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The Spruce / Joy Kim
Keeping your bathroom sparkling and clean is good for your health, and your home’s style and function. Whether you are cleaning your toilet or wiping down the bathroom mirror, an effective bathroom cleaner can make this chore easier and much faster.
From sprays to gels to wipes, there are numerous bathroom cleaners on the market, each with a different purpose. When shopping for a bathroom cleaner, you’ll want to consider the type, scent, and ingredients. This way, you know what you will use the cleaner for, and if you need to vent the area or take any other precautions due to the scent or ingredients. When using anything that has bleach in its ingredient list, for example, you'll want to ensure you're venting the area by cracking open a window or running a fan. You'll also want to wear protective eyewear and gloves to keep it from making contact with your skin and eyes, and never mix the cleaner with another as it can be extremely hazardous.
With safety precautions and your potential cleaning purpose in mind, though, you can leave your bathroom sparkling on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Here are the best bathroom cleaners.
Best All-Purpose Cleaner
Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist
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Amazon
Safe for various surfaces
Bleach-free
Multiple spray modes
Reusable nozzle
Can use upside-down
Can leave streaks on glass
Not a disinfectant
For powerful cleaning that can work on any bathroom surface, we recommend the Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist. It's bleach-free, and safe for everything from tile and grout to toilets. You can even reach for it to clean stainless steel hardware. Notably, you can use it on glass as well, but it may streak—similar to other all-purpose cleaners.
The nozzle is unique and has three different spray modes: small burst, medium burst, and continuous. An any-angle sprayer also sets this option apart from others like it on shelves and online. You can turn it upside-down, spray sideways, or anything in between to get to hard-to-reach places. This makes it especially great to clean toilets. Just keep in mind that the formula is not a disinfectant, so it won’t kill germs.
This is also an eco-friendly choice that creates less waste than other products. Mr. Clean offers refills that allow you to reuse the same nozzle over and over again. Simply connect the new solution package to the nozzle, then start spraying. We like the lavender scent for the bathroom, but lemon zest and a Gain laundry scent are also available.
Price at time of publish: $21
Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Gain laundry, lavender, lemon zest, wildflower
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The Spruce / Joy Kim
Best Shower Cleaner
Kaboom Shower Guard Daily Shower Cleaner
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Walmart
No scrubbing needed
Works for various stains and buildup
Streak-free finish
Not for deep cleaning
Can make floors slippery
Want a product that cleans the shower without you having to put in too much elbow grease? Spray Kaboom Shower Guard Daily Shower Cleaner on your shower walls and door, and let it do the tough work. It literally guards your shower’s surfaces to prevent everything from mold and mildew, to soap scum buildup and hard water stains. You can use it as often as needed, even daily, without worrying about buildup or damage to the surface. Like other Kaboom products, it's powered with OxiClean and leaves a streak-free finish.
However, keep in mind that this cleaner is only to maintain your bathroom. You will still need to thoroughly deep clean your shower before using it to get the best results—making sure to rinse with water and leave ample time in between cleaning sessions, so you don't mix cleaners in a hazardous way. Once the walls and shower door are clean, this spray forms a waterproof barrier on the surface. It can make the bottom of your shower slippery, so the brand recommends running your water before entering or using a non-slip mat. As a plus, this cleaner is very affordable, so it’s easy to stock up on if you plan to use it regularly.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Spray | Amount: 30 ounces | Scent: Unscented
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The Spruce / Joy Kim
Best Bathtub Cleaner
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Disinfectant Mega Shower Foamer Aerosol
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Amazon
Very easy to direct foam
Cleans while you wait
Works for various stains and buildup
Disinfects surfaces
Requires scrubbing
Foam can be hard to spread out
Another product that works while you wait, the Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Disinfectant Mega Shower Foamer Aerosol tackles your bathtub's messes—even removing built-up soap scum and hard water stains. This is a foam, so it is easy to direct it where you need it. (Although, it won’t spread quite as well as some sprays.) All you need to do is spray the formula, wait for around five minutes, and rinse it away. Dirt, hard water residue, and soap scum will rinse right off.
For more stubborn areas that haven’t been cleaned often, it may take scrubbing to get them really clean. The cleaner works on glazed ceramic tile, stainless steel, chrome fixtures, fiberglass, vinyl, glazed porcelain, glass, laminate, granite, and quartz surfaces, and so it's notably very versatile. According to the brand’s website, this product can kill up to 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, as well. And, if you use it often enough, all you will need is a quick rinse to get any soap scum off.
