The 10 Best Bathroom Cleaning Products of 2024, Tested by Real People
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These hard-working cleaners will leave your bathroom sparkling clean
People / Alli Waataja
Cleaning the bathroom is not a chore most people enjoy, but there are ways you can make the experience less dreadful, like listening to your favorite tunes, having a cleaning buddy, and even purchasing the right products.
“A good rule of thumb for a high-traffic area like your bathroom is to deep clean it weekly to prevent bacteria growth,” said Vanesa Amaro, Clorox spokesperson and TikTok’s Queen of Cleaning. “But, of course, your cleaning schedule will vary based on your household needs and routine, like how many people live in your home and how many people regularly use each bathroom, in particular.”
For this article, we surveyed readers for their go-to cleaning products based on effectiveness, ease of application, scent, and more. With more than 3,000 responses, we’ve garnered a list of the best bathroom cleaning products.
According to a cleaning expert and our PEOPLE Tested survey, here are the best bathroom cleaning products.
Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Star Qualities
Angled spout dispenses gel into hard-to-reach spots
Clings to the bowl for better disinfecting
Red Flags
“Clean” scent fades quickly
Is it possible to get excited about the bottle design of a bathroom cleanser? It is when the product in question is Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel. The angled design of the spout makes it easy to apply to those hard-to-reach spots, like under the toilet rim. Plus, the thick gel formula coats well and sticks well — no sliding off before you can insert the toilet brush. You won’t have to scrub for long, as this cleaner is tough on stains, even those caused by hard water.
The gel is a bit tricky to get out of the bottle towards the end, so there is a risk of wasted product unless you’re patient or decide to apply it directly on the brush. Our survey respondents indicated that they would have liked a stronger fragrance, as the clean scent fades too quickly. Still, the advantages of this budget-friendly cleanser far outweigh any disadvantages.
Cleaning Purpose: Toilet | Formula: Gel | Size: 24 oz.
Best Glass Cleaner: Windex Glass & Window Spray
Star Qualities
Cleans multiple surfaces, including appliances
Doesn’t leave streaks
Red Flags
Strong chemical scent
For streak-free cleaning of glass and windows, Windex is the best. It cleans and removes grease in one swipe, making it great for a variety of other surfaces, including kitchen appliances like the microwave or refrigerator. Also, it will keep your lighted makeup mirror perfectly clean and spot-free. It’s easy to use, too — just spray and wipe with a cloth or paper towel. If you want extra cleaning power for multiple surfaces, choose Windex with vinegar.
Windex has a scent that, while clean, is a bit chemical-forward. Our survey respondents indicated they’d love this product even more if it were completely unscented. Still, we’ll keep a window open to ventilate the bathroom better if it means getting a streak-free shine in there.
Cleaning Purpose: Multipurpose | Formula: Spray | Size: 23 oz.
Best Tub and Tile Cleaner: Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfectant Bathroom Grime Fighter Spray
Star Qualities
Does the scrubbing so you don't have to
Foam covers nicely without scratching
Red Flags
Gets used up quickly
Your back and arms will thank you when you use Scrubbing Bubbles to clean your tub and shower. As the name suggests, the bubbles are doing most of the work to scrub off the soap scum stuck on your tile. Just spray, let the foam sit for a few minutes, and watch how easily you can get rid of all that grime with just a swipe of a sponge or a spritz of your showerhead.
Our survey respondents appreciated how the foam gets into tight spots easily and doesn’t scratch any surfaces. Some did find the scent to be a bit too chemical, so be sure to use this and all bathroom products in a well-ventilated area. And though it’s a 32-ounce bottle, most might prefer an even larger one given how many times they’ll reach for this cleanser.
Cleaning Purpose: Tile and grout | Formula: Spray | Size: 32 oz.
Best Grout Cleaner: ZEP Grout Cleaner and Brightener
Star Qualities
Doesn’t require much scrubbing
Easy to get into narrow grout lines
Red Flags
Not a spray-it-and-forget-it formula
Our survey respondents indicated that it doesn’t take much scrubbing to see improvement in grout on tile walls and floors, though some would like it if it were completely scrub-free. Still, our respondents found it was tough on black spots and dirt.
It does have a strong chemical smell that some didn’t love, though others took that as a sign that their bathroom was clean and disinfected. Others said they’d love a spray-and-forget-it type of formula rather than having to wash or rinse it away with clean water. Still, most said it was easy to get into the slim grout lines as an effective cleaning agent.
Cleaning Purpose: Grout | Formula: Liquid | Size: 32 oz.
