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.

[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.)

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

This might help...

[angel_negra]

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

I also second the baking soda method.

[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.