It has a rainshower scent that shouldn’t linger, too, especially if you have a particularly large bathroom. Still, it’s always best to use this cleaner, and others, while ventilating your area. Ringing in at a budget-friendly price, this bathtub cleaner is ultimately a super inexpensive and effective option, that's usually readily available on store shelves and online.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Foam | Amount: 20 ounces | Scent: Rainshower
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The Spruce / Joy Kim
Best Toilet Cleaner
Clorox Clinging Bleach Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner
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Amazon
Disinfects surfaces
Easy to apply
Deodorizes
Contains bleach
Requires scrubbing
Clorox makes a fantastic line of toilet bowl cleaners, but the Clinging Bleach Gel gets top marks from us. The brand’s website states that this formula kills 99.9 percent of germs, which is an important feature considering its use. It also tackles rust, lime, and calcium deposits that may have built up, and is perfect for hard water.
This toilet cleaner does contain bleach, so make sure you ventilate your bathroom when using it, take all of the necessary safety precautions, and store it out of reach of children and pets. The actual application of is easy enough, though, as the gel makes it easier to direct than a spray. For the most sparkling toilet, scrub with a toilet brush after applying the Clorox cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub once more, and flush to see a clean, white toilet bowl. The cleaner comes in two scents—ocean mist or crisp lemon—to help fight odors.
Price at time of publish: $5
Type: Liquid | Amount: 24 ounces | Scent: Ocean mist, crisp lemon
Best Drain Cleaner
Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver
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Amazon
Septic-safe
No strong fumes
Pre-measured amounts in bottle
May not work on stubborn clogs
Only has two applications
Even the grossest drain clogs are no match for the Green Gobbler Drain Clog Dissolver. It works against hair, soap, toilet paper, flushable wipes, and other organic clogs. The pre-measured packages mean you don’t have to handle the drain cleaner at all. Simply put it down the drain and let it get to work. Keep in mind that it only comes with two applicators, though. If you have multiple clogs, you may need to buy more than one. Fortunately, the product is very inexpensive.
Green Gobbler cleaner is also safe for septic systems. The formula doesn’t contain bleach or sodium hydroxide, and also doesn’t have strong fumes. For really stubborn clogs, you may need to use a plunger in addition to this cleaner. It is a good option to try before resorting to physically removing the clog, or calling a plumber.
Price at time of publish: $13
Type: Liquid | Amount: Two 15.5-ounce bottles | Scent: Unscented
Best Tile Cleaner
Grout-Eez Professional Strength Tile & Grout Cleaner
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Amazon
Safe for colored or white grout
Gets stains off old grout
Doesn’t leave a residue
Strong chemicals and some odor
Requires scrubbing
May not work on stone surfaces
Grouted tile can be tricky to clean, which is why having a product specifically formulated for these surfaces is so important. Grout-Eez cleans grime and stains, even on old grout. It is safe for colored grout, a key feature that we love. It also works for ceramic and porcelain tile, but if you have stone surfaces, it’s best to test a small area first.
You'll need to scrub to get the best results. It can be helpful to let the liquid formula sit on your tile and grout for a few minutes before beginning to scrub. Grout-Eez recommends waiting 24 hours to really see the impact it can have on your grout. Our tester said the soak time of five minutes was super short, and the concentrated formula was really effective: "Because there is a substantial amount of surface area in our shower, we can’t say that our arms didn’t fatigue with scrubbing, but after just one pass, all of the rust-colored stains were easily lifted and the tiles looked almost like they did when we first moved in."
They also stressed the importance of the safety precautions outlined on the label, and cracking open a window while you clean, since the odor is relatively strong. "As stated on the back of the bottle, you should be wearing protective eye gear as well as rubber gloves when you use this product," they said. "Grout-Eez contains urea monohydrochloride and nonylphenol ethoxylates." These are powerful, commercial-level ingredients that make quick work of messes, but could also cause damage if not handled properly. Follow the instructions and you will be good to go, though.
All in all, while it is more expensive and not as readily available as some of the other options on this list, Grout-Eez does come in a generous, 32-ounce bottle that should last a while and make your tile sparkle.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Unscented
Best Wipes
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Flushable Wipes
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Amazon
Disinfects surfaces
Resealable packaging
Flushable
Safe for various surfaces
Expensive
Not eco-friendly
Need many wipes for big messes
For easy cleaning and disposal, we recommend the Scrubbing Bubbles Flushable Wipes. They work on most bathroom surfaces and tackle bacteria as well as messes. When you are done, simply toss them in the toilet and flush. They won’t clog your pipes and offer a fresh citrus scent. They are very convenient to have on hand in your bathroom for smaller cleaning jobs, or to take with you when you’re traveling.
Unfortunately, these wipes aren’t the most eco-friendly option for cleaning the bathroom. They’re also more expensive per use compared to other products. We recommend using them occasionally, rather than as your go-to cleaning solution for larger messes, so you don’t run out of them all at once. They can last you quite a while, thanks to the resealable package that helps them stay fresh and moist.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type: Wipes | Amount: 36 wipes per package | Scent: Citrus
Best Eco-Friendly
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
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Walmart
Recyclable packaging
Comes in various scents
Cruelty-free
Not specifically for bathroom surfaces
Requires scrubbing
With eco-friendly ingredients, this spray from Mrs. Meyer’s is a favorite in many households. The solution is made without parabens, phthalates, glycol solvents, and artificial colors. While you should still take care to keep it out of reach of children and pets, the chemicals included are milder and tend not to bother people as much as harsher alternative. The formula is also cruelty-free and comes housed in recyclable packaging.
