Q:

Is there an all-natural cleaner (or homemade fix) you recommend for cleaning my shower? The fumes from Tilex can be too harsh.

A:

I love to clean with three, natural, easy-to-find, inexpensive items: white vinegar (removes odors), hydrogen peroxide (mild bleaching agent) and baking soda (deodorizes, has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, and removes stains). I also like to add essential oils like lemon, eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree. When buying essential oils look for "100% essential oil" and not "fragrance oil" which is made from synthetic chemicals. Also, please avoid products containing ammonia, chlorine, or petroleum-based chemicals as these can cause respiratory irritation, headaches and other health problems.

My tips:

1. Make your own cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon water. Pour into a spray bottle (save the rest for later). Use to remove water stains on shower stalls, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc.
2. For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water.
3. For bathroom mold: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.
4. Seventh Generation makes a great nontoxic natural shower cleaner.

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