Homemade Bathroom Cleaner

Two simple mixes — a vinegar spray for everyday cleaning and a baking soda paste for scrubbing — for a fresh, sparkling bathroom without harsh chemicals. Make the spray and the paste separately, and never mix them together in one bottle — vinegar and baking soda cancel each other out and can build up pressure in a closed container. Use the spray for daily wipe-downs and the paste when soap scum, grout or the tub needs a real scrub.

Ingredients — Daily Spray

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil (optional, for scent)
• 1 clean spray bottle
• 1 funnel and 1 label

Ingredients — Scrub Paste

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2-3 tablespoons liquid Castile soap or water, added slowly
• 1 small bowl and a spoon
• 1 old soft toothbrush, for grout
• Microfiber cloths and gloves

Step-by-Step Recipes — Daily Spray

1. Pour 1 cup of water into the spray bottle using the funnel.
2. Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and the essential oil, if using it.
3. Close the bottle and swirl gently to mix. Do not shake hard.
4. Label the bottle ‘Bathroom Vinegar Spray’ with the date you made it.

Step-by-Step Recipes — Scrub Paste

1. Put 1/2 cup of baking soda in the small bowl.
2. Stir in the Castile soap or water 1 tablespoon at a time until it forms a thick paste, like toothpaste.
3. Make the paste fresh each time you clean — it dries out and loses strength if stored.

How to Use It, Area by Area

Sink and taps: Spray, leave for 2-3 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. Use paste on water spots around the taps, scrub gently and rinse.

Bathtub and shower: Spread paste over soap scum, leave for 10-15 minutes, scrub with a cloth or soft brush, then rinse well with warm water.

Tiles and grout: Work paste into the grout lines with the old toothbrush, leave for 10 minutes, scrub again and rinse.

Toilet: Spray the seat, lid, handle and outside of the bowl, leave for 5 minutes and wipe. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda inside the bowl, scrub with the toilet brush and flush.

Mirror and glass: Spray lightly, then wipe with a dry microfiber cloth in an S pattern for a streak-free finish.

Showerhead: Fill a small bag with vinegar, tie it over the showerhead so the head is submerged, leave for 2-4 hours, remove and rinse.

Safety and Storage Checklist

• Never mix this cleaner with bleach or any other cleaner — the fumes can be dangerous
• Do NOT use the vinegar spray on marble, granite or other natural stone — vinegar can etch the surface
• Do NOT use the vinegar spray on waxed wood or unsealed grout
• Test on a small, hidden spot first, especially on a new surface or finish
• Wear gloves, ventilate the room, and keep the spray away from eyes
• Label the bottle clearly and keep it out of reach of children and pets
• Use the spray within 2 weeks, store it in a cool place, and make the paste fresh each time
• Rinse food-contact and skin-contact surfaces, such as the bath and sink, with clean water after cleaning

Weekly Bathroom Clean — Tick It Off

• Spray and wipe the sink, taps and mirror
• Scrub the bathtub and shower with the paste
• Scrub grout lines that look dark or dull
• Clean the toilet inside and out, including the handle
• Wipe tiles, the shower screen and the floor edges
• Wash or change towels and the bath mat
• Empty the bin and check spray and baking soda supplies

Quick Daily Reset — 5 Minutes

• Spray and wipe the sink and taps after the morning rush
• Wipe the mirror if it has splashes
• Hang towels straight so they dry properly
• Quick wipe of the toilet seat and handle
• Put toiletries, brushes and bottles back in their place

Monthly Deep Clean

• Soak the showerhead in vinegar for 2-4 hours to clear limescale
• Scrub all grout lines with the paste and the old toothbrush
• Wipe walls, the door, light switches and handles
• Wash the shower curtain or wipe the shower screen
• Clean inside cabinets and check for leaking bottles
• Wash the bin inside and out, and let it dry fully

Tip: Clean from top to bottom — mirror and tiles first, sink and tub next, toilet after that, and the floor last — so drips and dust always fall onto a surface you have not cleaned yet.

Looking for more free printables? See all free printables on our Cleaning Resources page.