I was skeptical when I first heard about using lemon juice in the shower. However, after trying it myself, I was pleasantly surprised by the results! Here’s an in-depth look at the benefits of this unusual shower hack.
Cleaning Power
One of the best things about lemon juice is that it’s a natural cleaner and deodorizer. The citric acid in lemons helps break down soap scum, hard water deposits, and product buildup.
Removing Soap Scum
Spray lemon juice directly onto soap scum in the shower. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or cloth. The citric acid will help dissolve the scum, making it easier to remove.
Descaling Hard Water Stains
Hard water can leave frustrating stains and scale on shower walls and floors. Spritz lemon juice onto the affected areas. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes. Then simply wipe away with a soft cloth. The natural acids in lemon juice will descale and dissolve the hard water deposits.
Removing Product Residue
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash can leave a film on shower surfaces over time. This buildup makes tiles look dull and dingy. Simply spraying lemon juice and wiping down the walls helps remove the residue. It’s so much easier than scrubbing!
Deodorizing Properties
Lemons have natural deodorizing abilities. Their fresh, citrusy scent helps overwhelm and neutralize odors.
Eliminating Mildew Smells
Mildew is a common problem in damp showers. It has an unpleasant musty odor. Spraying lemon juice directly onto affected areas helps remove the smell. For severe mildew, let the juice sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Neutralizing Body Odor Smells
The citric acid in lemons helps neutralize stubborn body odors that can linger on shower surfaces and walls. Spritz tiles and walls with lemon juice after showering to keep the area smelling fresh.
Fighting Soap Scum Odors
Soap scum doesn’t just look bad – it can smelly musty too. The fresh lemon scent overrides this odor as it breaks down the scum.
Brightening Benefits
In addition to cleaning and deodorizing, lemon juice helps brighten and restore discolored grout.
Bleaching Grout
Over time, grout can become stained and discolored. Spraying it with lemon juice helps naturally bleach and brighten it. Let the juice soak in for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff brush.
Whitening Tiles
Tile surfaces can also become dingy and dull looking from soap scum buildup and hard water stains. Apply lemon juice and let sit for a several minutes. The natural bleaching action helps whiten the tiles.
Restoring Chrome Fixtures
Chrome fixtures like showerheads can become spotted and oxidized. Spray with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Then wipe down – the acidity helps dissolve oxidation and mineral deposits.
Making a Lemon Shower Spray
While bottled lemon juice from the grocery store works, I prefer to make my own shower spray. It’s easy and cost effective.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 5-10 drops lemon essential oil (for scent)
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Add the lemon juice and essential oil to the spray bottle.
- Fill the rest with water and shake well to mix.
- Spray directly onto surfaces in the shower and let sit several minutes.
- Wipe down with a cloth or scrub with a brush/sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly.
For best results, I try to spray my shower surfaces with the lemon spray twice a week. It keeps the area fresh, clean and bright! I’m shocked at how well it works.
Safety Tips
When using lemon juice in the shower, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid getting lemon juice in your eyes as it can sting and irritate.
- Rinse surfaces thoroughly after letting the lemon juice sit. You don’t want slippery acid residue left behind.
- Test on a small area first if spraying on marble, as the acidity can etch some materials.
- Don’t spray lemon on recent scratches, as it can make them more visible.
Conclusion
I was very skeptical about using lemon juice to clean my shower. However, I’m amazed at how well it works to cut through soap scum, remove hard water stains, deodorize and brighten surfaces. It’s a super cheap and effective cleaning hack that I now use all the time! Just be sure to follow basic safety precautions, and your shower will sparkle.
