Product Review: Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner

The advertising slogan for the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner is "So easy, it's like having a maid." There aren't many people who enjoy scrubbing their bath tub or shower, and people are always looking for ways to save time, so the concept is certainly appealing to a wide audience. I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to try one through a BzzAgent.com campaign.

The design

The Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner comes with a power sprayer unit, two 34 ounce bottles of cleaning solution, and four AAA Energizer batteries. It has a hook at the top and is designed to hang from your shower head. There is a deluxe version that comes with a shower caddy attached, and this is the best choice if you are used to using a shower caddy that attaches to your shower head. The bottle of shower cleaner fits into the top of the power sprayer unit. To activate the cleaner, all you have to do is push the button on the sprayer unit. The unit will beep for 15 seconds before it begins spraying and then the sprayer activates for about 12 seconds and disperses the cleaning solution.

How it works

It is recommended that you use the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner right after you shower so that the walls of your shower are still wet. According to the manufacturer, the unit can be used in an enclosed shower with glass doors or a tub-shower combo with a curtain. It is safe for use on most surfaces such as fiberglass, acrylic, and plastic, but cannot be used in showers with finished wood surfaces, natural marble, or brass fixtures.

When activated, the cleaner is sprayed in a circle so that it provides coverage for all four walls. It combines with the water on your shower walls to begin working. You do not have to rinse your shower afterward, and the cleaning solution can be safely used even if you have children or pets.

According to the manufacturer, if your shower is dirty when you begin using the unit, you should see a noticeable difference in existing mildew, stains, and soap scum deposits within two to three weeks if you use the cleaner daily.

My experience

When I started using the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner, our shower was not clean, and I was ready to put it to the test. The unit is very easy to assemble and activate. It is somewhat loud when activated, and it scared my daughter the first few times I turned it on. The scent that is provided by the solution is pleasant and leaves your shower smelling fresh even after a few hours have passed.

Every day, I eagerly checked my shower for results that it was working. After two weeks, the shower wasn't any dirtier, but I also hadn't noticed a significant difference in the cleanliness of the tile and fixtures inside. I broke out my regular shower cleaner to deal with some problem areas.

We have an enclosed shower, so I am skeptical about how well this product would work on a tub-shower combo with a curtain. The one area where I did notice a difference was in the soap scum that had accumulated on the glass on the shower door. I had tried a number of different cleaning solutions to tackle that in the past, and my efforts had not been very successful.

According to the manufacturer, the cleaning solution is supposed to last for 21 days. We only used our shower cleaner once every day, and we had to replace the cleaning solution about every 12-14 days. The refill bottles retail for about $2 each (they usually come in 2 packs for $3.99), so this can add up quickly.

This product retails for $24.99. From my experience, it's not exactly the same as having a maid, but it's not as expensive, either. If you are a neat freak and want a spotless shower, this is probably not a good value for the money. I hate having to use a squeegee to clean the shower door every day, so I have continued to use this product for that reason alone. If you want to stay on top of your shower, but don't have time to scrub it consistently, this product worth checking out.