Cleaning, chores and organizing are part of most people's daily routine — and cleaning your shower is a necessary task (and gruesome, for the most part) to keep your tiles bacteria-free and spotless.
While some might find the act of tidying up your shower (or bathroom, in general) therapeutic, others can find it a turn-off task due to the chemicals, soap scum and time involved. I enjoy the act of cleaning but finding the right household cleaner is important to help keep grime away and hygiene top-level.
According to the author of "Inventing Joy" and founder of "CleanBoss" Joy Mangano, "When it comes to bathroom cleaners, you want something strong on germs, safe for your family and versatile enough to tackle different surfaces."
"When choosing a bathroom cleaner, it’s important to consider its purpose, ingredients, ease of use and whether it's compatible with the surfaces in your bathroom," adds owner and CEO of Maid Sailors, Joseph Passalacqua. Also, you can test the cleaner on a small, hidden area first "to make sure it won’t discolor or damage the surface, especially if you’re unsure of the material or whether it has been sealed or not," he adds.
I tested six shower cleaners and compared their efficiency. Below, find out the results and my favorite product for cleaning my shower.
Best for a quick cleaning$undefined$5.99
Best for the entire bathroom$3.59$4.79
How to find the best shower cleaners
Passalacqua recommends looking for these things when choosing a bathroom cleaner.
"Check that the cleaner is safe for surfaces like ceramic tiles, porcelain, glass, natural stone or fiberglass. Decide whether you need a multipurpose cleaner or one formulated for specific cleaning needs, like removing mold, mildew, soap scum, hard water stains or rust," says Passalacqua.
Additionally, Passalacqua suggests opting between chemical-based cleaners for tough stains or eco-friendly, as a non-toxic option. "Be mindful of allergies by avoiding harsh fumes or allergens, especially in bathrooms because they tend to have minimal ventilation. Another thing to consider is the form of the cleaner, whether it's a spray for (more versatility), gels (which are better at sitting and breaking down grime since they don’t disburse like a liquid would), or foams which are relatively comparable to gels."
"The smells the products will produce are also important, with fragrance-free options being best for sensitive noses, while lightly scented products can provide a refreshing feel."
Mangano is a strong believer in botanical cleaners because they are just as strong as old-school cleaners. “A lot of cleaners rely on harsh chemicals that leave behind toxic residues and strong fumes behind,” says Mangano.
"A top priority is always environmental impact; we recommend looking for biodegradable and cruelty-free products when possible," adds Passalacqua.
Best overall shower cleaner
Average scent score: 5/5 | Average ease of use score: 5/5 | Average compatibility score: 5/5 | Overall score: 5/5
This was my favorite bathroom cleaner by far because it performed better than expected. All you need to do is spray one time and the nozzle will release foam for about two seconds. I do recommend spraying from a distance since it covers a good area.
Also, the scent isn't overpowering like other standard bathroom cleaners. While it has a slight chemical smell, you can still catch that freshness after spraying. You can easily let it sit for a bit so the product works better. But, what makes it more efficient than other contenders is, how the foam stays put after letting it sit for a while. Once I started scrubbing the shower and tile, I noticed how the formula was efficient at removing grime.
It has become part of my bathroom-cleaning arsenal due to its effectiveness at tackling dirty corners and it provides fast results.
Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
According to the brand, this weekly spray can help eliminate the need for elbow grease.
$20.98
$29.99
Amazon
$20.98
Home Depot
Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover
This cleaner promises to remove stains without scrubbing.
$4.68
$6.75
Walmart
$5.49
Target
Coralpearl Utility Brushes (Set of 2)
Hard to reach areas are now easier with these brushes.
$13.99
Amazon
The Pink Stuff The Miracle All Purpose Cleaning Paste
Editors love this easy-to-use paste for all kinds of messes.
$5.97
Amazon
$5.97
Home Depot
$5.99
Target
Mr. Clean Small Reusable Latex Gloves (Set of 2)
Protect your hands with these gloves on cleaning days.
$7.25
Amazon
Oxo Wiper Blade
Keep mirrors, windows or showers streak-free with this tool.
$10.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
$10.99
The Container Store
Bar Keeper's Friend Soft Cleanser & Foam Spray
For all surfaces, this cleaner will be your best friend.
$15.00
$19.99
Amazon
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray
Treat fresh or dried stains with this formula, says the brand.
$9.99
The Container Store
$7.97
$12.00
Walmart
More shower cleaners, as tested by the author
Best for a quick cleaning:
Average scent score: 4/5 | Average ease of use score: 4/5 | Average compatibility score: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5
Many TikTokers have called The Pink Stuff a miracle cleaner for how efficient this is at cleaning heavy-duty gunk. Yes, I love the bubble gum-pink hue and the foamy texture, but this cleaner wouldn't be my first choice.
