Author Topic: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?  (Read 7956 times)

lil_miss_frugal

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Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« on: November 02, 2016, 08:50:46 AM »
So I'm currently looking to buy a bathroom cleaner, particularly for my shower/tub and shower doors that does't require me to wear a mask or that doesn't have an awful smell! I currently use Great Value brand mold and mildew cleaner for my shower doors(which I have to wear a mask when using because of the chemicals and smell) and Pinesol or white vinegar for just about everything else.

I'm looking for something a little more "natural" with less harsh-smelling chemicals but that will still get the job done. What products do you guys use?

Spork

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2016, 08:56:24 AM »
For showers, we use "clean shower".  It's actually more of a preventative than a cleaner.  You spray after every shower and it limits soap scum buildup.  I don't really notice a smell at all.  (You *will* have to clean it eventually.  It's not perfect.  But it will lengthen the time between cleanings.)

Guava

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2016, 09:52:24 AM »
Maybe Simple Green would work. I use it for just about everything but have never before tried it in the bathroom.

ZiziPB

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2016, 10:07:55 AM »
I use Clorox Green Works Bathroom Cleaner.  No harsh smells and it works quite well.

Roboturner

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2016, 10:08:44 AM »
Maybe Simple Green would work. I use it for just about everything but have never before tried it in the bathroom.

+100

it's the only cleaner we use anymore - you can use it for everything. It's also safe for bathtub enamel (where bleach and other harsh chemicals are not)

With This Herring

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2016, 10:23:57 AM »
For hard-core scrubbing of old soap scum, I mix baking soda and a generic version of blue Dawn dish soap.  It works really well!  The dish soap isn't green, but it also has no fumes.  Mostly, I can scrub with just moistened baking soda to get things clean, rinse, then wipe down those surfaces with vinegar.

lil_miss_frugal

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2016, 10:27:40 AM »
Maybe Simple Green would work. I use it for just about everything but have never before tried it in the bathroom.

+100

it's the only cleaner we use anymore - you can use it for everything. It's also safe for bathtub enamel (where bleach and other harsh chemicals are not)

Will definitely give this a try! I love multipurpose cleaners!

lil_miss_frugal

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #7 on: November 02, 2016, 10:29:41 AM »
I use Clorox Green Works Bathroom Cleaner.  No harsh smells and it works quite well.

Awesome, didn't know this product existed. Will look into this!

catccc

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #8 on: November 02, 2016, 01:48:32 PM »
Magic eraser or this: http://livesimply.me/2015/02/08/diy-homemade-scrub-cleaner-like-soft-scrub/  I like my bathroom cleaners with lemon essential oil.  Smells so fresh!

the magic eraser smells like nothing and I just take it with me in the shower and give the tub and walls a scrub while I'm in there.

Sun and earth all purpose is also great!  Orange-y.

catccc

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #9 on: November 02, 2016, 01:50:44 PM »
take this with a grain of salt, as many people feel EWG is an alarmist pseudo-science group, but simple green is rated as pretty toxic.  Maybe it doesn't smell horrible, but it's definitely got ingredients I try to keep out of my house.

Guava

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #10 on: November 02, 2016, 08:04:41 PM »
take this with a grain of salt, as many people feel EWG is an alarmist pseudo-science group, but simple green is rated as pretty toxic.  Maybe it doesn't smell horrible, but it's definitely got ingredients I try to keep out of my house.

Interesting. Even on their website they have a * next to non-toxic. I will definitely be doing more research as I use this for everything from cleaning my siding and porch to cleaning my stove. Thanks for the info.

Christiana

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #11 on: November 03, 2016, 04:39:20 PM »
I use an orange-oil-based cleaner, but only very briefly and infrequently, as it is probably acidic enough to etch the surfaces. Works very well on soap scum.

FoundPeace

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #12 on: November 03, 2016, 05:06:46 PM »
Depends on how deep of a clean I need. Mixture of vinegar, water, and dawn dish soap. Baking soda works well for scrubbing. I guess it depends on if you consider vinegar to smell too strong.

catccc

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2016, 09:58:11 AM »
take this with a grain of salt, as many people feel EWG is an alarmist pseudo-science group, but simple green is rated as pretty toxic.  Maybe it doesn't smell horrible, but it's definitely got ingredients I try to keep out of my house.

