Cleaning the bathroom might not top your list of favorite chores but what if it didn’t have to be such a dread? With a few clever tricks, you can cut down on scrubbing time and keep your bathroom sparkling without breaking your back. Let’s look at some bathroom cleaning hacks that’ll help you breeze through the task.

A clean bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that feels fresh, inviting and organized every day. The secret? Consistent, small efforts that stop messes before they spiral out of control. From wiping down surfaces regularly to tackling minor spots as they appear, these tiny daily habits can save you hours of scrubbing down the line. Plus, with the right approach, you’ll find it easy to turn your bathroom into a pleasant space that’s ready for use at any time.
Keep cleaning supplies within reach
Keep cleaning supplies nearby so you can tackle messes as they happen. Store essentials like a multi-surface cleaner and microfiber cloths in a bathroom cabinet or under the sink. It’s much easier to manage small messes before they become big problems when everything you need is within arm’s reach.
Deodorize drains regularly
To prevent your bathroom drains from developing a bad smell, make it a habit to deodorize them every two weeks. You can use natural products such as baking soda and white vinegar. Here is how to do it:
- Take out the drain stopper and wash it thoroughly with soap and water.
- Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. The hot water helps with breaking down the soap scum and any debris.
- Then pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar or lemon juice. Close the drain promptly with a cloth or drain stopper to ensure the fizzing reaction goes down the drain and not up.
- Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This will kill odor-causing germs, mold and bacteria.
- Flush with another pot of boiling water.
Make sure to do this for both your bathroom sink and shower drains. This will also help to prevent your drains from clogging and keep them running clean without any bad smells.

Restore showerhead water flow
Use vinegar to clean the showerhead. Mineral buildup can reduce water pressure over time but there’s an easy fix. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band and leave it overnight. The vinegar dissolves hard water buildup, and you’ll wake up to a fully restored showerhead water flow.
Let cleaning products do the work
Let cleaning products do the work for you. Apply toilet bowl cleaner or shower spray and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before cleaning. This gives the cleaner time to break down grime and stains, saving you from excessive scrubbing. Patience pays off when it comes to letting cleaning products sit for a while.
Prevent water spots and soap scum
Use a squeegee or dish soap dispensing brush after every shower to prevent water spots and soap scum buildup. Giving your shower walls and glass doors a quick swipe after each use is a simple habit that can save you from deep cleaning later. It only takes about two minutes but has a huge impact on keeping your bathroom looking clean.
“The best bathroom cleaning hack that I have is to keep a dish brush that you can fill with dish soap and vinegar in the shower. Brush up any buildup after every shower to cut down on scrubbing.”
— Gena Lazcano, Ginger Casa
Maintain good ventilation
Another pro tip is to keep your bathroom ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew. Turn on the exhaust fan during and after showers or open a window if possible. Good airflow keeps your bathroom drier and reduces the need for intensive cleaning sessions.
Tackle stubborn tile stains
Mix baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to create a cleaning paste to remove particularly tough tile stains. Spread the mixture to the stained area and let it sit for an hour. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads that could scratch the tile surface. After cleaning, rinse the tile with clean water to remove any leftover paste.

Repurpose dryer sheets
Use dryer sheets to remove soap scum. Even used dryer sheets can work wonders on shower doors and faucets. Their anti-static properties help loosen soap scum, making it much easier to wipe away. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose something you might otherwise throw away.
“A simple dryer sheet can work magic on soap scum and dull faucets, leaving them spotless and shiny in seconds. It’s an easy, affordable hack that’s perfect for busy households.”
— Bella Bucchiotti, xoxoBella
Clean mirrors like a pro
Got kids who leave handprints and toothpaste splatters on the bathroom mirror? Rubbing alcohol is perfect for cleaning mirrors because it effectively removes streaks and smudges. Simply spray a mixture of one part rubbing alcohol and two parts water onto the mirror and wipe it with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
Stay consistent with cleaning
Finally, stay consistent with your cleaning routine. Set aside some time every day to clean your bathroom. Quick everyday cleaning prevents buildup and ensures you’re not overwhelmed by excessive scrubbing at the end of the week. Make cleaning enjoyable by listening to music or a podcast. This will help turn a mundane daily chore into a more pleasant experience.
One last thing
A clean bathroom creates a healthier and more comfortable space you’ll love using every day. With these simple tricks and clever hacks, you can cut down on effort while keeping everything fresh and organized. Start small, stay consistent and enjoy the difference a sparkling clean bathroom makes.
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting. It’s a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things parenting.
I love these tips! I clean houses daily and always looking for better ways or simpler ways to clean.
I’m so glad you found these tips helpful, Lisa! If you have any other hacks for simplifying bathroom cleaning, we’d love to hear them!