Best Mold Remover: Zep Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Star Qualities
Effective at banishing mold
Great for hard-to-reach spots
Can be used elsewhere in your home
Red Flags
Strong bleach smell
Zep Mold and Mildew Stain Remover not only gets rid of mold but with regular use, keeps it from returning. It can be used to clean showers, walls, and other hard-to-reach places, thanks to its spray formulation.
This product is effective, but our respondents said the harsh bleach smell was off-putting. (Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area when using this cleanser.) Being that it can also be used throughout the home to remove mold and mildew stains, our respondents would prefer no scent, or at least a lighter one. Still, one respondent noted that Zep’s effectiveness was worth wearing a face mask to blast mold from their bathroom.
Cleaning Purpose: Multi-surface | Formula: Spray | Size: 32 oz.
Best Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover
Star Qualities
Effective at quickly unclogging drains
Simple to use
Red Flags
Requires multiple applications to fully remove clogs
If you want hair and other buildup gone from your pipes, Drano Max Ultra Gel Clog Remover is the way to go, said our survey respondents. It’s as easy as anything to use — just pour some down the drain and wait (read the instructions as to how much/how long), then run water down the drain to flush the gunk away.
No special tools or plumbing prowess are needed to use liquid drain cleaner, but users have mentioned it isn’t as strong as they’d like. While an 80-ounce bottle seems ample at first, survey respondents noted it might take several large-dose applications depending on the severity of the clog. While this can make it pricey, it's not when you consider how much a plumber and a snake might cost. Some have also said they only like using Drano as a last resort because of the potential damage it can do to pipes, but it’s successful when they do use it.
Cleaning Purpose: Drains | Formula: Liquid | Size: 80 oz.
Best Soap Scum Remover: Scrub Free Total Bathroom Soap Scum Remover
Star Qualities
Foam covers surfaces well
Does much of the work for you
Red Flags
Some scrubbing required
Our survey respondents found Scrub Free to mostly live up to its name. The foam spray covers surfaces well, and not much elbow grease is needed to remove soap scum. Aside from making cleaning the bathroom a much simpler task, many found it has a pleasant, clean smell; however, others would have preferred a scent-free product.
Some users found the chemicals to be abrasive on their hands, so be sure to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. Others would have preferred it to be even stronger so that they could just rinse it off without any scrubbing, but your mileage may vary depending on the current condition of your shower.
Cleaning Purpose: Multi-surface | Formula: Spray | Size: 32 oz.
Best All-Purpose Cleaner: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
Star Qualities
Cleans without chemicals
Eco-friendly refillable bottle
Nice, fresh scent
Red Flags
Not as powerful on grimier surfaces
Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products have long been touted as effective and environmentally friendly. Plus, the scent! Those who prefer scent-free cleaning products will disagree, but Mrs. Meyer’s lemon verbena (among other choices) leaves a clean, fresh scent anywhere you use it in your home.
Our survey respondents used this fragrant all-purpose cleaner on just about every surface in their homes — including outdoor furniture. (Be sure to read the label before using it to see if anything in your home is off-limits.) They liked that it comes in a concentrated form — just put it in a spray bottle, add water, and refill without having to purchase new bottles. Those who wish to ditch chemical-based cleansers love this eco-friendly advantage. Many find it quite effective as a cleaner, but some others wish it were more powerful, especially when cleaning grimier surfaces like stovetops.
Cleaning Purpose: Multi-surface | Formula: Spray | Size: 16 oz.
Best Room Deodorizer: Poo-Pourri Air + Fabric Multi-Purpose Odor Eliminator
Star Qualities
A little goes a long way
Fits on the top of a toilet tank
Red Flags
Fragrance might be too intense for some
Our survey respondents found a little goes a long way with the Poo-Pourri Odor-Eliminating Spray — a good thing, as the bottle is quite expensive. The manufacturer recommends using three to five spritzes, but some users reported that a tiny pump was enough to eliminate foul bathroom odors.
Unlike other large, top-heavy bathroom deodorizers, this one fits nicely on a toilet tank. The fragrance is intense, though some noted it doesn’t smell natural. Some say that the product is effective only because it succeeds in covering up one strong odor with another.
Cleaning Purpose: Bathroom deodorizer | Formula: Spray | Size: 11 oz.
Best Disinfecting Spray: Lysol Disinfectant Spray
Star Qualities
Kills nearly all viruses and bacteria
Great for large surface areas
Red Flags
Must wipe off after spraying some surfaces
Lysol has long been the go-to brand of disinfecting spray, and our survey respondents indicate this is still the case. All you have to do is spray it on a surface and wipe it with a cloth. Users found the spray covers large surface areas, but it’s also fine to use in smaller, more targeted spots.
