The Best Way to Clean Your Bathtub.

Period.

Before I begin this story, let me show you the bottom of my shower. Don't look if you're squeamish. . . . I know, right? Nasty.

It's been like that since I moved into this apartment and nothing has been able to help it (don't even ask about the carpet.) I've tried a ton of different cleaners on that tub and even let it soak in straight bleach for a few hours: the results were patchy at best.

So I figured if I found a frugal and/or natural cleaner that actually worked on this kind of grime, it would be a great contribution to world cleanliness.

Tonight, I staged a science experiment. Here's what I used to try to clean my shower:

• Half a grapefruit and some kosher salt. Completely ineffective. But it smelled nice.
• Dishsoap. Nada.
• Baking Soda. It seemed to work a little, mainly by abrasion.
• Baking Soda and Vinegar. Adds drama to your cleaning routine, but not terribly effective.
• 20 Mule Team Borax. Dude. This is the stuff.

I actually tried borax third and had to stop so I had dirt left to try my other ideas on.

That stubborn dirt and grime, impervious to bleach and every mainstream cleaner I tried, just melted away when faced with borax and a stiff-bristled scrub brush.

And you can't get much cheaper, either!

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What are your favorite frugal cleaning tips?

Shared at: Liz Marie: Clean It Link Party!

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