Frequent cleaning reduces the opportunity for mildew and soap scum to build up in your shower, but even if you have let the housework slide for a while, there are green cleaning options that work quite well. To reduce your workload in the long run, invest in good ventilation to improve air flow and make the bathroom less hospitable to mold and bacterial growth.
Soap Scum
Soap scum forms when hard water--water with high calcium and magnesium content--combines with soap. The mineral salts in the water cause the soap to precipitate and form a layer of scum that is hard to remove from tubs and shower enclosures. If the hard water has a high alkaline content--a pH of 7 or higher--the mineral deposits will dissolve in boiling water. If the water contains nonalkaline substances, such as sulfates or chlorides, the minerals will form a more stubborn bond with the soap that will not release with boiling water.
Mildew
Mildew is a film caused by mold growth. Molds are constantly present in the air, but in order to take hold and grow on surfaces, they need certain conditions. Among these are moisture, a certain temperature range and food, which includes protein substances, such as human skin fragments that you scrub off when you shower. Areas with poor lighting or poor air circulation are particularly favorable to the growth of mildew. Showers in basements or windowless bathrooms are at a dual disadvantage because they lack both the light and ventilation that a window provides.
Commercial Cleaner
Consumer Reports rates Green Works Natural as the best commercial green cleaner for showers but notes that the cleaner is not very good at removing built-up mildew. It is effective, however, at preventing scum. It also removes rust and does not leave streaks on mirror-like surfaces. Consumer Reports cautions that the product may stain some surfaces, including stainless steel and marble that is not well sealed. If you prefer a product that you spray daily after your shower, try Seventh Generation Shower Cleaner, which earned Bestcovery's highest ranking for a green shower cleaner and fourth place overall among commercial shower products.
Homemade Options
If you prefer homemade solutions from natural products, start with baking soda, which is a mild abrasive. Apply it with a damp sponge and rub gently, then rinse. If you need more cleaning power, apply vinegar first and let it set, then follow with the baking soda scrub. You also can make a liquid solution of these ingredients by mixing one-half cup vinegar, one-quarter cup baking soda and one-half gallon of water, according to Eartheasy. For mold in your shower's grout, mix one-half cup hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water and use a sprayer to disperse the liquid over areas with mold. Leave the solution on at least one hour before rinsing.
Prevention
Cleaning built-up soap residue and mildew can be a tough job. A better option is to take a simple step to prevent it. After you finish your shower, use your towel or a squeegee to remove moisture from the inside of the enclosure. This removes soap scum before it can harden and, by removing moisture, you deny mold the breeding ground it needs to form mildew colonies. Use your bathroom fan during your shower and for a short period afterwards to remove moist air from the room. This also will help inhibit mold and mildew growth.
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