This spray does indeed disinfect surfaces, killing up to 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, but the Crisp Linen scent is also quite the bonus. (Some do indicate they’d prefer a scent-free way to disinfect.) Some say it’s cost-prohibitive given its use, but others feel it’s well worth the price for a clean home.
It can be used on hard surfaces like countertops and soft surfaces like clothing to banish germs and general funky smells. You will have to wipe it off hard surfaces — something that some users balked at — but in general, our survey respondents tout Lysol for its effectiveness.
Cleaning Purpose: Multi-surface | Formula: Spray | Size: 19 oz.
What to Know About Bathroom Cleaning Products
Price
One might argue that a sparkling clean bathroom is indeed priceless, but, understandably, you’d rather spend your money on other things than bathroom cleaning products. Our list is full of budget-friendly cleaning products, but you’ll still want to consider how quickly you finish a bottle. For example, the Poo-Pourri Odor-Eliminating Spray might seem pricey, but a little goes a long way, so you won’t have to replenish as often.
Formula
The best bathroom cleaning products come in easy-to-use formulas like liquids and sprays. Both are fairly simple to use depending on their purpose, but you might have a preference for one over the other when you’re scrubbing tile and toilets. Speaking of the latter, the Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel is a liquid gel that clings to the inside of the bowl for even stronger disinfecting power. Keep an eye on ingredients, too, as some of the hardest hitters are chemical-based, though there are gentler options that rely on vinegar and baking soda. If having clean ingredients is a priority when it comes to your cleaning solutions, then you’ll want to prioritize those with eco-friendly ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals.
Purpose
While there are multipurpose products that can be used to clean and disinfect multiple surfaces, you’ll likely want to use dedicated products for things like cleaning your toilet and scrubbing soap scum and mildew from your shower walls or tile. With this in mind, you can’t go wrong with the Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfectant Bathroom Grime Fighter Spray to remove soap scum and dirt from frequently used areas. We also love Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener which will keep grout lines looking brand new. An all-purpose cleaning product like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid All-Purpose Cleaner Spray is great because you can use it for a multitude of purposes and surfaces.
Behind the Scenes
The Meredith Research Panel conducted a survey of Dotdash Meredith readers for their go-to bathroom cleaning products. We received more than 3,000 responses across the board for dozens of bathroom cleaning products. Each product was rated by survey respondents for effectiveness, ease of application, scent, value, and how long the product lasts. We then compiled the results to discover the best bathroom cleaning products in 10 different categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest bathroom cleaner to use?
Many bathroom cleaners contain bleach, which is a powerful weapon against mold, mildew, and more. But if you’re looking for an effective disinfectant without the chemicals, try vinegar. When combined one-to-one with water in a spray bottle, this non-toxic pantry staple creates a powerful multipurpose cleanser that cuts through grime and soap scum to clean surfaces. For an even easier option, purchase the Windex Glass & Window Spray with vinegar added. Vinegar does have natural acid in it, though, so be sure to check which surfaces you can and can’t use it on. For example, it’s fine on your tub, tiles, and even the metal showerhead, but avoid using it on natural stone surfaces. Regardless of whether you use a chemical cleaner or a natural one, make it a practice to ventilate the area for your safety.
What is the best bathroom cleaner for mold and mildew?
While bleach-based cleansers like Zep Mold & Mildew Stain Remover are often the go-to for banishing mold and mildew from bathrooms, vinegar works like a charm. If mold and mildew prove to be an ongoing issue, look into better ventilation for your bathroom, and consider using a bleach-based cleanser that won’t just clean mold but keep it from returning.
What is the best product to clean shower floors?
Our survey respondents found Scrub Free Total Bathroom Soap Scum Remover to be effective at cleaning soap scum, which likes to hang out on the bottom of tubs and showers. If you have a tile shower, try Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener to keep grout looking as good as new. And once again, vinegar works well here. However, this time we’ll recommend adding some baking soda — it will bubble and foam as it reacts with the acid in vinegar — to give it some scrubbing power.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written countless stories on home and cleaning products for Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, Taste of Home, Apartment Therapy, and more. In writing this roundup of the best bathroom cleaning products, Barbara analyzed results from the reader survey that discussed the effectiveness, ease of use, and overall value of dozens of bathroom cleaners.
Casey Clark is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as ShopTODAY, Forbes, HuffPost, and more. When researching the best bathroom cleaning products, Casey spoke with cleaning experts to learn more about how to pick the right bathroom cleaning products, what the most useful items are to look out for as you shop, and, of course, several product recommendations for purchase. She also conducted her own research, looking at various bathroom cleaning products while analyzing function, ingredients, and price.
Meet Our Expert
Vanesa Amaro is a Clorox spokesperson and TikTok’s Queen of Cleaning.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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Read the original article on People.
