MAKE YOUR OWN SHOWER SPRAY -
Shower
spray products such as Tilex work very well to prevent buildup of
calcium carbonate in showers and tubs and they are convenient to use
but they are very expensive, ( about $5.00 per qt. )
You can make your own for much less money.
You will need:
1. Distilled water. Some people say De-Ionized water is just as good as distilled but I don’t believe it, use distilled.
2.
Pure ammonia. Most of the ammonia you see in the stores has additives
such as lemon scent etc. etc. You want just ammonia (ammonium
hydroxide). Here’s how to tell: pick up the bottle and shake it. If it
forms a layer of suds on top, it has additives, don’t buy it. Many
supermarkets don’t have pure ammonia, you might have to go to a
hardware store or janitorial supply.
3.
Ethyl Alcohol. I use cheap vodka which is 40% ethyl alcohol. It would
probably be cheaper to use rubbing alcohol. Most rubbing alcohol is
isopropyl. I haven’t tried this, maybe it would work just as well. If
you look around, it is possible to find rubbing alcohol made with ethyl
alcohol. This is what I would recommend, I’m sure it would be cheaper
than the vodka. Rubbing alcohol is sold in strengths of 50% and 70%.
You’re getting more bang for the buck if you get 70%.
To Mix:
Fill
a one quart spray bottle about ½ full of distilled water. Add one ounce
of ammonia and 2 ½ ounces of vodka ( or 1 ½ ounces of 70% rubbing
alcohol ). Add more water to make one quart total. Since you’re
probably buying the distilled water by the gallon, it might be easier
to mix the solution one gallon at a time in the water bottle. Just
multiply everything by four.
Spray the
solution on the shower walls and curtain or door as soon as you finish
the bath. Don’t wait till the water starts to dry. You don’t have to
dry the walls or anything, just spray and leave it. The ammonia in the
spray can be irritating to eyes, nose, and throat. If you are
sensitive, don’t do this in a closed shower stall. If your shower
already has a buildup of calcium, this method will take it off but it
might take several months. It’s faster to scrub it with white vinegar.
This
solution can be used for other cleaning jobs also, such as a general
de-greaser and for windows. It will also kill odors in the garbage can.
-- Tom Warburton
26/10/09
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Do what thy manhood
bids thee do, From none but self expect applause. He noblest lives, and
noblest does, Who makes and keeps his self-made laws. ~~ Sir Richard
Francis Burton