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Easier, Cleaner Showers
Cleaner Baths and Showers Clean Showers: Does it Work? What are the Alternatives? |
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I need some help cleaning textured fiberglass shower walls. I cannot get the "grunge" off the floors and soap scum off the walls.
R.
Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) has an excellent line of cleaning products. BKF has both powder and liquid to clean without scratching the surface. I have used it on marble and fiberglass with excellent results and very little "elbow grease."
Rozanne
I've found that the greatest thing to clean shower doors and walls is plain old liquid dishwashing soap with which you hand-wash dishes. It cleans everything extremely well. The first time, you might need to use a soft scrubby sponge. It's also very cost effective and safe to use.
B. H.
I definitely recommend Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! I use it on my tub and other bath fixtures. It doesn't scratch and works awesome!
I have also been able to get crayons and permanent black marker drawings off my white walls among other places. When we first moved into our current apartment, the range had grease all over it that other "tough on grease" products could not remove. The Magic Eraser took it off with very little elbow grease added.
This is an excellent product and I recommend it for the cleaning of anything and everything! Of course, always read the manufacturer's instructions on the box to make sure that it is safe for your intended use. It was also very inexpensive. I bought an 8-pack at our local wholesale club for under $5!
Jen B, Springfield, MA
Try regular shampoo like Suave with a scrubby sponge. This works as well as the expensive cleaners without the toxic fumes and is very cheap.
Vinegar mixed with a little bit of shampoo and water in a squirt bottle works good if you need to let it soak to work. The shampoo helps the vinegar to coat evenly and not evaporate so quickly. The vinegar works on the water deposits as well.
Maria
I recently discovered the best way to clean grungy shower stalls is Borax. Not only is it inexpensive, but also there are no toxic fumes or harmful chemicals to eat your hands. Simply pour a small amount onto a wet sponge and wipe away gunk. It also helps to use a scrubber sponge on the floor to really get into the textured areas. It's also great for a number of other cleaning chores. Check out the box for ideas!
Cady
I have a friend who swears by WD-40 for cleaning the scum off shower walls. She claims there is very little scrubbing so the fiberglass will not be scratched. Make sure to use with proper ventilation.
Julia
I just use baking soda and white vinegar. Sprinkle the baking soda all over and then dip your scrub sponge in the vinegar and scrub it. If it's really tough, then I sprinkle the soda and put paper towels soaked in vinegar over the soda and let it sit. There are no fumes and it's very cheap, but best of all, it works better than any of the dozens of products I've bought in the past to remove the "grunge."
P
I've also had this problem. To resolve it, I used inexpensive liquid dish soap and an old plastic bristled brush. The dish liquid cut through the oil, which was holding in the dead skin cells (the grunge look), and also cut through the soap scum. The bristle brush gets into the textured surfaces and took out all the scum and grunge. I rinsed with warm water.
Mary of Wilton, CT
It's funny that you asked this question, because just yesterday, I finally got our shower clean. I've tried everything to get the grunge off the textured floor, and nothing worked. Then, I found Clorox Oxi Magic. I'm not a shareholder, I swear. I always hesitate using such toxic products and I always think twice before buying them. However, Oxi Magic didn't seem to be so bad. It had no fumes, and it really worked. The hefty price tag was worth it. The shower stall is finally white again! I also like it because it can be used on a ton of different surfaces and fabrics, so it's a good all-around cleaner. As for the soap scum, I use something called CLR. Very occasionally, I use it full strength with a non-abrasive scouring sponge, and the scum comes right off.
Rene of Eureka, CA
I recommend a product called "Showers-n-Stuff." I found a recommendation for this at another website. It is sold by Don Aslett, who is a professional cleaner. The website is www.cleanreport.com. I used this stuff to clean some tubs and showers that nothing else would clean.
Lee Ann in Louisiana
Try Works Tub and Tile cleaner. Get the kind you apply with a sponge rather than the spray. It is sold at the Dollar Store. Just wipe it on. There is no scrubbing required. Wait a few minutes, and then using a bucket of clean water, wipe it off. Use the sprayer to rinse. I have used this stuff for years. It "works."
Marjay
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