Green Cleaning, specifically shower/tub

[wicked_socks]

In a general effort to go green and deal with allergies, I've switched to using 'natural' soaps instead of detergent based soaps for body wash. However, the amount of soap scum generated by such products is driving me crazy. I've been using the Method daily shower spray but frankly I'm not exactly diligent with the daily part. Thus this generally ends with lots of futile scrubbing of the tub/shower before I give up, use a conventional toxic cleaner, and then avoid the upstairs for a while.

I'd love any recommendations for bathtub cleaners that:

• Don't contain eucalyptus


• Are not fragrant enough to affect asthma


• Won't poison the cats if they step in it

Additionally if anyone has recommendations for informative resources on green methods of cleaning, I'd be much obliged. I'm kind of inept at cleaning in general, let alone a specific methodology.

Thanks.

Comments

[azurelunatic]

For less-futile scrubbing, the absolute best cleaning device I have ever used on soap scum on glass is the tangled clumps of hair I pull out of my hairbrush. (I discovered this because I used to brush my hair in the shower before it got too long to do that without using a half-ton of conditioner every time.) On glass, it compares favorably to green scrubby pads; I'd say at least twice the cleaning power per effort. Though a wad of hair pulled out of the hairbrush is not the most squick-safe item in the world.

[wicked_socks]

That is fascinating! I never would have thought of it. I brush my hair in the shower (ugh, it's the only way I can brush it) so I always have a GIANT clump of hair. I shall have to try this. Thanks!

[linaelyn]

As far as scrubby commercial cleansers go, Bon Ami wins for non-toxic and effective. It's never bothered *my* asthma, and as long as your tub/shower isn't fiberglass or plastic, it doesn't scratch up the surface. It contains (often seashell) calcium carbonate, if that's an issue for your lungs (most folks aren't sensitive, but if you have a seafood allergy, it can be a problem.)

[holyschist]

I use scouring powder, although I'm not sure exactly what kind. There are a lot of pretty non-toxic scouring powders.

[wicked_socks]

This sounds kind of sad, but man, I feel like cleaning tips also need to come with a glossary! I'm still in tadpole form, one day I'll grow legs that know how to clean things!

Jokes aside, google is amazing and apparently you can make it out of borax/ sodium bicarbonate/ sea salt, etc (though I've recently learned borax can be unpleasant, but plenty options). The only scouring powder I had used before was of the "wear gloves if you still want skin without chemical burns" variety. I forgot about alternatives. Good to know, thanks!

[wicked_socks]

Ok, the little chick on the Bon Ami label is adorable. Seems like they sell it around me, I'll definitely check the store next time. Thank you! And thank you for the ingredient alert, I'm not allergic to shellfish, but it's very nice when someone takes the time to mention such things. :)

[wicked_socks]

I just read around on the website, and wow, a cleaning product company that addresses severe chemical sensitivities. I am impressed.

[robynbender]

I have been amazed by the goodness of Mr Clean Stain Erasers (the white soft spongy-like things). I use on tub with just enough gentle soap to moisten -- Dr Brommers works, any shampoo works, and they leave things smelling good.

I had used the erasers for years without realizing they worked on soap scum [duh].

ALSO: a clean one used with water will remove tea and coffee stains from a cup LIKE THAT. Better than soaking in bleach, even.

[wicked_socks]

Aha! I'd used their magic eraser thing before, but never thought to use them on the tub. Thanks for the tip!

[lasergirl]

Mr. Clean Magic erasers are pretty much the only thing aside from vinegar and baking soda that I use to clean our bathroom.. Of ourselves we don't really have any lingering mildew yet as th bathroom isn't even a year old in my apartment. I do have to run a bottle of drain cleaner through every couple of months, though, which is retry toxic, but it's an old house and I have long hair that gets stuck in the drain.

[wicked_socks]

I also have the drain cleaner problem: too many girls in the house, too much hair. I somehow never thought of using the erasers on the tub. Thanks!

[green_grrl]

I have old pipes, so don't want to use chemical cleaner, and don't want to have to get the drain snaked every few months. I got a really fine mesh drain strainer (like this, but bathtub size) at Ace Hardware, and it catches everything, even dust. I need to swipe the hair out of it daily. If the mesh gets filled with fine gunk, like wet dust, I swipe it with an old toothbrush.

[lassarina]

I don't have a link for this directly, but apparently half a grapefruit and some large-grained sea salt is approximately the greatest cleaner for your bathtub ever. The salt gives it some "teeth" to scrub with, and the citrus breaks down goo and smells delightful. You can probably Google it and come up with how it's supposed to work, although I think "cut grapefruit in half, sprinkle generously with salt, attack the tub with it" is pretty straightforward. :) The author said that it did a good enough job that ze had had to let hir tub get dirty for a MONTH to get enough dirt to do reasonable before/after photos, so it's a lasting clean, too.

Oohh

[angel_negra]

I've heard of this one! Only the tip I got was lemon juice, salt and a sponge. But, same idea, salt for the 'teeth' and citrus for the breaking down of grime. It worked very well for me too.

Re: Oohh

[wicked_socks]

I love double votes, it makes it easier to decide which method to try first. Thanks!

[wicked_socks]

That sounds great, and like it would smell nice. Also, it sounds kind of fun. Thanks!

[sara]

I take baking soda and mix in just enough dish soap and water to make a paste, then apply it with a sponge. Cuts grease and grime and doesn't make my throat close up.

[watersword]

This. If there's anything baking soda cannot clean, I have yet to meet it.

[wicked_socks]

I am slowly learning that all cleaning roads seem to go back to baking soda (and also vinegar). It's really impressive. Even for use as a shampoo! I was in awe of that one.

[wicked_socks]

I am slowly learning the marvels of baking soda. I hadn't thought to mix it with dish soap and use it on the tub. Thanks!

[boosette]

Incidently, I use this same combination on a metal scrubby pad (not steel wool) instead of a sponge. This is not a gentle-on-surfaces cleanse, to be sure, but damned if it doesn't work on layers and layers of college-student lazy bathtub rings.

This might help...

[angel_negra]

I've got a couple of tricks here that might help.

I also second the baking soda method.

Re: This might help...

[wicked_socks]

Thank you! I am so trying the squeegee.

[brigid]

Do you have hard water? Spritzing down the shower/bath with a vinegar/water solution after each shower might help keep down the soap scum issue.