spray. I make my own shower spray. Take an empty used Windex spray bottle, put in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar (depending on how hard your water is), fill almost to the top with water, and add a small squirt of dish detergent.
Do not put in the detergent before filling with water, or you'll get so many suds that you can't fill the bottle! Replace the sprayer and use daily after every shower on the shower walls and inside of the shower curtain. Does a great chemical-free job!
The best stuff I have found is the cheapest. Daily Shower spray at Dollar Tree. I keep a squeegee in the bathroom, too. After I shower I wipe down the walls with the squeegee, then spray the tub/shower with the spray. I also take a cleaning cloth with me into the bathroom when I shower. Since the shower makes the vanity/toilet damp I wipe them down when I get out of the shower. Keeps my whole bathroom clean with minimal work. :-)
What is the best commercial strength cleaner for a shower that I can't get clean, especially the floor of the shower? When I had a maid service from "The Merry Maids" they used some kind of cleaner that made my shower look new. I have tried everything, but can't get the shower to look anything like it did when the cleaning service cleaned it. Help.
By Millie from Chelmsford, MA
Try the scrubbing bubbles. Spray it on and leave it there for like 30 minutes. Then spray or wipe clean. You can then spray it on and leave it to help protect the surface. It works great for like shower curtains as well.
A friend of mine mentioned that she couldn't get the floor of her tub clean, and it was driving her crazy. She tried all kinds of cleaners. I suggested that she try the Mr Clean Magic Sponge, and it did the trick! She was ecstatic.
Maybe the sponge will work for you too! Good luck.
We live in the country and our water has a very high iron content - "The Works" is what keeps mine looking great.
Several of my co-workers tell me they thoroughly dry their showers with a bath towel after each use and it never needs cleaning...
Ironically, I use Sunlight Dishwasher detergent.
It is a little hard to rinse clean without scalding hot water, but works best for me on those plastic "trailer home" tubs.
I agree on the "wipe it dry after use" method.
Soap scum and water rings can't collect that way, and hey, the towel is wet already... right?
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner best thing I ever used will clean out any stains in shower. Squirt on and then with a flat scrub brush rub all over every inch. Make sure you get it all over or else you will have bright clean patches. Let sit 5-10 minutes rinse clean. VOILA! I've had many clients tell me they haven't seen there shower that clean in years. Use on Fiberglass ONLY not on stone, it will ruin it.
Hello,
Nasty mess. But you should consider using a cleaner made from natural ingredients. It will smell a lot better, because it won't be harming your senses or body parts that come into contact with the cleaned surface. And all are just as good at what they were made to do. I suggest: Clorox Green Works - if you prefer to go with a trusted brand. This website has some cool ideas for making your own, that way you can up ingredients depending on what you want accomplished (ie:more lemon for shine or baking soda for tough stains) www.eartheasy.com/
My glass shower enclosure is heavily stained. What materials, ingredients, and procedure do I use to get it back to its original state? It is clear glass. Can you use baking soda and vinegar in this case? If so, how do you go about it? Early reply would be grestly appreciated.
Get liquid Barkeeper's Friend. It will get rid of a lot of the dirt very easily. You may have to do it a couple of times. Barkeeper's Friend also comes in a powder, but the liquid is easier to use for a job like this.
We use Bar Keepers friend BUT rinse with diluted warm vinegar. Works beautifully.
What is on it? Is it water lime buildup, or soap scum? I would try lime away or make a past with either vinegar and baking soda or baking soda, sea salt and lemon juice and rub that on.
What do I use to clean frosted glass shower walls?
By Yvonne G.
I use scrubbing bubbles unless there is a lime or hard water buildup. In that case I use lime away.
I use Barkeeper's Friend and nylon net.
The shower mat is old and has dark areas which I cannot get washed out. I have used vinegar, bleach, etc. with no success.
By J. C.
Over time rubber and plastic deteriorate and break down. Part of this process is the color changes. It may just be time to replace it.
Soak overnight in diluted bleach
I need to know what is the best cleaner for my tub surround.
The best cleaner for almost anything is bartenders friend
What was the recipe for cleaning a shower with vinegar and Dawn dish washing detergent?
Thanks for your help.
By Diane c from Remlap, AL
Use 1 cup white vinegar & 1 cup any dish soap.
How do you clean permanent rubber vinyl shower flooring? It is 10 years old and badly stained.
By Julie C.
My 25 yr. old permanent shower stall is stained. Are there any solutions to restore it, getting it clean?
By Julie
What product can I buy to clean my fiberglass shower?
By A. Jordan
Inexpensive shampoo can be used to clean shower walls with good effect. This is a page about clean your shower with cheap shampoo.