Why? In the beginning, the formula is foamy but it turns into liquid form if left sitting for too long. It works immediately and it's non-irritating, which is a plus. However, you need to spray a large amount of foam into an area for it to work. I didn't feel a strong chemical smell while using this product, and it's a great choice for those looking to elevate their cleaning aesthetic.
Best for dissolving dirt:
Average scent score: 4/5 | Average ease of use score: 4/5 | Average compatibility score: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5
The Zep foam cleaner was another favorite due to its multipurpose use. I can use it on the sink, toilet, tub and tiles with ease. It's very foamy and fast-acting, but the nozzle could be improved. Once I spray on the surface, I have to be careful as it splashes back some of the foam.
I let it sit for about five minutes and you can see the difference afterward. The brand says the product dissolves limescale, calcium deposits and old buildup, and I can attest to this. I used it over the faucet area and some parts of the tiles for testing and it completely removed hard stains. Aside from the difficult spray situation, the product works amazingly.
Best for the entire bathroom:
Average scent score: 4/5 | Average ease of use score: 4/5 | Average compatibility score: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5
Scrubbing Bubbles has been my household staple for years but after the testing period, it lands in the fifth position. It does have foam and bubbles, but it quickly turns into liquid form after letting it sit for a few minutes. Therefore, I recommend you scrub immediately. You can use it on all surfaces including, shower curtains, tubs, toilets, sinks and even floors.
Aside from the lack of foamy texture, the formula does fight grime, mildew and soap scum. It lasts a long time, but I feel like I need to spray a lot to cover the entire tub area. You also have to keep the spray upright so it works effectively.
Best for easy use:
Average scent score: 5/5 | Average ease of use score: 5/5 | Average compatibility score: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.6/5
The Lysol has a pleasant scent and is one of the best at removing grime. It's super foamy and you don't have to get close to the tiles since you can spray from afar and still hit the area. It's very reliable, and I highly recommend it if you want to target those tiny corners. I used it everywhere in my bathroom and it removed stains with a gentle scrub.
It's easy to use like most cleaners and the bottle doesn't leak. It smells fresh, tackles soap scum and leaves the tiles clear after use.
Best for heavy-duty grime:
Average scent score: 5/5 | Average ease of use score: 5/5 | Average compatibility score: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.6/5
This bathroom cleaner is effective at removing heavy stains. While it's not foamy or has bubbles, the formula has no scent and is ideal for those with smell sensitivity. Literally, you can forget about it and go about your day. It's formulated without bleach, ammonia or harsh irritants, which makes it easier to clean your bathroom without covering your nose.
The bottle is very big and will last you a long time. According to the brand, the formulation helps in removing body oils, soap scum and other hard-to-reach buildup in the shower. I let it sit for a moment, and with one spray, I could see the grime slowly clearing up from my tiles. So, if you don't care about the visual foam aspect, this cleaner will do the trick and is very easy to use. The only thing I will note is that you need to close the bottle tight so it doesn't leak.
Write Hannah Hynes says, "The directions say to just spray and then wait six to eight hours before rinsing, and after skimming reviews, it seems like most people also apply the solution at night and rinse the tub in the morning."
Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
This shower cleaner promises to remove grime.
$20.98
$29.99
Amazon
$20.98
Home Depot
Suprus Electric Lighter
This lighter can be used more than 500 times on a single charge.
$13.99
$16.99
Amazon
Lifelines Flameless Candle Diffuser
This “candle” doesn’t use a flame in order to release a soothing scent.
$29.99
Target
Sealegend Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
Remove lint easily from your dryer vent with this tool.
$11.95
$14.95
Amazon
Surge Protector and Outlet Extender
Charge multiple devices at once with this convenient gadget.
$11.98
Amazon
The Big One Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow
Experts we spoke to love this pillow for side sleepers.
$39.99
Kohl's
Duracell Optimum AA Batteries (Set of 28)
There’s never a bad time to stock up on this household essential.
$51.47
Amazon
How we tested the shower cleaners
I, Jannely Espinal, tested six bathroom cleaners in my tub, as well as the sink and toilet. Before using the bathroom cleaners, I separated the tub with waterproof tape into six equal parts and sprayed a different cleaner into each area to compare the amount of time and effectiveness of each formula.
Why trust Shop TODAY
Jannely Espinal has been a fashion and lifestyle journalist for the past 7 years. Her first Ranked story led to Shop TODAY's ranking process and criteria. She's familiar with product sourcing, selection and testing, especially when it comes to the latest trends in home, style and beauty. Additionally, Espinal combines her testing process with experts' insight to select the best products for Shop TODAY's audience.
Meet the experts
- Joy Mangano is the founder of "CleanBoss," a next-generation cleaning brand, and the best-selling author of Inventing Joy.
- Joseph Passalacqua is the owner and CEO of Maid Sailors, a locally owned and operated cleaning company specializing in residential and commercial cleaning services in NYC. With 10 years of experience in the cleaning industry, Joseph has a wealth of knowledge, tips and tricks when it comes to home cleaning.
