The Best Bathroom Cleaners for Your Shower and More
Including a bathroom scrubber that works on glass and tile.
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Let's be honest: There is a lot to tackle in the bathroom. When chore day comes around, cleaning your bathroom can include mopping your floors, disinfecting the toilet, wiping down your glass shower doors and more. But wading through popular cleaning products on TikTok or online retailers can become another chore on your to-do list. And how do you really know what's best for each task?
Our cleaning experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute tested the best bathroom cleaners in our Lab, including the best shower cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, grout cleaners and more. We then send these products to at-home testers who report on how well these cleaners tackle real-life soap scum, mold, mildew and hard water stains.
Pros
- Keeps surfaces bacteria-free for 24 hours
- Kills 99.9% of germs
- Can cut through soap scum
Cons
- Can’t be used on unsealed marble, granite, stone or wood
In our tests, we found this Microban cleaner works quickly to clean most surfaces and loved its long-lasting benefits. In fact, our cleaning pros gave it the GH Seal. This all-purpose bathroom cleaner cleans surfaces and keeps them bacteria-free (though not virus-free) for 24 hours — even after it's been touched. It kills 99.9% of germs, including cold, flu and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. It also keeps mold and mildew at bay for seven days on hard surfaces and cuts through soap scum.
We like that this bathroom cleaner is bleach-free so your clothing is less likely to be damaged if you happen to get some on your shirt. Plus, you won't have to deal with that uncomfortable bleach smell while using it. One thing to note: Microban advises against using this on unsealed marble, granite, stone or wood.
Form: Liquid spray | Disinfectant: Yes | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
Scotch-Brite Swift Scrub Tub & Shower Wand
Pros
- Targeted soap scum in Lab tests
- Can be used on walls, tubs, glass and more
- Doesn't drip while using
Cons
- Handle isn't very long
Our cleaning experts gave this innovative bathroom scrubber a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award thanks to its versatile design that lets you clean walls, tubs, shelves, glass and more. All you have to do is fill it with your preferred cleaner. Talk about an all-in-one product! In our Lab tests, the cleaner neatly dispensed liquid and didn't drip. It was also able to tackle soap scum. It's finally time to throw away the dish wand you secretly used as an impromptu bathroom scrubber. One Amazon reviewer did note, however, that they found the wand to be too short in length and thus they weren't able to clean the top of the shower.
Form: Wand | Disinfectant: No | Bleach vs. bleach-free: N/A
Pros
- Innovative plastic-free alternative
- Easy to store when not in use
- Time-saving and effective
Cons
- Pricey
If cleaning the toilet is one of your least favorite bathroom chores, then you'll appreciate EC30's swatches that make it a breeze. All you have to do is drop one of these pouches in the toilet, let it foam, brush and flush! Not only is this toilet cleaner a great plastic-free alternative, but it's also a time saver. These innovative pouches received a GH Best Cleaning & Organized Award as Lab testing showed them to be the most effective toilet cleaning tool. Our evaluations also found the product easy to use and store, although the 15-count package is on the pricier side.
Form: Foam swatches | Disinfectant: No | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner Bleach
Pros
- Requires minimal scrubbing
- Angled nozzle helps get under toilet seat rim
- Kills 99.9% of germs and deodorizes toilet
Cons
- Hard to see the cleaner in toilet bowl
We included this product in our toilet bowl cleaner roundup because it cleaned up messes more quickly and effectively than 11 other toilet cleaners tested. In our tests, it took very little scrubbing to make the toilet bowl sparkle. This cleaner contains bleach, so it kills 99.9% of germs and deodorizes the toilet, though the manufacturer recommends allowing the product to sit for 10 minutes before flushing for best results.
The angled nozzle helps target this liquid gel under the rim, but the color is light and we found it hard to see where it was applied. In turn, we ended up putting on more to make sure the entire toilet bowl was covered. It's also worth noting that bleach won't help with any rust stains in your toilet, so you'll want to select a bathroom cleaner specifically formulated for that task.
Form: Gel | Disinfectant: Yes | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach
Method Eucalyptus Mint Daily Shower Spray
Pros
- Online shoppers say the bottle is easy-to-use
- Can prevent soap scum build-up
Cons
- Some consumers did not like the scent
We have tested plenty of cleaning products from Method, including a spray that was selected as one of the best upholstery cleaners, and we trust the brand's formulas. This Daily Shower Spray is Amazon's Choice with over 14,000 online ratings — 78% of which are five-star reviews. The manufacturer claims the product helps prevent the build-up of soap scum, mold and mildew — all of which may be of concern when it comes to cleaning your shower.
Satisfied customers appreciate that no squeegee is needed. One five-star review called it the "best all-around daily shower spray" and said it keeps their glass shower doors clean. While the fresh scent can be nice, some shoppers did not like the eucalyptus mint fragrance. If you tend to be more sensitive to smell or prefer unscented cleaning products, this spray may not be for you.
