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The Best Bathroom Cleaner Ever (Removes Soap Scum in Seconds!)

June 29 // 37 Comments // 3 Minute Read

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This magical cleaner powers through soap scum in seconds, and turns one of the germiest areas of your home into a clean and sparkling space! With only two ingredients, and a powerful track record, you’ll understand why it’s called the best homemade shower cleaner EVER.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.

This magical bathroom cleaner powers through soap scum in seconds, and turns one of the germiest areas of your home into a clean and sparkling space! With only two ingredients, and a powerful track record, you'll understand why it's called the best homemade shower cleaner EVER. #bathroomcleaner #diybathroomcleaner #diycleanerrecipe #makeyourowncleaner

I can’t even begin to tell you how many bathroom products I’ve tried over the years.

I loathe cleaning the bathroom (*shudder*), so I need easy solutions that get me in and out as soon as possible—AKA do what the marketing label promises me it will do. Which apparently, is very hard to find! I’m consistently disappointed in the options that line our store shelves.

Well, I shouldn’t say ALL of them.

These 10 powerful cleaning products actually do their job!

In my internet search for a better option, I came across multiple bloggers sharing a Dawn dish soap and white vinegar mix. Dish soap? AND white vinegar? Surely it couldn’t be that easy.

Turns out, it was that easy. And costs pennies. And is now the only bathroom cleaner I’ll ever use!

This miracle formula powers through soap scum instantly, and leaves you with a sparkling tub that looks like HGTV stopped by and worked their magic. I also use it on the floor, sink, and toilet, for a gleaming bathroom that looks like I spent hours scrubbing, but totally didn’t!

Your Spotless Home Awaits

Get your home in order with an editable Weekly Cleaning Schedule, tailored to you!

Supplies Needed:

  • 1 cup Dawn dish soap (don’t skimp on the brand—this makes all the difference!)
  • 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
  • Clean spray bottle (if you use the glass ones from Grove, you’ll need to scale down your measurements)
  • Cute label (optional, but fun!

Directions:

Step 1: Heat vinegar in the microwave until it’s very hot, then pour into a spray bottle. This helps the vinegar mix with the dish soap.

Step 2: Pour dish soap into a spray bottle and shake well to combine.

Step 3: Add a label! I used this label maker paired with a clear tape cartridge to print out my label, and adhered it to a strip of washi tape. Then I covered both with a layer of packaging tape so the label is protected and doesn’t fall off.

How to use it:

My favorite place to use this cleaner is in the shower, but bathroom floors, toilets, and sink areas are perfect surfaces to tackle while you’re at it.

Just spray the area you want to clean, and wipe away with a damp microfiber cloth, sponge, or paper towel. If you’re using this in the shower, I recommend using a scrub brush to work the product into the tile, then rinse the area afterwards.

Note: This stuff smells pretty strong at first, but the vinegar smell dissipates quickly.

If you haven’t tried this homemade cleaner yet, do it sooner rather than later. I can’t say I LOVE cleaning the bathroom now, (although cleaning does have it’s benefits), but the task is so much easier without struggling and scrubbing like I used to!

Have you tried this bathroom cleaner?

Share your thoughts about it in the comments below. Did it change your life, or at least make your cleaning routine easier?


Pin this post to reference later:
This DIY magical bathroom cleaner powers through soap scum in seconds, and turns one of the germiest areas of your home into a clean and sparkling space! With only two ingredients (dawn and white vinegar), and a powerful track record, you'll understand why it's called the best homemade shower cleaner EVER.
This DIY magical bathroom cleaner powers through soap scum in seconds, and turns one of the germiest areas of your home into a clean and sparkling space! With only two ingredients (dawn and white vinegar), and a powerful track record, you'll understand why it's called the best homemade shower cleaner EVER.

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.

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Comments

  1. Jackie says

    August 23 at 7:50 am

    This stuff really works! I discovered it a few months ago and it worked so well on our hard water spots. We have all glass showers, which until this cleaner were a pain to keep clean. I’ve been telling everyone I know about it (yep, awkwardly asking all my friends if they have soap scum problems 😂). Now I can send them to your post. Thanks for the reminder to do this in my showers again soon!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 24 at 11:32 am

      “So… do you have soap scum issues?”
      “HOW DID YOU KNOW!?”

      🙂 🙂

      I keep most of my shower cleaning supplies right in the shower now. Helps me remember to not let it get too far. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Becky says

    August 23 at 8:46 am

    I use a version of this (I add water) to mop my laminate floor. I use vinegar and baking soda to clean the soap scum from my bathtub.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 24 at 11:29 am

      I haven’t tried it on my laminate floor! How much water do you add??

