Bathroom cleaner buying guide

When buying an all-purpose bathroom cleaner, the most important factors to consider are the product’s effectiveness, cost, smell and environmental friendliness.

Compare some of the best bathroom cleaners

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Type	Size	Contains bleach?	Purchase
Lysol Bleach Free Hydrogen Peroxide Bathroom Cleaner Spray	$12.72	Spray	Two 22-oz bottles	No	Buy now
Scrubbing Bubbles Foaming Bathroom Cleaner	$14.91	Foaming spray	Two 32-oz bottles	Yes	Buy now
Method Bathroom Cleaner	$3.99	Spray	28 oz	No	Buy now
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes	$10.59	Wipes	3 packs of 75 wipes	No	Buy now
Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner	$7.99	Spray	25 oz	No	Buy now
Kaboom Foam-Tastic Bathroom Cleaner with OxiClean	$29.01	Foam	Two 19-oz cans	No	Buy now

What types of bathroom cleaners are available?

While there’s a wide range of products available specifically designed to clean toilets or showers, this guide is all about multi-purpose bathroom cleaners. These products can be used on surfaces like vanities, sinks, mirrors and tile, while some can also tackle cleaning jobs involving showers and toilets.

There are several types of bathroom cleaners to choose from:

• Sprays. The most commonly available option, these come in bottles with a nozzle and a trigger. They’re typically sprayed onto the surface you want to clean, left to sit for a specified period and then wiped or scrubbed away.
• Foams. Bathroom cleaning foams come in aerosol cans and can be sprayed on the affected area by pressing a button. It’s then left to sit for a while before you start wiping or scrubbing.
• Gels. Gels are a bit less common. They’re squeezed from the bottle directly onto the surface. If you use them to clean floors or walls, you may need to dilute them with water.
• Wipes. Designed to give your bathroom a quick and easy clean, disposable wipes are a convenient way to remove stains and disinfect surfaces.

How to compare bathroom cleaners

If you’re looking for an all-purpose cleaner to get your bathroom looking great, compare factors like:

• Cleaning performance. Does it actually work? This is the most important question to ask of any cleaning product. But short of buying a cleaner and trying it out for yourself, it’s a difficult question to answer. Before you buy, check out some independent online reviews from other customers who’ve used a product.
• Ease of use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to get a better idea of how easy a product is to use. Can it be sprayed straight from the bottle, or does it need to be diluted first? How long will you need to leave it to work its magic? Is wiping or scrubbing required, and are multiple applications recommended for particularly tough stains? Instructions for use may vary depending on the surface you’re cleaning, so read the label carefully.
• Type of cleaning. If you’ve got a particular stain or area you want to target, consider a cleaner designed to tackle a specific task. For example, there are cleaners designed to remove mold, kill germs or tackle rust stains.
• Smell. This comes down to personal preference. If you can’t smell-test the product before you buy, look for a fragrance you’ve been able to tolerate in the past.
• Environmental friendliness. Is the product you’re considering free of any harmful or unnecessary chemicals? If you’re an eco-conscious cleaner, consider a natural, plant-based product. For a detailed breakdown of the ingredients used in a cleaner, check out the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website.
• Price. Most products are priced anywhere between $2 and $10. Consider the size of the product to calculate the price per fluid ounce.

Bathroom cleaner safety tips

Before using any bathroom cleaner, check the label for instructions on how to safely use it to clean your bathroom. This will tell you how to apply the product, what safety gear you need to wear and what to do if the cleaning substance comes in contact with your skin or eyes.

It’s also essential to keep the bathroom cleaner out of reach of children or pets.

Bottom line

A good bathroom cleaning product can help you knock out your chores in less time and more effectively. Compare a few of the most popular products to find the best match for your personal cleaning style and budget.

Frequently asked questions

• Is vinegar good for cleaning bathrooms?

  Vinegar can be an effective bathroom cleaner, but it will leave behind a strong odor.

• Do I need a separate product to clean my shower?

  Not necessarily. Many all-purpose bathroom cleaners are designed to clean a variety of materials, including the glass, title, porcelain or plastic of your shower, tub and walls. Check the label on the product you’re considering to see which materials it’s recommended for.

• What's the best DIY bathroom cleaner?

  Some people swear by a vinegar, water and baking soda mixture to clean bathrooms. Combine one cup of water, half cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda in a spray bottle. Add optional lemon juice for a fresh scent.