The 15 best shower and bathtub cleaners of 2023, according to experts
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There are so many different kinds of bathtub and shower cleaners on the market, and knowing which type is best for the job at hand can be confusing.
We enlisted Thomas Dougherty, the vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Katie Dills, a senior vice president at The Cleaning Authority, to break down the most common types of tub and shower cleaning agents and tools and help you choose the right ones for your household.
Before you choose a tub and shower cleaner, it’s important to know the type of material(s) your tub and shower are made of, to avoid causing costly damage by using the wrong cleaning agents or tools. The most common types of tub and shower materials are enameled metal, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, tile, marble and other natural stones. If you have a tub/shower combo, you may find yourself cleaning more than one type of material, for example, a porcelain tub and tiled shower walls. When selecting a new bathroom cleaning product, Dills says, “it’s important to read the product label and ensure it’s safe to use on the surface you’re intending to clean.”
Here are 15 of the best tub and shower cleaning products, including the right tools to use for the job.
Shower and bathtub cleaning agents
Tub and shower cleaning agents come in many forms, from sprays to powder and cream cleansers. Dougherty and Dills break down the differences between, and benefits of, these products.
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner
"Spray cleaners are one of the most popular types of bathroom cleaners," Dills says. "They come in a liquid form and are typically sold in spray bottles for easy application. Spray cleaners are convenient to use as they can be applied directly to the surfaces, and some may have a foaming action for better coverage. They are often formulated to remove soap scum, mineral deposits and mildew."
Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer
Aerosol foam cleaners like Scrubbing Bubbles can provide better coverage, and cling to vertical surfaces better than liquid tub and shower cleaners.
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser for Kitchens & Bathrooms
"Powder cleaners usually contain small abrasive particles that help scrub away tough stains and grime on bathroom surfaces," Dills says. "Powder cleansers are mixed with water to form a paste, which is then applied and scrubbed onto the surfaces."
Comet Cleanser
When choosing a powder cleanser, it's important to know that some are gentler than others. Comet, which contains bleach, is a more heavy-duty powder cleanser than Bon Ami. Powder cleansers, because they are abrasive, can cause scratching and should be tested on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it won't damage the surface.
Soft Scrub Multi-Purpose Kitchen and Bathroom Cleanser
"Cream cleansers have a thick, smooth consistency," Dills says. "These are also used for tough stains and grime but are less abrasive than powder. Cream cleansers are typically applied by squeezing the product onto a sponge or cloth and then scrubbing the surfaces." As with powder cleansers, many cream cleansing formulas, including Soft Scrub, are available with or without chlorine bleach.
Heinz Cleaning Vinegar
If you have hard water in your home, you may experience rust-like mineral staining in your tub or shower. "You can make your own hard water stain remover by combining equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle," Dougherty says. "Spray the mixture over the area you want to clean, let it sit, then scrub it. We also recommend wiping away water when you’re done using your faucet on a regular basis to prevent more stains from forming."
X-14 Professional Mildew Stain Remover
X-14 is a heavy-duty cleaning product that can be used on grout, tile, vinyl or plastic surfaces that have developed staining from mold, mildew or Serratia marcescens, the pinkish-orangish bacteria often found in bathrooms. It works incredibly quickly, with minimal scrubbing required. However, because it is a heavy-duty cleaning product, when using it, you must wear protective household gloves, and ensure the area you're working in is well-ventilated; donning a mask while spraying X-14 is also recommended.
Shower and bathtub cleaning tools
Along with choosing the right cleaning agent, there are cleaning tools that are essential for the task at hand.
Dry Rite Best Magic Microfiber Cloth, Set of 12
Microfiber cloths are the best choice for cleaning tubs and showers, because the microfibers pick up more dirt, grime and buildup than sponges or cotton cleaning rags. Switching to microfiber will make an immediate and noticeable difference in the amount of time and energy it takes to perform the chore, and leave you with better results.
Hiware All-Purpose Shower Squeegee
Other than switching to microfiber cleaning cloths, the best thing you can do for the cleanliness of a shower is to invest in a squeegee. Use it after showering to quickly wick water off walls (and glass shower doors, if you have them), which will help to prevent bacterial growth, keeping the bathroom cleaner, longer.
Libman Scrub Brush Kit
When cleaning grout or joints, a scrub brush will help to scour away buildup and allow you to get into tight corners where bacteria form.
Fgbnm Drill Brush Attachment Set
If you want to add some power to your bathroom cleaning efforts, upgrade from manual scrub brushes to a set of scrub brushes that attach to a power drill.
Oxo Good Grips Extendable Tub and Tile Scrubber
If you struggle to reach certain sections of your tub or shower, an extendable scrubber will make a world of difference come chore time. Check out our guide to tools that help you clean hard-to-reach places for more telescoping scrubber recommendations.
Libman Medium Green Nitrile Heavy-Duty Reusable Rubber Gloves
Household gloves are essential when working with heavy-duty cleaning products, especially ones that contain bleach, to protect your hands from harsh cleaning agents.
Pumie Heavy-Duty Scouring Stick
Hard water can leave deep rust stains and, if you have a porcelain tub, a pumice stick will scour them away quickly and without the need for harsh chemical cleaners. They are abrasive, however, and should not be used on enamel tubs, acrylic or fiberglass.
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole-House Water Softener
If you live in an area with hard water and find that it creates cleaning headaches, you may need to address the problem at its root. "The best solution for whole-home hard water problems is installing a water softener," Dougherty says. "This long-term solution will help guarantee that your entire home plumbing system is protected against the effects of hard water."
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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