      Reply
      • Becky says

        August 27 at 9:49 am

        Kalyn, I mix 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar. 1 squirt of liquid dish detergent. put it all in a spray bottle and you’re good to go! Spray it on your floor but not to saturate, and use a microfiber mop. I usually do 3-4 foot sections at a time. It keeps my floors looking brand new

        Reply
        • Kalyn Brooke says

          August 28 at 10:32 am

          I’m going to have to give this a try. Thanks!

          Reply
  3. Mary @ Coffee and Moxie says

    August 24 at 7:41 am

    I am so excited to try this! We have shower doors and they are so difficult to clean that I have to spend a ridiculous amount of time on them. I so hopeful this is the solution I’m looking for! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      August 24 at 11:28 am

      It works really well on the glass surrounding our shower!

      Reply
  4. Shannon says

    August 31 at 2:35 am

    This is fantastic! It works fast, and is such an easy cleanup to boot. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says

    September 3 at 5:57 pm

    I’m going to have to give this a try. Cleaning is not my favorite chore but it does have to be done…and I am trying to buy less cleaners, if possible. Thanks for sharing, Kalyn!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      September 6 at 3:53 pm

      I swear by this one! It’s so easy!

      Reply
  6. Linda Anderson says

    October 14 at 11:11 am

    Yeah, smell is pretty strong at first and my kids really hate the smell. But I agree with you, vinegar smell dissipates quickly. This is a useful cleaning item. Can you suggest something homemade like this for cleaning my bathtub? It’s ceramic made.
    I tried several cleaners from different local shops. The result is not satisfactory, let alone the higher price 🙁

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 15 at 7:46 pm

      I use this cleaner in my tub but just be careful, it can make the tub really slippery.

      Reply
  7. Kathy says

    December 1 at 9:12 pm

    I’m looking for something to get the soap scrum off my tub mat. Do you think this will work.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      December 4 at 4:42 pm

      It should! You may need a soft brush to get the soap scum out of any spots that a cloth may miss but the cleaner should work really well.

      Reply
  8. Hannah says

    August 31 at 11:06 pm

    Kalyn, I can’t get the cleaning schedule download button to work.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      September 6 at 5:07 pm

      Hi Hannah! This should be fixed. I’m having Joseph reach out to you with the schedule as well just in case you haven’t received it yet.

      Reply
  9. Diane says

    October 3 at 3:58 am

    In Australia we don’t have this dawn soap so can I use any dish washing brand

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 24 at 2:55 pm

      I’m sure other brands would be equivalent!

      Reply
  10. Shirley Harrison says

    October 10 at 3:57 pm

    I read that vinegar should it be used on grout..is this the case? I will sure try itbo. The shower door though!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 24 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Shirley,

      We use it on the door all the time, just give it a quick rinse after. I’m not sure about vinegar on grout – we used this on our old tile bathroom and never saw a problem though!

      Reply
  11. Pamela McArdle says

    October 20 at 7:34 pm

    Has anyone tried this cleaner on that orangey hard water staining? I need something super strong to get through that stuff. Thx!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 24 at 2:33 pm

      I haven’t yet! That’s a good question. But I do know that Bar Keepers Friend works GREAT on stains! You can pick it up in most Walmarts too.

      Reply
    • Theresa Rasmussen says

      November 25 at 6:38 pm

      Pamela, i used it at my son’s house. His tub/shower surround was orange. I sprayed and let it set for about an hour. It did take a little bit of scrubbing, but I was really impressed it worked that well!

      Reply
      • Pamela McArdle says

        November 25 at 9:34 pm

        Thank you!! Will definitely have to try it! 👍

        Reply
  12. Diana Miller says

    October 22 at 5:43 pm

    Does it streak your shower doors?

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 24 at 2:29 pm

      We’ve never had that problem! We have glass shower doors and we clean it with this and then quickly rinse it after.

      Reply
  13. Jane says

    February 18 at 7:20 am

    The only thing that seems to remove soap scum in my bathroom is the flash bathroom cleaner, however I can’t stand the smell. I can’t wait to try this version!

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      February 24 at 3:30 pm

      Please come back to tell me if it worked!

      Reply
  14. Sally says

    June 10 at 10:58 pm

    Hi, Kalyn,

    Question: does the spray bottle have to be glass?

    Thank you
    Sally

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      June 12 at 1:30 pm

      Hi Sally,

      No – you can use any spray bottle you like. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Linda says

    July 7 at 4:53 pm

    Will this leave the shower floor very slippery?

