Bathtub Grout and Caulk Cleaner

I shared on the CSHM Facebook Page yesterday that I stink at cleaning my bathroom tub. Toilets? Not a problem. Sinks? Consider it done. But there is something about the strange angles and the elbow grease always involved with cleaning my tub that frustrates me.

Recently, the thing that has become the bane of my tub-cleaning existence is that parts of the grout between the tiles and the caulk that lines between the tub and the tiles has become discolored. Particularly the caulk.  At first, I was dismayed that I had allowed such dirt to settle in. I tried many scrubbers and solutions, and I finally accepted that it wasn't dirt. It was discoloration. Over time, the caulk (and parts of the surrounding grout) had taken on a brown, grey or reddish tint. 

Even though I know the tub isn't dirty, I still really dislike the way it looks. I don't want people peering behind the shower curtain (since, you know, every guest does that in a host's bathroom, right?) and think *gasp* I don't know how to maintain my bathroom.

I DO!

It's NOT MY FAULT!

Anyway, I enlisted the help of one of the best cleaners I know: My mom. As a side business, my mom cleans houses for older individuals. I called her up, explained my predicament, and she gave me a "recipe" for a cleaning solution. I had my doubts, as I had tried every concotion (homemade and store-bought) to fix this, but I decided to give it a try.

OH.

MAH.

GAH.

It worked like a freaking charm and I am dumbfounded. So much so that I still can't speak, so I decided to quickly jot down a post to share the news with you all. Mainly because I'm sure there are others of you out there suffering from Bathtub Discoloration Syndrome, and this will rock you world.

• 2 parts Baking Soda
• 1 part Bleach

Add the bleach to the baking soda in a small bowl. Mix until it forms a paste. You may have to add a little more bleach or baking soda until you get the right pasty consistency.  Apply to the areas you want to whiten. Let sit for an hour. Scrub with tool of your choice (I used an old toothbrush). Then wash remaining sediment away.


Here were my results (sorry for the poor pictures - the bathroom isn't huge, so I didn't have a lot of room to maneuver for lighting purposes):

I used it in the corners, just to see if it would work before trying it everywhere.

Yeah. It worked.

I promise my tub does not look that unclean in real life.

I am cringing at how bad the rest of the grout and caulk looks :/

I couldn't believe how well it worked!  Unfortunately, it makes the rest of the tub look discolored! I 'm going to go now and apply it to the rest of the tub to see if I can get a reasonably attractive bathtub by the end of this adventure.  

Happy cleaning!

Homemade Cleaners {DIY}

After a rousing Chat Day on the CSHM Facebook page last week on the topic of Frugal Living, I was even more excited to try making homemade cleaners.  I like the idea that I can control what goes into them, and after researching, I found many of the cleaners use similar ingredients, which is a money saver.  


Guess what: these ideas aren't new. Our grandparents and great-grandparents made their own cleaners back in the day because. Well. That's just how things were done. But I've seen a huge move recently  in our society towards simplicity (eating less refined foods, saving money, using less chemicals, etc). The fortunate result is that these traditional methods for cleaning are popping up on Pinterest and plenty of other websites.


Since I can't keep track of simple things like my keys, my cell phone or my kids within the confines of my house, I know I'd never be able to remember the "recipes" for these cleansers. So I though I'd compile them all on a post here, and maybe we'd all benefit!

Tub and Shower

12 ounces White Vinegar + 12 ounces Blue Dawn Detergent (heat vinegar until hot, put in squirt bottle. Add dawn, shake to mix. (Great for sinks soap scum, shower build up, etc) If there are trouble areas spray and allow to soak for several hours or overnight before scrubbing.

Kitchen Scrub

1/4 cup Baking Soda + Hydrogren Peroxide (add enough to make a paste).  (Appliances like stove, etc)  -OR-  1 part Blue Dawn + 1 part Baking Soda + 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide)

Spot Cleaner

1 part Dawn Dishwashing Liquid + 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide. Pour directly on stain. Apparently does well with any and all stains, as well as many fabric types (carpet, upholstery, microfiber, etc)

Anti-bacterial Spray

1 cup water + 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil.

Grout Cleaner

¼ bleach + ¾ cup baking soda

Mildew Cleaner

Vinegar (straight on the mildew)  -or-  1 part hydrogen peroxide + 2 parts water (straight on mildew)

Microwave Cleaner

1 cup vinegar + 1 cup how water. Place in microwave-safe bowl and “cook” for 10 minutes to steam. Wipe down.

Clogged Drain

½ cup Baking Soda + ½ cup vinegar. Pour down drain. Wait 5 minutes, turn on hot water to flush.

Permanent Market Remover

Rubbing Alcohol on a cotton ball.

Crayon Eraser

Baking Soda sprinkled on a damp sponge. Gently rub.

Dishwasher Cleaner

1 packet of Lemonade Kool-Aid powder. Pour into the deteregent well of dishwasher, and run the wash cycle with the empty dishwasher.

Glass Stovetop

Sprinkle baking soda over stovetop, cover with rag soaked in hot water and a small amount of dishsoap. Wait 15 minutes, gently scrub stovetop, then rinse with a clean rag.

~~~~~

To make things easier, I've created this DIY Household Cleaners printable. There is a grocery checklist of all the things you need to buy to make ALL the different cleaners, as well as the recipes. Just right-click, download, print and hang on the fridge!  

I love that so many of the recipes call for vinegar, baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.  You can get all 3 of those things for under $8 in one trip to the grocery store.  And guess what? Water? It's FREE.

Who's ready to start cleaning?

Do you have some more Homemade, Traditional, All-Natural DIY Cleaner recipes? Share your ideas in the comments section and I'll add them to the list!