Form: Spray | Disinfectant: No | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
Pros
- Affordable and convenient to use
- Built-in foam means no bathroom cleaner liquid necessary
- Has a light scent
Cons
- Can be difficult to store after use
The original Mr. Clean Magic Eraser earned the Good Housekeeping Seal because of how well it cleans a variety of surfaces and how convenient it is to use. The Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber works just as well on glass shower doors, the tub and tile. It has the same microscrubbers as the original Magic Erasers and requires no other bathroom cleaning gels or sprays. The scrubber has soap built in that foams up when you wet and squeeze it.
After wetting it, you may find it a bit difficult to store — we suggest a plastic container with a lid — and some reviewers online complained of them falling apart too quickly after regular use. Its scent is light and pleasant, and it's affordable at a little over $1 per scrubber.
Form: Sponge | Disinfectant: No | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
CLR Mold and Mildew Clear Stain Remover Spray
Pros
- Odorless
- Requires minimal scrubbing
- Works quickly
Cons
- Doesn't cling to surfaces
Mold and mildew stains are not easy to get rid of, even with the best advice and instructions from experts. But the Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray from CLR impressed our pros and panel of consumer testers, earning it a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award.
One of our consumer testers used this cleaner spray to eliminate mold and mildew stains on their boat, finding that it required a lot less scrubbing than their usual boat cleaner. "It worked and I didn't have to use my whole body weight to scrub," they said. It does not cling to surfaces like gel cleaners do, but it does foam up so it stays on vertical wall surfaces a little longer than non-foaming sprays. This stain remover spray only needs to sit for 10 minutes to work and it's odorless.
Form: Foaming spray | Disinfectant: No | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner
Pros
- Continues to whiten grout as it dries
- EPA Safer Choice certified
- Works with minimal scrubbing
Cons
- Can only be used on white grout
CLR Brilliant Bath tops our list of the best grout cleaners and is our expert pick for the best foaming bathroom cleaner. In our Lab tests, we found this spray zapped stains fast and the grout became noticeably whiter as it dried. One product tester even reported, "My shower grout was so bright and clean afterward, I couldn't stop admiring it." The foaming spray also cuts through dirt, calcium, lime, hard water deposits and soap scum — all without bleach.
While it works well on white grout and other surfaces like stainless steel, glass and ceramic, it should not be used on grout of any other color as it can cause discoloration. Like many other CLR cleaning products, Brilliant Bath is also part of the EPA's Safer Choice Program which includes products that are safer alternatives to traditional chemicals.
Form: Foaming spray | Disinfectant: No | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
Clorox Scentiva Wet Mopping Cloths
Pros
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses
- Textured surface is designed to pick up dirt and debris
- Disposable
Cons
- Scent may be strong for some people
Wet mopping cloths are a great way to skip the mop and bucket when cleaning the bathroom. Loaded with the same germ-fighting power as other Clorox bathroom products, these cloths kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including the flu and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. We've tested dozens of products from Clorox and trust the brand's performance.
Each wet mop cloth is designed to fit on a disposable mop like the GH Seal Star Swiffer Sweeper. The cloth also has a textured surface to trap dirt and debris. When you're finished mopping, just throw the used mopping cloth away. The mopping cloths come in several scents but can be a little strong for some people.
Form: Floor Mopping Pads | Disinfectant: Yes | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
Pros
- Streak-free cleaning
- Mist spray with no drips
- Does not leave residue behind
Cons
- Cannot be refilled like other glass cleaners
Sometimes it seems like bathroom mirrors get foggy the second you run warm water in the shower. Keeping mirrors clean is just one small part of cleaning the bathroom, but it's an important one. In our tests, this Invisible Glass Cleaner cleaned mirrors and glass without leaving unsightly streaks. It was effective against fingerprints, dirt and grease and does not have additives that can leave residue behind, so surfaces look clean when dry and don’t attract dust and grime.
When we tested this cleaner, we liked the fine mist it released. It made cleaning easier and neater, and we weren’t chasing drips down the glass as we wiped. This cleaner can also be used to clean other glass surfaces like stovetops and patio doors, as well as chrome surfaces. We appreciate the product's versatility given the higher price tag.
Form: Aerosol spray | Disinfectant: No | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
Lysol Dual Action Wipes
Pros
- Only needs to sit for four minutes to disinfect
- Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria
- Can help prevent mold and mildew grwoth
Cons
- Can dry out with improper storage
Wipes are a quick, disposable solution to cleaning up messes around the house. These Lysol Dual Action Wipes take it one step further, packing the disinfecting ingredients of the Lysol brand into a double-sided wipe that can scrub stuck-on messes with no need for other cleaning products or tools. One side of the wipe is textured for scrubbing and the other side is soft for wiping surfaces. It cleans and disinfects, killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in four minutes and it helps remove allergens. It helps prevent mold and mildew growth too.
As a bonus, according to the Lysol website, you can also use these on electronics such as smartphones, tablets and remotes. We did so with success, but, for safety, it's always best to follow the cleaning recommendations of your device's manufacturer. Like other cleaner wipes, these can dry out over time, especially if you leave the lid open.
