Keeping your shower clean can be a chore, but it’s important for preventing buildup, mildew, and promoting good hygiene. However, many commercial cleaners are too harsh and can damage surfaces or strip healthy oils from skin. The good news is that pH neutral cleaners provide a nice middle ground – they clean effectively while remaining gentle.

Reviews of the Best pH Neutral Shower Cleaners

Understanding pH Levels

pH stands for “potential hydrogen” and refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0-14, with lower numbers being more acidic and higher numbers more alkaline or basic. A neutral pH around 7 is ideal for most household surfaces and skin.

Many conventional cleaners have very alkaline formulas with pH levels of 9 or higher. While this helps remove soils and stains, it can be damaging over time – wearing down grout, etching fixtures, and drying out skin. On the other hand, cleaners that are too acidic can degrade surfaces as well.

A pH balanced or neutral formula is the healthiest choice for maintaining bathrooms. It gets the job done without any harsh consequences.

Importance of pH Balance for Skin and Surfaces

Human skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH around 5. This protective acid mantle blocks germs, retains moisture, and keeps skin supple. Harsh cleaners can disrupt this balance, irritating skin and leaving you vulnerable to issues like infection or dryness.

pH also matters for the surfaces in your bathroom. Tile grout, fiberglass surrounds, chrome, and other materials are designed to withstand water exposure. But ongoing use of highly acidic or alkaline cleaners wears them down over time. You may notice erosion, corrosion, discoloration or cracks.

A pH neutral shower cleaner is formulated to avoid damage. It keeps your skin healthy while allowing surfaces to maintain their structural integrity much longer. Regular use can extend the lifetime of your bathroom fixtures.

Ingredients to Look For

When comparing products, check the label for these pH-friendly ingredients:

• Plant-based soap – Castile soap from vegetable oils has excellent cleaning power without harsh detergents.
• Essential oils – Oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil naturally fight germs and odors.
• Citric acid – This mild acid derived from citrus gently removes soap scum and hard water stains.
• Alcohol – Ethyl alcohol is an effective disinfectant to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Ingredients to Avoid

Steer clear of these ingredients common in conventional cleaners:

• Ammonia – This strong base has a very high pH and gives off toxic fumes.
• Sulfates – Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) causes skin dryness and irritation.
• Synthetic fragrances – These can trigger allergic reactions like asthma.
• Phosphates – This water pollutant contributes to algae overgrowth.

Reviews of the Best pH Neutral Shower Cleaners

Now that you know what to look for in a gentle yet hardworking shower cleaner, let’s review some top options on the market. We’ll cover how they work and their pros and cons.

1. Method Daily Shower Cleaner

Method makes an outstanding daily shower spray powered by naturally-derived ingredients like corn and coconut. With a light eucalyptus mint scent, it’s pH neutral and gentle enough for stone surfaces.

How It Works

• Plant-based formula breaks down soap scum
• Glycerin helps shower doors shine
• Won’t etch or erode surfaces
• Light fresh scent

The Pros

• Cleans well without scrubbing
• Leaves glass sparkling
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Vegan and never tested on animals

The Cons

• Bottle could spray more finely
• Can leave spots if you don’t squeegee

Bottom Line

Method is a top eco-friendly choice that leaves your shower fresh and clean every day. The environmentally-responsible formula makes it safe for you and plumbing systems.

2. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Shower Cleaner

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day has a patented shower spray made from essential oils that cut through soap scum. The pH balanced formula works well for fiberglass and plastic surrounds.

How It Works

• Plant-derived ingredients
• Thyme oil cuts through buildup
• Olive oil conditions surfaces
• Light jasmine grapefruit scent

The Pros

• Contains no harsh chemicals
• Restores sheen to surfaces
• Short ingredient list
• Cruelty-free formula

The Cons

• Scent could be stronger
• Can require a bit of scrubbing
• Only available in 16 oz bottle

Bottom Line

With its all-natural plant ingredients and refreshing scent, Mrs. Meyer’s is one of the safest, non-toxic shower cleaners out there. It’s tough on grime yet gentle enough for daily use.

3. Better Life Natural Shower Cleaner

The Better Life shower cleaner uses coconut-based cleaners for an effective formula safe enough to handle without gloves. It’s unscented and ideal for soft surfaces like fiberglass.

How It Works

• Coconut-derived sudsing agents
• Grapefruit seed extract disinfects
• Vitamin E conditions surfaces
• No added fragrance

The Pros

• Foams away soap scum
• Won’t etch or corrode
• Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin
• Smooth lotion-like texture

The Cons

• Formula separates and needs shaking
• Can leave some hazy residue
• Scent might be too mild for some

Bottom Line

With a completely non-toxic formula, Better Life is one of the safest everyday shower cleaners out there. It’s gentle enough for those with skin sensitivities but still packs a cleaning punch.

4. ECOS Shower Cleaner

The ECOS magnesium-based cleaner uses the power of oxygen to lift away soap scum and hard water stains. The botanical formula is biodegradable, VOC-free and low odor.

