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The Key to a Squeaky-Clean Shower Is...Chamomile?

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Of all the home cleaning woes that feel like an uphill battle (see: never-ending piles of laundry, rampant dust bunnies), none affect me so personally as scuzzy shower grout. See, I live on the fourth floor of a prewar building with prewar plumbing—and my unvented bathroom wears these factors like a badge...in the form of grout, tile and shower curtain liners that need near-constant attention. Which leads me to the discovery of Branch Basics.

When I received a sample of this all-natural cleaning concentrate—one-seventh of the brand's premium starter kit—I knew exactly where I’d be testing its mettle: my scary shower. And to be honest? I wasn’t too optimistic. (The primary ingredient is chamomile, for goodness' sake!)

The Process

Per instruction, I spritzed my shower heavily with the bathroom cleaner, allowing it to soak for 15 minutes before re-entering the room. Since Branch Basics claims to be "the safest cleaner in the world," I eschewed rubber gloves and started wiping up with a sponge directly. Guys. I kid you not—it was like taking a Magic Eraser to my shower grout. The grime seemingly melted away with a single swipe, leaving behind a fragrance-free, grease-free residue that simultaneously left my hands feeling moisturized.

What I Like About It

Here’s the deal: Branch Basics' formula is a combo of entirely plant-derived, all-natural ingredients. In addition to chamomile, which helps eliminate yucky patina, it combines with other agents, like coco glucocide (a coconut-based alternative to sulfates) and sodium citrate (a crystalline salt that acts as a water softener), to allow for that seamless grime lift.

Look, I’d be lying if I told you I’m a convert because it's an all-natural product—I’m a convert because it’s simply the most effective product I’ve tried. The fact that using it also makes me feel like Gwyneth Paltrow? That’s just an added bonus.

From here on out, I'll be keeping my bathroom stocked with everything the brand has to offer, from its foaming wash bottle and all-purpose bottle to its bathroom bottle on deck at all times—especially since they come in the kit, which also includes Oxygen Boost (a strength-booster for your agents) and a laundry wash bottle. Take it from me—the value set is a steal.

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grace1

Home Editor

From 2014-2019 Grace Beuley Hunt held the role of Home Editor covering interior design, styling, trends and more.