Form: Wipes | Disinfectant: Yes | Bleach vs. bleach-free: Bleach-free
How we test bathroom cleaners
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we've tested every bathroom cleaning category you can think of. It's difficult to mimic the mold, mildew, hard water stains and soap scum that build up in our home bathrooms in a Lab setting, so we test bathroom cleaning products in our own homes. We evaluate how easy each product is to dispense, how well they remove the stains they claim to clean and how long each product takes to work.
Additionally, we carefully inspect each product's label to verify that every product we recommend includes the proper safety and use instructions. When applicable, we also reach out to brands for their in-house lab data to verify the claims on the label and, if they claim to kill any viruses and bacteria, we confirm that they are registered with the EPA.
Products that are submitted for consideration in our Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards are also sent to our panel of consumer testers who use the products in their homes and submit feedback on their experiences. All of our consumers' notes are carefully considered, as are consumer reviews online.
What to look for when shopping for the best bathroom cleaners
✔️ All-purpose vs. dedicated cleaner: An all-purpose cleaner can work well on things like counters and floors, but for toilets, mirrors, showers and tubs, a dedicated cleaner specifically formulated to clean up those items will be necessary. Dedicated cleaners contain ingredients that can more efficiently eliminate the messes that are commonly found in the bathroom.
✔️ Disinfectant: Bathroom cleaners with disinfectant ingredients are always a good idea for the bathroom. It's a high-traffic shared space where a lot of germs can be exchanged. If you're buying a bathroom cleaner that claims to kill viruses and bacteria, make sure that they are registered with the EPA.
✔️ Form: Liquid and foam spray cleaners are great for cleaning large surfaces like tubs and showers, but they require a tool to work the product into the surface. If you prefer an all-in-one product, pre-moistened wipes and scrubber sponges like our best for soap scum pick from Mr. Clean, are great options, though you'd likely have to go through many wipes to get your whole shower clean. Clinging gels are especially helpful for shower walls and toilet bowls as they can remain on the surface for longer, giving ample time for the formula to penetrate stains.
✔️ Surfaces to clean: It is important to make sure that the product is safe to use on the materials in your home. Products with bleach can usually only be used on non-porous, white surfaces to avoid damaging the color and finish. Many manufacturers warn against using harsh chemicals on stone counters, and strong cleaners for porcelain toilets and ceramic sinks can easily damage stainless steel. The safest option is to carefully read all precautions on the label of the product you choose and contact the manufacturer if you are unsure.
How often should the bathroom be cleaned?
Every home has different cleaning needs, but because the bathroom is such a busy place in our homes, more frequent cleanings are best to keep the area as germ-free as possible. You should deep-clean the entire bathroom at least once every two weeks, but high-traffic areas like the toilet and sink should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a week. If someone at home was recently sick, it's even more important to disinfect the area frequently to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria in shared spaces.
What is the best bathroom cleaner for hard water stains?
Hard water stains, or those cloudy-looking spots you may find in your shower, can be a hassle to remove. These stains arise when hard water leaves behind mineral deposits that turn into an unappealing residue. It's important to tackle hard water stains as they can slow down or even clog your drains.
Look for a cleaner with a mild acid like vinegar (acetic acid), lactic acid or citric acid. This "helps dissolve and cut through the hard water mineral deposits," explains Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté. Simply apply the product, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub and rinse. If you want to make a homemade cleaning solution, you can mix vinegar and dish soap and then apply a baking soda scrub. Or, use the Mr. Clean Magic eraser to scrub cloudy stains right off! Read our guide to removing hard water stains for more tips from our pros.
What are the best bathroom cleaners for your shower?
While you can look to our above shower-specific picks or our guide to the best shower cleaners, here are a few more tips. Forté recommends a general bathroom or tub and tile cleaner for tackling wall and floor surfaces, tiles and the tub. "They are also safe for cleaning chrome fixtures and the bottoms of any vinyl shower curtains or liners where you want to remove soap scum or mold build-up," says Forté. However, we don't recommend using this type of cleaner on fabric shower curtains. If you have a glass shower door, you can use a general bathroom cleaner, but Forté suggests you look for a vinegar-based cleaner or one designed for hard water stains.
What bathroom cleaning products shouldn't I mix?
You should never mix any cleaning products, but it is especially important to not mix any bleach bathroom products with any other types of cleaners in your home — not even other types of bleach cleaners). Mixing cleaning products can cause harmful fumes to develop, potentially harming you and your home's occupants. It can also cause serious damage to your plumbing. Cleaning products are formulated to work just as they are, so you shouldn't have to mix them to get the best result.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Kim has over 17 years of experience developing products and researching and writing about consumer products in the home, textiles, media and technology categories.
Jodhaira Rodriguez previously researched, tested and wrote about every cleaning product under the sun for the GH Institute. She tested 12 toilet brushes to put together a list of the best toilet brushes and tested several bathroom cleaning products that were submitted for the Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
From 2021 to 2023, Jodhaira (she/her) was a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and wrote about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens.
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