How to Make No Scrub Shower Cleaner

You’ll never want to use another shower cleaner again!

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I’ll be the first to admit it—I hate cleaning my shower. The glass, the tiles, the soap scum buildup… it always felt like a never-ending chore. Spending 45 minutes a week scrubbing down a large glass shower was exhausting (and honestly, one of the main reasons I hired a cleaning lady in the first place).

But then I started experimenting with homemade cleaning products, and I came across the power of Sals Suds and Cleaning Vinegar! This is a simple yet powerful recipe for a No Scrub Shower Cleaner—and it completely changed the game.

This natural, chemical-free cleaner works 10x better than store-bought brands, leaves your shower looking spotless, and saves both time and money. Plus, it’s toxin-free, safe for kids and pets, and takes just minutes to make.

Believe me when I say…. once you’ve tried this recipe, you will never want to clean your shower with anything else.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make a no scrub shower cleaner at home that will keep your bathroom fresh and sparkling—without the hassle of scrubbing.

Why You’ll Love It

This cleaner is truly magical! When I say it’s a no scrub solution, I’m not exaggerating. The powerful effects of the combination of Sal Suds, and cleaning vinegar, pack a punch on soap scum, mildew and water residue.

I tend to spray the shower down when I start cleaning, so it can sit and do it’s thing for as long as possible. Then after 30mins to an hour, all I do is come back and rinse it off. That’s it!

Of course, it works like that if you clean your shower on a regular basis. If your shower is extra dirty, or has a lot of build up on it, you may have to use some mild elbow grease before you rinse. But it will still be way easier than any traditional commercial brand you’ve used.

If you’ve ever cleaned with vinegar before, you know that it has a very strong smell that some people don’t like. But personally I far prefer that over the strong chemical smell that gives me a headache from commercial brands. Also, knowing that the smell won’t have any negative effects on your health, makes it worth it. That said, the vinegar smell is the strongest when you first spray it on. Once you come back later to actually clean it, the smell is mild.

Ingredient You’ll Need

To make this powerful No Scrub Shower Cleaner, you only need a few simple, natural ingredients. Each one plays a key role in cutting through soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew—without relying on harsh chemicals. Here’s what you’ll need:

✨ Sal Suds
This concentrated, plant-based cleaner is tough on dirt and grease yet gentle on the environment. Sal Suds breaks down soap scum and grime easily, making it perfect for cleaning glass shower doors and tile without the need for scrubbing.

• Note: Sal Suds is made by Dr. Bronner’s, the same company that makes liquid Castile soap. While Sal Suds is also a natural, plant-based soap it is much more powerful than standard castile soap. I would not recommend substituting castile soap in this recipe – it will not work as well. You could substitute the Sal Suds with Dawn Dish soap if you’d like.

✨ Cleaning Vinegar (no link provided because you can get it cheaper in store)
A natural powerhouse, cleaning vinegar helps dissolve hard water deposits, mineral buildup, and stubborn soap residue. It leaves glass surfaces streak-free and shiny, while also acting as a natural deodorizer for your bathroom.

• Note: Vinegar can damage natural stones. Avoid using this product on those surfaces.

✨ Lemon Essential Oil
Not only does lemon essential oil leave behind a fresh, clean scent, but it also has natural antibacterial and degreasing properties. It helps lift grime, adds extra shine, and makes your shower smell citrusy fresh.

• Tip: I love to infuse my vinegar with fresh lemon (or any citrus fruit) for added strength. This is great way to mask the strong smell of vinegar as well. To do this, simply add lemon peels to your vinegar bottle and let sit 1 to 4 weeks to allow for proper infusion, with longer periods resulting in a more potent aroma and color. After infusing, strain the peels from the vinegar. 

✨ Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is well known for its antifungal and antibacterial benefits, making it a must-have for shower cleaning. It helps fight mold, mildew, and bacteria, keeping your shower healthier and fresher for longer.

How to Use this Shower Cleaner

• Spray down all walls, glass and tub surfaces with a good amount of cleaner.
• Let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes (I recommend 30 mins – 1 hour for best results).
• For areas with extra build up, wipe with a cloth.
• Rinse entire tub and shower thoroughly.

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If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with a friend and save it to Pinterest so you’ll always have it handy. And if you want more simple, natural cleaning recipes, be sure to subscribe—I’ve got plenty more tips to help you keep your home fresh, clean, and toxin-free!