While it might not be the most exciting task, cleaning the bathroom is pretty essential when it comes to housekeeping and the best bathroom cleaner will make the job a breeze. You spend a considerable proportion of your life in the washroom. With that in mind, it only makes sense to keep your bathroom as fresh as a daisy.
Gone are the days of endless scrubbing in the shower room – thanks, in large part, to the plethora of handy bathroom cleaners out there. Whether the bane of your bathroom is limescale, watermarks, tough stains or simply soap scum, there's something to help. Available as sprays or also cleaning stones, the cleaners come with their own unique benefits and quirks. Ideal for more conscientious buyers, you can now find cruelty-free, vegan, non-abrasive, fume-free, organic or plant-based options. And if you can't stand the smell of bleach, there are some more fragrant picks, too.
When browsing our roster, be sure to check out some of the key specs we've listed, such as size and type, and pointers on what the product is best for. It's also wise to consider some of the downsides we've noted. For example, some products aren't suitable for use on particular surfaces. Oh, and seeing as you're here already, why not go all out? See our pick of the best toilet cleaners to get your loo as fresh as can be, too.
The best bathroom cleaners
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This bathroom cleaning product can remove limescale, soap scum and tough stains, leaving your surfaces bright and clean. A great product for deep cleaning your bath in particular, it removes watermarks with ease.
As for the rest of the bathroom, your taps and shower head will be sparkling in minutes. Simply spray the product onto your surface and leave for one or two minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge and you're done!
It should be noted though, that it can't be used on marble, enamel baths, limestone and porous surfaces. For these surfaces use Astonish Cream Cleaner.
As well as being pretty incredible at removing soap scum, this bathroom cleaner also smells surprisingly pleasant. In fact, some may go as far as to say that it actually smells nice.
Great on taps, tiles, shower screens and baths, it removes stains without having to scrub. You simply spray the product onto your surface and wipe clean – it's as easy as that. For limescale or heavy soiling, leave to soak for two to three minutes before wiping.
You can't use it on copper or brass fittings, but in our opinion, this is the best bathroom cleaner for those who want a sparkling bathroom but don't like the usual bleach-y smell.
Made using plant-based ingredients, this eco-friendly bathroom cleaner is the best choice for those who are trying to be more green. Especially as the bottle is 100 per cent recyclable.
Oh, and it also does a pretty good job at cutting through soap scum and limescale. Spray bathroom cleaner on to your surfaces and wipe dry with a cloth; for tough stains leave for a few minutes before rinsing with water.
It's worth noting that it can't be used on marble and natural stones, and if you're thinking of using on painted surfaces, it's a good idea to test it on a hidden area first.
Aside from effectively cleaning bathrooms, this solid cleaner removes dirt, limescale, oil, calcium build-up and grease while leaving a fresh lemon scent behind.
Non-abrasive and organic, it features only biological and biodegradable ingredients to dissolve grease and grime from your household surfaces. Use on your taps and shower head for a guaranteed shine. It comes with a sponge, which needs to be moist before use. Wipe the sponge on the Bio-Mex, squeeze to produce a foam and you're off. Rinse with a damp cloth and wipe with a dry cloth to see the effect.
You can also use it on your pots and pans for a real transformation. And because it's extremely concentrated, it'll last for ages.
Fume-free with a pleasant hint of sweet basil, this bathroom cleaner isn't just eco-friendly, but it's also gentle on your surfaces and the planet.
It can shift soap scum and limescale effectively, and the bottle is biodegradable. To use, just shake, spray and wipe clean with a damp cloth – easy peasy. It's best not to use it on marble or granite though, as it may cause damage.
Ideal for daily use, this spray from HG can be used on both washbasins, plastic shower cubicles and tiled walls. A mild and safe product, it takes down limescale with ease, as well as soap residue and skin grease. Oh, and you'll be pleased to hear that it's suitable for use on calciferous natural stones, too. Enamel, travertine and marble? Check.
As for the cleaning process itself, it's an absolute breeze. Simply spray the surface you wish to clean, leave the cleaner to work its magic, and then rinse. Et voilà. Another thing worth noting: it can be used on taps and sanitaryware as well. That said, a little annoyingly, it doesn't work on water stains, nor is it a disinfectant.
How to buy the best bathroom cleaner
When it comes to buying the best bathroom cleaner, it's worth thinking carefully about the space you're looking to clean and the types of materials used in your bathroom. We'd recommend bearing the following factors in mind:
Application method
While bathroom cleaners often come in the form of spray bottles, one product on our list is a cleaning block that works once water is added. Some products need to be sprayed and left to work for a bit, so plan the order of cleaning around this (leave the product to work on the sink while you tackle the loo). For more tips see our guide on how to clean a bathroom.
Best for...
We've got something for everyone, whether you're eco-conscious, looking for a nice-smelling cleaner or something to leave your taps shining. Some bathroom cleaners are great all rounders, while others are designed for use in hard limescale areas – a must if hard water leaves streaks on your sanitaryware.
Materials
Always read the label as some bathroom cleaners cannot be used on certain materials that are common in a bathroom. Anything very acidic can damage enameled surfaces and take particular care if you have powder coated taps and fittings that won't cope with anything too abrasive.
Bathroom cleaner safety
As with the majority of cleaning products, before you apply a bathroom cleaner, you should open your windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
With these tips, you can get your bathroom sparkling in no time. However, is your bathroom looking grim beyond repair? Our feature on bathroom ideas offers you the best tips and trends for a washroom makeover.