When it comes to household chores, I usually don’t mind tackling most of them. Doing the laundry? Easy. Vacuuming the floors? I actually find it kind of satisfying. Cleaning the toilets? Not exactly enjoyable, but definitely manageable. But there’s always been one chore that I absolutely dread—and that’s cleaning the bathtub and shower.
Between the mildew, the hard water stains, and that stubborn film of grime that seems to appear no matter how often you clean, it’s always felt like a never-ending battle. Fortunately, I recently came across a clever cleaning hack that has completely changed the game for me, and I’m excited to share it in hopes that it makes your life easier too. This simple yet incredibly effective cleaning method requires just a few basic items: some Dawn liquid dish soap, distilled vinegar, and one of those dish wands with a sponge attached to the end—the kind you typically use for scrubbing dirty pans.
Start by removing the sponge head if it comes off easily, and fill the handle of the wand with equal parts dish soap and distilled vinegar. Give it a little shake to make sure the two ingredients mix together well. That’s it—you’ve just made your own powerful, budget-friendly cleaning solution. When you’re ready to clean, wet down the walls and floor of your tub and shower. This step helps the cleaning solution glide more easily and ensures even coverage. Using your filled cleaning wand, begin scrubbing the surfaces thoroughly, focusing on the areas where you usually see the most buildup—like the corners of the tub, along the grout lines, and around the faucet.
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire area, let the solution sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the vinegar and dish soap time to cut through all the soap scum, hard water deposits, and grime. After that short wait, rinse everything off with warm water. Make sure to wash away all of the residue so the surfaces don’t stay slippery, especially if you’re standing inside the tub or shower while cleaning. It’s worth noting that dish soap can make the floor extremely slick, so use caution to avoid any accidental slips or falls. One of the best parts about this method is how easily it can be incorporated into your daily routine.
For example, if you’re already in the shower, you can multitask by applying conditioner to your hair and then using that time to give the walls and floor a good scrub. Not only does this save time, but it also means your shower stays cleaner for longer because you’re maintaining it more regularly without even thinking about it. To make the whole process even more convenient, consider keeping the cleaning wand right in your shower. That way, anytime you notice a bit of grime or build-up, you can do a quick touch-up right then and there without having to go hunting for cleaning supplies. You’ll be amazed at how a few seconds of scrubbing every now and then can prevent a big deep-cleaning session later on. The beauty of this hack lies in its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness. You don’t need expensive specialty cleaners or hours of elbow grease—just two common household items and a bit of consistency. Plus, since you’re not using any harsh chemicals, it’s safer for your skin, your plumbing, and the environment. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the task of cleaning your tub and shower, give this trick a try. It’s straightforward, efficient, and it might just change how you feel about one of the most dreaded household chores. After discovering this method, I can honestly say that scrubbing the tub is no longer at the top of my “most hated chores” list. In fact, I almost look forward to giving it a quick clean knowing how easy it is now.
