This is another wonderful, EASY homemade cleaner recipe that will save you money. You might even have the ingredients on hand already…. dawn and vinegar! I know this recipe is going around on Pinterest, that is how I found it, but I still feel the need to share and give you my two cents 🙂
My husband loves to use bar soap in the shower, which leaves me with a problem… soap scum! I have literally begged him to switch to something else and even took his favorite soap and made it into a body wash (hoping it would rinse easier) but I just couldn’t get him to part with his bar. Before I “woke up” to the dangers of many cleaners I tried just about everything they sell for soap scum and I still had to scrub like crazy. This was also a problem for me because sometimes my back acts up and that definitely doesn’t help.
So I decided to give this a try after seeing it spread on Pinterest like wildfire. My only regret is not trying it sooner! It works amazingly well, I have literally never had an easier time getting the tub clean. I sprayed it on the dry tub, let it sit for about an hour, wet down my scrub brush and started scrubbing. I figured I was going to have to scrub the entire tub pretty hard but I was surprised to see how easily it was coming clean. There were still a few spots that I had to use more elbow grease, like the area where the bar of soap actually sits for example… but still I was very impressed. The walls were sparkling when I was done rinsing…I almost did a happy dance 🙂
You can also use this for cleaning sinks and even your toilet… yes your toilet! You may want to test it in your toilet using only a small amount first but I have had no problems. At first I thought it might be TOO sudsy but it worked great. I bet this would be fantastic for cleaning outdoor toys and furniture although I have no tried it myself yet. I also plan on using it to clean my bird’s cage. For a little extra scrubbing action if you have a really heavy duty mess you could add some baking soda.
Just a little warning, as with any cleaning product you will want good ventilation… crack the window or turn on the vent fan. The smell is a little strong but at least it is not toxic!
You can find the recipe here: Tub and Shower Magic or continue reading below:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces white vinegar
- 12 ounces liquid blue Dawn detergent
Directions:
1. Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into squirt bottle.
2. Add the Dawn soap. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate.
3. You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything. Just spray it on, scrub, rinse and be amazed. For tough soap scum build-up, spray the mixture on and allow it to sit as long as overnight. Then, scrub and rinse.
I hope you love this stuff as much as I do!
❤ Ashley
Ashley's Homemade Adventures 
do you have to reheat it every time you use it?
No you don’t have to…. it probably works better warm but it still works just fine for me at room temp. Hope you like it!
I have been using this for over a year and I use it everywhere. It also does a great job of cleaning my ceramic stove-top!
Hi Luann. Thank you for the tip! I am going to try it 🙂
do it have to be dawn dish liquid?
I have not tried it with any other kind, if you do please let me know how it works out 🙂
One other tip to make scrubbing the tub easier, and safer for the surface, get one of those nylon bath scrubbies on the wooden handle for scrubbing your back—They clean the surface without any scratches to any type tub/shower, and they save your back—-if not long enough to help with that part, do what I did. I used my favorite power tool(duct tape, lol) and added length to the handle with a length of 1×2″ lumber I had leftover from another project………soooooo much easier on the back
Another great idea, thank you for sharing! I have problems with my sciatic nerve so sometimes things like this can make a big difference in how I feel for the rest of the day.
I tried this. It didn’t do a thing, nothing. I think maybe it would be good if the soap scum wasn’t so thick, like after you clean it to maintain.
I am sorry this didn’t work for you Jim. Did you just rinse it or did you scrub? You still have to scrub, especially if you are dealing with thick soap scum.
Hi Ashley. I tried this formula and was impressed by the foamy look when sprayed on the tile walls. I figure the Dawn liquid detergent allows the vinegar to stay on the walls longer so it can dissolve the soap scum. I too had soap scum remaining but it was rather thick when we moved in. NOTE: the formula of Dawn and vinegar creates a caustic vapor so good air circulation is a must!
Does the mix have to be used warm to be effective?
I think it definitely helps.
I too have tried this and agree! Works great! However I would be extra careful using it on animal habitats unless you rinse extremely well! 😸
Hi Ashley. I miss your blog. How are you doing? Are you better since your surgery? How is your new addition doing? I was just wondering how you were doing since your last post and will continue to pray for you. Thank you for all of the knowledge you have shared in the past. God bless.
Hi Doreen, thank you so much for thinking of me. I am so sorry I am just now seeing this comment. I hope you are doing well! I am doing better, still a lot of challenges but I have been learning to adjust. It’s hard when you go from “normal” to chronically ill, but I am trying to stay positive and make the best of it. I am so excited to start working on my blog again 😀
I will try this recipe for soap scum removal and will let you know how it has worked out. Thanks again.