scrub a dub-dub

Bathtubs require cleaning at least once a week.  No ifs, ands or buts about it.  Our approach to porcelain or, in the case of our new Duravit, fiberglass, is a gentle one. Avoid scratching the surface by shunning harsh abrasives that will a) mar the tub’s original appearance and b) create microscopic reservoirs of bacteria.

Clean+istry regularly uses Annie Berthold-Bond’s (may we call you Annie?) recipe for natural soft scrub.  And we love it.

Annie Berthold-Bond is the goddess of green clean.  She is the author of Better Basics for the Home:  Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living and Clean & Green.  She is also the creator of the betterbasics.com website.  Her tips for eco-friendly cleaning can be found in the Healthy Living section of care2.com.

Here’s how it goes.  This requires 30 seconds of your time, so relax.  Start by pouring a half-cup of baking soda in a small bowl.  Next, gradually add your favorite natural liquid detergent with one hand, while simultaneously stirring the mixture using a fork with the other.  Whip the two ingredients together until you achieve the consistency of frosting.

 
Admire your abilities and then head for the tub.

We use a combination of Mrs. Meyers liquid dish soap (in a variety of scents) and Arm & Hammer baking soda.  Left-overs can be stored in refrigerator. Or not.  Be careful, however, the soft scrub looks and smells so good that a member of Clean+istry’s household very nearly served it as dip for a party.