10 Best Bathroom Cleaners That Actually Get Rid of Grime, Soap Scum, and More

When we tested toilet bowl cleaners, this product tackled messes more quickly and effectively than 11 others. In our evaluations, it took very little scrubbing to leave the toilet bowl sparkling. The bleach-based formula kills 99.9% of germs and deodorizes, though the manufacturer recommends letting it sit for 10 minutes before flushing for the best results.

The angled nozzle makes it easy to target the area under the rim, but the light-colored gel was difficult to see, so we sometimes applied more than necessary to ensure full coverage. Keep in mind that bleach won't remove rust stains—for those, choose a cleaner specifically formulated for rust.

This daily shower spray is a good choice for keeping soap scum from building up between deeper cleanings. It dissolves and helps prevent soap scum on showers, tile, glass, fixtures, and tubs, and there's no rinsing or scrubbing required.

We like it as a maintenance cleaner rather than a heavy-duty stain remover, since regular use can make deeper cleans less of a chore. The eucalyptus mint scent is fresh and spa-like, but it may be too strong if you prefer fragrance-free cleaners.

The original Mr. Clean Magic Eraser earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for its effective cleaning and convenience. The Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber brings that same microscrubbing power to bathroom surfaces, including glass shower doors, tubs, and tile. It has a built-in cleanser that foams when wet, so you don't need a separate spray or gel.

We like that it makes quick work of soap scum without requiring another cleaning product, and the light scent is pleasant. Storage can be a little awkward once the scrubber is wet, so we recommend keeping it in a lidded container between uses. It can also wear down with regular scrubbing, so don't expect one scrubber to last indefinitely.

Mold and mildew stains are tough to remove, even with expert advice and instructions, but this spray from CLR impressed our Lab pros and panel of consumer testers, earning a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award.

One of our consumer testers used it to remove mold and mildew stains on their boat and found that it required much less scrubbing than their usual boat cleaner. “It worked, and I didn’t have to use my whole body weight to scrub,” they said. The spray doesn’t cling to surfaces like a gel cleaner, but it does foam, helping it stay on vertical surfaces a little longer than a standard spray. It needs just 10 minutes to work and is odorless, which we appreciate when tackling especially unpleasant bathroom messes.

CLR Brilliant Bath tops our list of the best grout cleaners, and in our Lab tests, it quickly zapped stains, leaving the grout noticeably whiter as it dried. One tester even said, “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 without bleach. We especially like it for dingy white grout, but it can lighten or discolor colored grout, so don’t use it on anything other than white grout. It’s also part of the EPA’s Safer Choice Program, which evaluates the ingredients in certified products against its safety criteria.

Wet mopping cloths are a convenient 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.

Each wet mop cloth fits onto a disposable mop, such as the GH Seal Star Swiffer Sweeper, and its textured surface traps dirt and debris. When you're done, just toss the cloth. The mopping cloths come in several scents, though some may find them a little strong.

In our tests, this Invisible Glass Cleaner cleaned mirrors and glass without leaving streaks. It effectively removes fingerprints, dirt, and grease and doesn't contain additives that leave residue, so surfaces stay clean-looking when dry without attracting dust and grime.

We liked the fine mist, which made application easier and kept us from chasing drips down the glass as we wiped. It can also be used on other glass surfaces, like stovetops and patio doors, as well as chrome, which helps justify the higher price. Unlike other glass cleaners, though, it cannot be refilled.

These wipes combine disinfecting power with a double-sided design that tackles stuck-on messes without requiring another cleaning product or tool. One side is textured for scrubbing, while the other is soft for wiping. They clean and disinfect, killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in just four minutes, plus help remove allergens and prevent mold and mildew growth.

According to Lysol, they can also be used on electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and remotes. We had success using them this way, but it's always best to follow your device manufacturer's cleaning recommendations. Like other cleaning wipes, they can dry out if the lid isn't kept tightly closed.