The Alka-Seltzer Hack That'll Do Wonders For Your Dirty Shower

No one likes taking a spritz in a dirty shower, but the chore tends to get pushed back to the wayside due to how labor-intensive it is. Scrubbing down shower tiles takes a long time, and it often utilizes harsh cleaning chemicals that can make your head woozy. Plus, it can take quite a good deal of muscle. But what if there was an easier way to clean tiles that required much less effort? It turns out that Alka-Seltzer can help. The same tablets you reach for when you have heartburn or an upset stomach can double as a homemade tile cleaner.

This is a great hack to try because it gives this medicine cabinet staple a second job around the house. If the tablets are near their expiration date or you don't really have a need for them anymore, turning them into a tile cleaner is a great way to repurpose them in a useful way. This hack also provides you with a greener and less harsh way to tidy your shower, allowing you to clean it without strong chemicals or dizzying fumes. It's a win-win! Intrigued? Here is how to use Alka-Seltzer to clean your dirty bathroom tiles.

To create your DIY tile cleaner, drop 4 to 5 tablets into a spray bottle filled with warm water. Allow them to fizz until they're spent, and once they're completely dissolved, shake the bottle to mix the contents evenly. Then, take the bottle into your shower and begin spraying down your tiles. Give the solution a minute or two to penetrate the built-up body oils, hard water, and grime, and use a sponge to scrub it off. 

These bubbly tablets make good cleaning products because of what they're made of – aspirin, citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate. Aspirin helps lift stains thanks to its salicylic acid, tackling any discoloration on grout or your tiles. Citric acid, on the other hand, has a plethora of uses. The acid is great for removing stubborn hard water stains and soap scum, and it also disinfects the tiles by neutralizing bacteria. It can even tackle mold and mildew, helping you erase those telltale black stains from corners and caulking. Lastly,  sodium bicarbonate is a natural abrasive and deodorizer, helping cut through grease and leave your shower smelling refreshing. Because of these three key ingredients, Alka-Seltzer makes for a great shower cleaner.