Does any thing exist that will fairly easily get soap scum off of fiberglass as well as being non-toxic? I've let my tubs go for awhile and my homemade cleaners as well as some I've tried from health food stores are taking a great deal of scrubbing. I'm expecting a baby before too long which is why I'm looking for something easier as well as non-toxic. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

-- Mel Carroll (frank.a.carroll@worldnet.att.net), November 04, 2001

Answers

soak then in vinegar, that will break up the soap scum, which is mostly hard water anyways

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), November 04, 2001.

Toothpaste works good and has fine abrasive to polish without scratching.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), November 04, 2001.

Vinegar works very well. If you need to soak it awhile, wet a paper towel with it and stick to shower door/wall. Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent build up after it is cleaned.

-- Nancy A. Woodward (NAWoodward@lakewebs.net), November 04, 2001.

Toothpaste is good, but denture cleaner is better. Vinegar is also effective, especially when combined with baking soda.

-- Kathy (catfish201@hotmail.com), November 04, 2001.

If you need the "grit" to clean with try baking soda too. That usually works well and very cheap to use. Good Luck !!!

-- Helena (windyacs@npacc.net), November 04, 2001.

Mel, I hope more people respond because I have the same problem. My water is so hard, I think I could pound a nail with it. I manage to slow down the problem by keeping the water softner going and working properly. It does cost some money for all the salt consumed but I feel it worth it other than spending the whole day scrubbing the shower and tub. I use Vinegar and baking soda myself and it works pretty well. I have also used those toxic cleaners. I am going to stick with the vinegar. So Mel, don't feel alone and good luck.

-- bill (sticky@2sides.tape), November 04, 2001.

I second the baking soda cure! It has no fumes to irritate a sensitive nose, the residue is harmless, [& there will allways be residue from any cleaner], and it softens the water allowing for easier cleanup next time. Run the hot water,swish it around, turn it off, pour a teaspoon of baking soda onto one of those sponge-blue -scotch pads, [not green they scratch!] and rub directly onto the dirt ring. then rinse. For seriously dried/caked on skip the rinse. Then pour a generous amount of vinegar on the sponge, rub that on the problem areas & watch them foam & fizz. one more time with the baking soda and the gunk will rinse down the drain.

-- bj pepper in C. MS. (pepper.pepper@excite.com), November 04, 2001.

There is a product called "Total Solution", it is made from plants. very effective and very safe. You can clean everything with it, including your teeth. It also is a good antiseptic. I am not sure as to where you can get it in your area, we purchased ours from the optimum health institute in san diego. You might try the internet for it. It come concentrated that you mix with water. Hope that this will be a good lead for your needs.

-- Jonathan Sanchez (jonathan_sz@yahoo.com), November 04, 2001.

SCRUBBING BUBBLES !!! (w/o Bleach) Is Non-toxic and very effective !!!

-- Chandler (providencefarms2001@yahoo.com), November 04, 2001.

Spray and Wash works surprisingly well on the bathtub.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), November 04, 2001.

Hi, Mel, Congratulations on your new addition. This is a trick I learned years ago while working as a house cleaner for a large company. Let the shower dry completely. Using steel wool, rub the soapscum off. You'll be amazed at how much comes off, just vacumn it up. Once it's gone, go back to your regular non-toxic cleaners. Hope this helps. Kathie

-- Kathie in Western Washington (twinrosefarm@centurytel.com), November 04, 2001.

Well..... I am not sure about the toxic thing.... although there is 'barely' any smell, and works like a dream, but, I use Wheel Cleaner. Yes, the kind you use on your truck or car. Doesn't matter what kind, I usually get mine at the Dallor General and it is green. Just spray it on, and in a few minutes, wha-la. We have well water and the mineral deposits turns our tub green. So I fight green with green. Comes out clean as a whistle!

-- Bear (Barelyknow@aol.com), November 04, 2001.

Bear, in the business that stuff is known as "Mean Green" and it's just about good for anything from cleaning brake dust off wheels to getting tar off paint and chrome or to clean soiled carpet and upholstery. I'm not at all surprised it works on this, too. I'd think some of the citrus base cleaners would work well, too. I hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), November 04, 2001.

Where I live, the water is so hard that if you spill some out of a glass, it will bounce on the floor and back into the glass! -G- Yet, I haven't had to clean a shower or bathtub for years since I stopped using bar soap. A real plus was finding out that I didn't have dry skin ~ it was the soap scum on me that didn't rinse off!

I discovered this while camping for a few days. I had forgotten soap but had my diswashing detergent ~ blue Dawn. I showered and washed my hair with it. My skin felt so much better, and that's what I've used all these years. My shower still shines like it was new!

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), November 04, 2001.

Someone else contributed this idea a while back . . . can't remember the name (Sorry), but I tried it and it has worked for me very well since.

Apply a layer or two of ordinary car wax on the SIDES of your shower / tub enclosure (NOT THE FLOOR, unless you want to test your insurance company) and water sheets off like magic. The little remaining wipes off pretty easily too.

-- j.r. guerra (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), November 05, 2001.

I am involved with a company that makes over 250 non toxic products that really work. If you want more information please mail me or call me toll free at 1-877-247-6077.

-- Steve Denehie (memorylane@citlink.net), November 06, 2001.

The Works. It really works and is recommended by the Queen of Clean. Wal Mart and K Mart carry it.

-- Wendi Stone (timwendi@citlink.net), December 08, 2001.