Interesting. Even on their website they have a * next to non-toxic. I will definitely be doing more research as I use this for everything from cleaning my siding and porch to cleaning my stove. Thanks for the info.

There a so many cleaners out their that claim to be natural or non toxic, but if you actually look at the ingredients, they frequently contain harmful ones.  There is little to no regulation on the claims on the labels.  Sure, there's a spectrum of safety when it comes to household cleaners, and I err on the more safe side of things, but it's hard to find anything absolutely perfect unless you make it yourself or get really spendy.

So if it works for you and you aren't concerned about the ingredients, go for it. 

This is food, not cleaner, but let me demonstrate my flexibility on the natural spectrum...   I told my husband the other day I wasn't going to have any of his ice cream choice if it had artificial flavors in it.  Then he asked me "what if there are artificial flavors in your choice?"  I said I didn't care, I'm having it either way, because it's that tasty.  Ha!  (Luckily, neither his pumpkin pie ice cream nor my double dunker ice cream had artificial flavors.  After having both he did concede that double dunker was a better choice.)

Kitsune

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2016, 10:03:34 AM »
Depends on how deep of a clean I need. Mixture of vinegar, water, and dawn dish soap. Baking soda works well for scrubbing. I guess it depends on if you consider vinegar to smell too strong.

This is what we use (plus some orange/lemon/rosemary oils for the smell).

In our bathroom, though, the alkaline mineral deposits from the water cause most of the visible 'dirt', so the acidity of the vinegar is key to reducing that.

When we need something super-harsh, we put Mr Clean in a spray bottle.

(Note: my options are super-limited in that non-citrus smells are a migraine trigger, so I'm also not willing to try most commercial cleaning products for that reason).

WildJager

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #15 on: November 04, 2016, 02:17:41 PM »
We just use a vinegar/water mix for all of our cleaning.  May take a bit more elbow grease for older soap scum, but it works fine.  But I like the smell of vinegar, so YMMV.

redbird

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #16 on: November 04, 2016, 03:02:45 PM »
For showers, we use "clean shower".  It's actually more of a preventative than a cleaner.  You spray after every shower and it limits soap scum buildup.  I don't really notice a smell at all.  (You *will* have to clean it eventually.  It's not perfect.  But it will lengthen the time between cleanings.)

Not sure if you have a shower/tub or if you have a standalone shower with doors, but if you have the latter I'd actually recommend buying a shower squeegee. It only costs a few dollars and if you use it after every single shower, it also limits soap scum buildup - but without having to use any sort of cleaner that will eventually run out.

I clean the shower once every 2 weeks, and it's a super easy clean because of the squeegee making very little left behind.

Spork

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #17 on: November 05, 2016, 07:29:32 AM »
For showers, we use "clean shower".  It's actually more of a preventative than a cleaner.  You spray after every shower and it limits soap scum buildup.  I don't really notice a smell at all.  (You *will* have to clean it eventually.  It's not perfect.  But it will lengthen the time between cleanings.)

Not sure if you have a shower/tub or if you have a standalone shower with doors, but if you have the latter I'd actually recommend buying a shower squeegee. It only costs a few dollars and if you use it after every single shower, it also limits soap scum buildup - but without having to use any sort of cleaner that will eventually run out.

I clean the shower once every 2 weeks, and it's a super easy clean because of the squeegee making very little left behind.

We actually use both a squeegee and clean shower solution. 

Metric Mouse

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #18 on: November 07, 2016, 01:20:01 AM »
Mr. Clean magic erasers? Not sure how toxic they are, but I never have felt the need for a mask with them. And they cut through shower gunk like... magic. So much less scrubbing; I'm not sure I would ever go back to a regular spray cleaner.

stashgrower

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #19 on: November 07, 2016, 01:46:17 AM »
Baking soda and elbow grease. Squeegee formerly, "slacking off" at the mo'.

MsPeacock

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #20 on: November 07, 2016, 05:52:04 AM »
Mr. Clean magic erasers? Not sure how toxic they are, but I never have felt the need for a mask with them. And they cut through shower gunk like... magic. So much less scrubbing; I'm not sure I would ever go back to a regular spray cleaner.

They are abrasive and will scratch tile, tub enclosures, tub enamel/vinyl, etc. I would be extremely cautious w/ using these on many surfaces. Little abrasions will ultimately make the surface worse, rather than better, in terms of trying to keep it clean or preventing soap scum and mildew.