Mrs. Meyer’s products are known for their botanical scents, and this multi-surface cleaner is no exception. The lemon verbena is particularly nice for bathrooms, but the cleaner also comes in other scents, including acorn spice, apple cider, and basil. Just keep in mind that this isn’t a bathroom-specific cleaner, and may be hard to spray on surfaces like toilet bowls or showers. It can work, but you will likely need to scrub to get really tough residue and stains out. This is also more expensive than other items on our list for its size.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Basil, lemon verbena, acorn spice, apple cider, and more
A great all-purpose cleaner is Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist. It can work on any surface, sprays upside-down to reach every corner, and has refill packs available to reduce waste. For a cleaner shower every day, try the Kaboom Shower Guard Daily Shower Cleaner. This product actually creates a barrier between your shower’s surfaces and any hard water stains, soap scum, or other buildup that can makes it dirty. Best of all, it doesn’t require scrubbing if you use it daily.
What to Look for in a Bathroom Cleaner
Type
Bathroom cleaners can come in sprays, foams, liquids, wipes, or even tablets. Before deciding on the best cleaner for you, consider how you plan to use it. Sprays are often the easiest and most versatile for surfaces, but may not work upside-down or at odd angles. (Notably, the any-angle sprayer on our best overall pick, the Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist, solves this problem.) Foams are easy to direct, but don’t cover as much surface area at one time. Liquids are the hardest to apply in most cases, except for toilet bowls.
Wipes and tablets are often specialized for a specific purpose, but may not be as great of a value per single wipe or tablet. If you want something that can do it all—and delivers more bang for the buck—look for an all-purpose spray that works at multiple angles, like our best overall pick.
Scent
Bathroom cleaners can be scented or unscented. Since they are used in a smaller, enclosed space, scented cleaners may be too overpowering, even if you normally don’t have a problem with scents. For those sensitive to smells, look for an unscented product or one made with essential oils. Either way, plan to ventilate your bathroom with a fan or open window when using the cleaner you pick—this is always a good practice.
Ingredients and Safety Precautions
Bathroom cleaners are comprised of many different ingredients, some stronger and more dangerous than others. One way to ensure you’re using safe ingredients is to see if the product is enrolled in the EPA’s Safer Choice Program, which vets products to ensure they’re safer for human health as well as the environment. It’s a good idea to keep all bathroom cleaners out of the reach of children and pets due to their cleaning ingredients, as well.
Common ingredients in bathroom cleaners include bleach, ammonia, and other solvents that help to leave a sparkling—sometimes disinfected—surface. When you're cleaning, always make sure to dilute the bleach with water and only water, and never mix it with any other cleaners, especially those with ammonia, since it can create a poisonous gas.
Even when using clean, eco-friendly products, it’s important to read the ingredient list on the label, and all warnings from the manufacturer. Some manufacturers also recommend ventilating the area or wearing protective gloves and eyewear when using their product, to protect your skin and eyes in the process of cleaning.
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How often should a bathroom be cleaned?
Clean the bathroom at least once per week. If you have multiple people using the same bathroom, or have a job or hobby that creates more frequent messes, you may want to clean it more often. Keeping your bathroom clean can not only make the space more enjoyable to be in, but is also more hygienic. Just keep in mind: some bathroom cleaning products are made for daily upkeep and others target specific messes at a specific time.
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How do you deep clean a bathroom?
“When I do a deep clean of any room, I start at the top and work my way down,” says Maryland-based cleaning expert Arryn Wilmington. “This helps me keep track of my cleaning, and makes sure that I wipe up any extra products as I go.”
Start at the top with light fixtures, shower fixtures, and mirrors. Work your way down to countertops, sinks, and toilets. Finally, scrub and clean the floor, shower, or tub. You can use an all-purpose cleaner for all surfaces or specific-use cleaners, such as a toilet bowl or shower cleaner, for their respective areas. It is a good idea to use specific products for the messiest areas.
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How can you make your own bathroom cleaner?
Household bathroom cleaner is easy to make out of vinegar and essential oils for scent. Just dilute white vinegar with warm water, and apply it using a spray bottle. Keep in mind that these cleaners may not be as effective as their commercial counterparts, especially on deep stains and messes.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. A mother of three young children, Melynn spends too much time cleaning spaces in her home. When compiling this list, she looked for products that were effective and easy to use, even for busy parents. She also talked to Maryland-based cleaning expert Arryn Wilmington to get tips and tricks to make the most of your cleaning time.