How it Works

• Magnesium salts and oxygen bubble away grime
• Plant oils give a fresh citrus scent
• Vanilla oil eliminates stagnant smells
• Residue-free formula

The Pros

• Foaming action clings to surfaces
• Removes tough hard water stains
• Won’t corrode fixtures or tile
• Paraben and phosphate-free

The Cons

• Contains sodium lauryl sulfate
• Can leave a soapy film
• Bottle doesn’t spray upside down

Bottom Line

With its residue-free formula, ECOS is a solid eco-friendly option for hard water areas. It leaves your shower fresh without any lingering chemical smell. Just be sure to squeegee after to prevent water spots.

5. Seventh Generation Shower Cleaner

Seventh Generation uses plant-powered ingredients like thymol and citric acid for an effective shower spray that cuts through buildup naturally. It’s USDA Certified Biobased and packaged in recyclable bottles.

How It Works

• Plant-derived formula foams away grime
• Spot-free rinsing formula
• Light crisp scent from essential oils
• Packaged in 100% recycled bottles

The Pros

• Removes soap scum without scrubbing
• Won’t dull fiberglass or tile
• Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
• Not tested on animals

The Cons

• Could have more spray power
• Scent is mild and fades quickly

Bottom Line

With its plant-powered cleaning action and ethical company values, Seventh Generation is an excellent choice for eco-conscious households looking for safe but effective results.

6. Cleancult Shower Cleaner

The Cleancult mineral-based formula uses naturally-derived foaming agents and essential oils to banish grime without toxins or preservatives. The sleek aluminum bottle is reusable forever.

How It Works

• Mineral salts lift dirt and oils
• Plant oils give an uplifting scent
• Foaming spray clings to surfaces
• Scented with pure essential oils

The Pros

• Cuts through stubborn soap scum
• Gentle enough for daily cleaning
• Sustainable packaging
• Cruelty-free formula

The Cons

• Bottle doesn’t spray upside down
• Can leave cloudy residue if not rinsed
• Only one scent option currently

Bottom Line

With Cleancult’s non-toxic cleaner concentrated in a forever bottle, you get powerful cleaning action with less plastic waste. The bubbles lift away grime for a refreshing clean feeling.

Using Your New pH Neutral Cleaner

Now that you’ve chosen the best pH balanced shower cleaner for your needs, let’s go over some tips for using it effectively. Follow this advice, and you’ll keep your tile, fixtures and glass sparking all week long.

• Save

Application Tips

Here are some tricks for getting the most from your shower spray:

• Shake well before each use.
• Mist directly onto surfaces instead of spraying onto a cloth. This allows the cleaner to penetrate buildup directly.
• Let sit for a few minutes before wiping down with a microfiber cloth, sponge or loofah in circular motions. This gives the active ingredients time to work.
• Rinse thoroughly and use a squeegee on glass doors and walls after each shower. This prevents water spots and mineral deposits left behind as water dries.
• For tougher buildup like soap scum or hard water stains, spray cleaner on and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Periodically clean the full shower walls and floor on hands and knees to keep ahead of grime.

Cleaning Schedule

Here’s a schedule to keep your shower fresh between deep cleanings:

• Daily: Spray down walls, floors, fixtures after each use. Squeegee glass and wipe dry with towel.
• Weekly: Do a full spray cleaning – let sit, scrub entire area, rinse. Pay special attention to grout and crevices where buildup hides.
• Monthly: Deep clean with brush scrubbing. Remove shower heads and filters to soak in diluted cleaner then rinse.

Sticking to this routine makes cleaning a breeze! It only takes minutes after showering but prevents soap scum and hard water stains from taking hold.

FAQs

How often should I clean my shower with a pH neutral cleaner?

 Ideally, spray down your shower surfaces and fixtures after each use, allowing cleaner to penetrate buildup. Wipe and squeegee dry. Scrub entire area weekly, paying special attention to tile grout and crevices.

Can pH neutral cleaners remove mold and mildew?

Yes, most contain ingredients like alcohol, thyme oil or grapefruit seed extract that safely disinfect surfaces and prevent future mold growth without harsh bleach or ammonia.

Are natural shower cleaners as effective as chemical formulas?

Today’s top eco-friendly cleaners use plant-powered ingredients that rival the cleaning power of conventional brands without the health risks. Look for plant oils, essential oil disinfectants and fruit acids for cutting grease and buildup.

Do pH balanced shower cleaners require rinsing?

Most are designed to be no-rinse formulas. However, you’ll get the best results by thoroughly rinsing and squeegeeing surfaces after letting cleaner penetrate buildup first. This prevents spots or residue.

How do I get rid of existing soap scum and mineral buildup?

For challenging deposits, spray cleaner onto surfaces and let penetrate 5-10 minutes. Scrub with a brush, cloth or loofah using circular motions before thorough rinsing. Repeat as needed for stubborn areas.

Conclusion

We’ve covered why pH matters when choosing a shower cleaner and how to select a gentle yet hardworking formula. A pH neutral product like Method, Mrs. Meyer’s, Better Life or ECOS allows you to scrub away grime without damaging fixtures, tile or skin.