Kitsune

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #21 on: November 07, 2016, 06:10:21 AM »
Mr. Clean magic erasers? Not sure how toxic they are, but I never have felt the need for a mask with them. And they cut through shower gunk like... magic. So much less scrubbing; I'm not sure I would ever go back to a regular spray cleaner.

They are abrasive and will scratch tile, tub enclosures, tub enamel/vinyl, etc. I would be extremely cautious w/ using these on many surfaces. Little abrasions will ultimately make the surface worse, rather than better, in terms of trying to keep it clean or preventing soap scum and mildew.

This. They're basically low-grade sandpaper. Miraculous when that effect is needed, but overusing them just damages the surface it's used on.

Also, try not to overuse them on glass-top stoves. They're the only thing that removes boiled-over milk, but they creat microabrasions.

lil_miss_frugal

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #22 on: November 07, 2016, 11:19:17 AM »
Mr. Clean magic erasers? Not sure how toxic they are, but I never have felt the need for a mask with them. And they cut through shower gunk like... magic. So much less scrubbing; I'm not sure I would ever go back to a regular spray cleaner.

They are abrasive and will scratch tile, tub enclosures, tub enamel/vinyl, etc. I would be extremely cautious w/ using these on many surfaces. Little abrasions will ultimately make the surface worse, rather than better, in terms of trying to keep it clean or preventing soap scum and mildew.

This. They're basically low-grade sandpaper. Miraculous when that effect is needed, but overusing them just damages the surface it's used on.

Also, try not to overuse them on glass-top stoves. They're the only thing that removes boiled-over milk, but they creat microabrasions.

Hmmm, if this is the case, sounds like I may need to try using a magic eraser to clean my car's headlights. Getting rid of the oxidation is hard unless I have a professional do it.

Spork

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #23 on: November 07, 2016, 04:42:36 PM »
Mr. Clean magic erasers? Not sure how toxic they are, but I never have felt the need for a mask with them. And they cut through shower gunk like... magic. So much less scrubbing; I'm not sure I would ever go back to a regular spray cleaner.

They are abrasive and will scratch tile, tub enclosures, tub enamel/vinyl, etc. I would be extremely cautious w/ using these on many surfaces. Little abrasions will ultimately make the surface worse, rather than better, in terms of trying to keep it clean or preventing soap scum and mildew.

This. They're basically low-grade sandpaper. Miraculous when that effect is needed, but overusing them just damages the surface it's used on.

Also, try not to overuse them on glass-top stoves. They're the only thing that removes boiled-over milk, but they creat microabrasions.

Hmmm, if this is the case, sounds like I may need to try using a magic eraser to clean my car's headlights. Getting rid of the oxidation is hard unless I have a professional do it.

There are some good headlight kits out there.  They are, in fact, just a bunch of progressively higher grit sandpapers (going super, super fine) followed by a UV protector.  I prefer one that has pads that hook to a drill, as hand sanding is not for the lazy.

Metric Mouse

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #24 on: November 10, 2016, 12:42:52 AM »
Mr. Clean magic erasers? Not sure how toxic they are, but I never have felt the need for a mask with them. And they cut through shower gunk like... magic. So much less scrubbing; I'm not sure I would ever go back to a regular spray cleaner.

They are abrasive and will scratch tile, tub enclosures, tub enamel/vinyl, etc. I would be extremely cautious w/ using these on many surfaces. Little abrasions will ultimately make the surface worse, rather than better, in terms of trying to keep it clean or preventing soap scum and mildew.

Yeah, totally not good for preventing scum build up. I'm way to lazy to prevent it when I can sand it off in a few moments once a week or so.

Sibley

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Re: Non Harsh Smelling Bathroom Cleaners?
« Reply #25 on: November 10, 2016, 11:11:49 AM »
take this with a grain of salt, as many people feel EWG is an alarmist pseudo-science group, but simple green is rated as pretty toxic.  Maybe it doesn't smell horrible, but it's definitely got ingredients I try to keep out of my house.

Interesting. Even on their website they have a * next to non-toxic. I will definitely be doing more research as I use this for everything from cleaning my siding and porch to cleaning my stove. Thanks for the info.

I have chemical sensitivities such that most bathroom and kitchen cleaners give me asthma. so does Pine Sol, etc. Green Works doesn't clean as well and I still get the asthma. I use the harsher stuff anyway to get the job done faster.