It gets a lot of use, but no one wants to clean it. Bathrooms take a beating from all sorts of messes, so cleaning it is part of life. With our bathroom cleaning hacks, your lavatory will be smelling and looking brand-new in no time. And hey, while you’re in there, find out how to never pay full price for toilet paper.
Before you start cleaning, remove any items that don’t belong in the bathroom. This will make it easier to clean surfaces and fixtures. Keep all the cleaning tools and products you need in one place so you can easily access them. I imagine that you’ll want to get this process over with soon, so get your area set up for success.
Most cleaning products that I mention can be found around the house, but there are plenty of cleaning supply coupons that can save some bucks. And our ultimate cleaning guide has the details on how to clean everything from a glass stove top to rings.
1. Shine your chrome faucet with a piece of wax paper.
Just rub a piece of wax paper over the entire surface of the faucet, then buff it with a clean cloth to bring out the shine. This can be done as part of your regular bathroom cleaning routine to keep your chrome faucet looking great.
2. Scrub your bathtub with half a grapefruit dipped in salt.
First sprinkle a layer of salt onto the cut side of a grapefruit half. Then use the grapefruit to scrub the surface of your bathtub, paying extra attention to any areas with stains or buildup. Rinse the tub thoroughly with water when you’re finished.
The acidity in the grapefruit can potentially damage certain finishes or materials. Test a small, inconspicuous area first before attempting to clean the entire surface with this method.
3. Get rid of the soap scum on a shower door with a dryer sheet.
Wet the dryer sheet and use it to scrub the soap scum on your shower door. You may need to apply a bit of pressure and scrub for a few minutes to remove all of the buildup. When you’re finished, rinse the shower door thoroughly with water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. If the door has stubborn or heavy scum buildup, you may need a commercial cleaning spray to loosen it.
We have Gain and Bounce coupons so you can save when you stock up.
4. Clean your shower curtain liner in the washing machine.
5. Prevent rust stains by painting the bottom of metal cans with clear nail polish.
Rust forms when water and oxygen come into contact with metal. Painting the bottom with clear nail polish creates a barrier that prevents water from reaching the metal and causing rust.
This tip is generally effective at preventing rust stains, but it may not be suitable for all types of metal cans or finishes. Storing metal cans in a dry, cool place can help minimize the risk of rust.
6. Use a clean mascara brush to clean around the sink drain.
Please don’t use a mascara brush to pull things out of a drain if it’s clogged. Instead, use a snake or plunger to unclog it. The bristles of a mascara brush are usually fragile and may break off inside the drain, which could create a new blockage or further clog the drain.
Related: How to Clean Rings at Home With Common Household Items
7. Spray a dusty exhaust fan with canned air.
8. Sanitize your toothbrush holder and soap dish in the dishwasher.
Place the holders on the top rack and run a heated dry setting to make sure they’re thoroughly sanitized. Only holders and dishes made of dishwasher-safe materials like ceramic or plastic should be placed in the dishwasher.
As long as you’re using the dishwasher, I’ve got tips on how to clean a dishwasher with vinegar — it’s super easy.
9. Wipe down a mirror with strong brewed black tea.
10. Remove bathtub mold with cotton coil and bleach.
Related: 18 Kitchen Organization Hacks to Help Keep Your Space Tidy
11. Prevent water stains on shower doors with auto glass water repellent (like Rain-X).
First clean your shower doors thoroughly to remove any existing water stains or soap scum. Then spray the repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Not all auto glass water repellents are good for use on shower doors, so check the label.