About Randy Leighty Experience Over 15 years experience with Mirachem Corporation, a manufacturer of cleaning technologies. I have served as a trainer, technical writer, project coordinator, customer service representative and sales consultant. I can help with industrial cleaning questions, too!
Question HI, I have the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner which uses a Clorox cleaning solution. My question is, when that solution is empty, can I use a weak Clorox solution I've made myself (and refill the bottle) instead of buying their solution?
Will it work as good? Thanks.
Answer Gail:
The product that I found is the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner produced by the SC Johnson Company. I’ve reviewed materials on their website (http://www.automaticshowercleaner.com ), including the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and can give you the following opinions:
1. The MSDS indicates in Section 2 that the product contains the following ingredients requiring disclosure; “surfactant” at 1-5% of the formulation, and “water” at 75-100% of the formulation. “Surfactant” (surface active agent) is a fancy name for a detergent and will be included in any all purpose cleaner worth its salt. A typical percentage of water in an aqueous cleaner if 80%, so this formula is consistent with norms, with the range probably exaggerated to either promote safety or to protect proprietary formulas.
2. The product precautions indicate:
Do not use in a shower with brass fixtures, natural marble, or finished wood surfaces. Rinse surfaces well if the cleaner is accidentally sprayed on these surfaces.
Cleaner may lighten natural fabrics, such as cotton. Avoid contact with towels, washcloths, and other bath linens. Rinse well if accidental contact occurs.
Do not mix cleaner with other household cleaners, as hazardous fumes may result.
These statements are all consistent with the types of warnings that are included with chlorine bleach and/or aggressive cleaners, common in bathroom cleaning products. (Take a look at the Tilex bottle.) They are not consistent with a product that contains only “surfactants” as an active ingredient, but which also includes pH builders or other hazardous materials. (Check out the 409 or Fantastic bottles.)
3. The product pH is listed as 5-5.4, slightly acidic. This is consistent with a bathroom cleaner, since acids are typically used to remove inorganic stains such as mineral deposits. It is not consistent with a “surfactant” all purpose cleaner (APC) type product, that usually has an alkaline (above 7) pH.
4. The product FAQ’s indicate that the product will not leave a residue that requires rinsing. It also elaborates that the product works best when used on surfaces “wetted during showering”, and when sprayed on dry surfaces it “may leave spots” that can be “ wiped off with a damp cloth”. This suggests to me that the product incorporates some form of “shield” agent that helps water drain off of surfaces and helps prevent future adherence.
What does all of this have to do with your question?
While I do think there is some form of bleach in the product, I think there is more to it than that. In fact, I suspect that the real key to this gadget’s success is the “shield” agent that keeps the water from hanging on to surfaces long enough to contribute to soap/mineral deposits. So no, I do not believe the do-it-yourself brew will be just as effective.
There are some other considerations as well to a home solution:
- You’ll probably void the warranty on the unit.
- The solution you make may not be compatible with the pump, nozzle, etc. on the unit and may seriously shorten its useful life.
- A solution you make could leave surfaces slippery, leading to a slip and fall hazard.
- Products that are made to be poured may not be appropriate for aerosol or atomized (sprayed) application. So, a homemade solution may carry some other health and safety risks.
For what it’s worth, in my professional life I do business with SC Johnson. In my experience, they are a reputable company with a buttoned-up staff. I feel comfortable in recommending their product to you and suggesting that you continue to use it.
I hope this was helpful.
Randy Leighty
Cleaning Guide
Mirachem Corporation
clean.guide@mirachem.com
