I’m probably not alone in not enjoying cleaning. But I do love discovering a cleaner that’s easy to use and actually works.
This homemade shower cleaner fits the bill.
With just three ingredients, you shake, spray, and an hour later your shower is shiny and clean.
It’s surprisingly effective.
Here are some of the benefits I’ve noticed:
- Penetrates deeply to remove grease, dirt, and grime
- Dissolves old, caked-on soap scum
- Cleans tubs and showers and helps reduce bacteria, viruses, and fungi thanks to the essential oils
- Removes hard water spots from faucets, knobs, and handles
- Helps treat and prevent mold and mildew
- Leaves tub, tile, faucets, and glass shower doors shiny and sparkling
- Smells fresh and clean
- Requires minimal effort — spray and let it work. Often no scrubbing is needed; rinse with hot water and you’re done.
Supplies for DIY Shower Cleaner
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- White vinegar
- Sal Suds or Dawn Ultra dishwashing soap
- Essential oils (suggested blend: lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree)
- 16 oz spray bottle — glass bottles work well; some PET (#1) or HDPE (#2) plastic bottles are safe for diluted essential oils
- Funnel
Homemade Shower Cleaner Recipe
Step 1: Add 1/2 cup Sal Suds or Dawn Ultra to a 16 oz spray bottle
Note: Sal Suds is a plant-based cleaner from Dr. Bronner’s and is stronger than Castile soap. Do not substitute Castile soap — it won’t perform the same.
Step 2: Add 1.5 cups white vinegar
Tip: Leave some headspace in the bottle for the essential oils and the sprayer so it won’t overflow when assembled.
Step 3: Add 25–30 drops of essential oils
Essential oils add fragrance and offer antifungal, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties.
Suggested mix:
- 7 drops lavender essential oil
- 7 drops lemon essential oil
- 7 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 7 drops tea tree essential oil
Step 4: Attach the spray top and gently mix
Secure the sprayer and invert or gently shake to combine ingredients.
How to Use
- Shake the bottle to mix ingredients
- Spray liberally on shower walls, tub, tile, faucets, and glass doors
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes — leave it longer or overnight for stubborn buildup
- Scrub if necessary
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water
- Enjoy a cleaner, shinier shower with minimal effort
Note: Do not use on granite or marble. The acid in vinegar can damage those surfaces.
Caution: As with any soap product, surfaces may be slippery until rinsed.
Why This Homemade Shower Cleaner Works
The recipe relies on a powerful cleaning trio:
Vinegar — an effective natural cleaner that dissolves soap scum, removes hard water spots, cuts grease, fights mold and mildew, and helps rinse to a shiny finish.
Sal Suds or Dawn Ultra — the surfactant that dissolves grease, dirt, and soap scum and gives the mixture enough body to cling to surfaces.
Essential oils — a blend such as lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree contributes antifungal and antibacterial properties, helps control mildew, and leaves a pleasant fresh scent.
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Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for medical concerns.