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      July 9 at 1:26 pm

      Ours is fine as long as it is well rinsed. We’ve discovered that it’s more the bathroom floor that you have to be careful with – of course one should always be careful of stepping out onto any floor with wet feet.

      Reply
  16. Pamela Martin says

    July 24 at 12:28 pm

    What about fiberglass tubs? Hard water has stained it pretty I have tried everything.

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      July 24 at 2:54 pm

      For hard water stains I use Barkeepers Friend. This stuff is amazing on stains and works on fiberglass as well.

      Reply
  17. Debbie says

    October 1 at 5:45 pm

    I just bought the blue dawn dish liquid and the distilled white vinegar to clean my tub. It’s amazing, very easy to clean. I love it

    Reply
    • Kalyn Brooke says

      October 2 at 1:39 pm

      It’s the best bathroom hack!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Kalyn—a recovering perfectionist who nerds out about organizing systems, personal productivity, and helping you prioritize what matters over the pressure to do it all. I have a feeling we’re about to become the best of friends! Learn more >>

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Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
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Sadly, I find m

Minimalism ≠ Deprivation.⁣
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Sadly, I find most people resist minimalism because they can't wrap their head around "having less." People tend to equate this movement with blank walls, white IKEA furniture, and decluttering everything in your home down to practically nothing so you can live full-time in an RV. Like me. 😉⁣
⁣
But, while minimalism could be all that, this mindset misses the point. Minimalism is not only about “having less.” 🚫⁣
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It’s so much more than that.⁣
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This week on the blog, I'm sharing the REAL definition of minimalism (that people who love their stuff can totally get behind!) as well as practical ways to incorporate minimalism into your life. 🎉⁣
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Drop a heart emoji in the comments below and I'll send the link to your DM's! 💖

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I love lazy Saturday mornings...as long as I have a book and a cozy blanket! 😍

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣

I wrote this in my journal the other day: 📓⁣
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“I’ve been thinking about what tech boundaries I want to instill, including boundaries related to work and productivity. I’ve become less careful about my media consumption, and it’s having a negative affect on my mental health.” 💞⁣
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Have you ever felt a similar tug? ⁣
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I can’t begin to tell you how many times I pick up my phone because I’m bored or lonely or jealous or unhappy. It almost always makes me feel worse. And yet...I struggle to stop. 😝⁣
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Here are the ideas I’ve been trying this month and I’m already seeing a positive effect:⁣
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➕ No logging into social media after 8pm. I need to wind down for the night, not get lost in my phone! 📲⁣
➕ Open Instagram with a purpose—either to post or to interact. Stop endlessly scrolling.⁣
➕ My only screen time before 9am should be for Bible Study apps or News. 🗞⁣
➕ Turn my phone on Do Not Disturb during Tiger Time (when I need the most focus for work) 💪⁣
➕ Work no more than 4 hours on my business per day. If a task isn’t complete, push it to the next day. This time frame has really helped me prioritize! 💻⁣
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What tech boundaries have you set up? Are any new as of this year? I’d love to hear your ideas! 😃

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You might have a mortgage. I budget for campgrounds. You might want a separate clothing budget, while I’m fine combining it under “Beauty and Style.” Recently, we also added a new line item for our motorcycle—something I NEVER thought would appear in our budget. ⁣
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See, we’re all different! ⁣
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Recently, I rearranged my budget categories and created this “cheat sheet.” Sometimes I forget where things go, like picking up new wall art for the living room. Does this item belong in the categories of Household Items or Home Maintenance? 🤔⁣
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Now I know! And I save time processing receipts each Friday. 🧾⁣
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What budgeting categories do you use? Share one of your random budget line items with me in the comments below! 😃

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I call 2020 the Year of Abandoned Books. ⁣
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I’m never afraid to stop reading a book if it doesn’t live up to the hype. Why invest more time in a book I’m not all that excited about when I could be exploring new authors and storylines where I can’t wait to turn the page? 🤷⁣
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But in 2020, I let more books go than I normally do. I suppose my patience dwindled when I thought the world was ending. Not that I thought the world was actually ending…but you know what I mean. 😉⁣
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As an Enneagram 1, I hate giving up on a book. I’m prone to the all-or-nothing mentality, even in my reading habits. My eyes could glaze over boring prose and I’d still repeat to myself: “You MUST finish this book!” 😫⁣
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Why? ⁣
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No one is adding a plastic star to your Book-It pin, (Remember those?) This isn’t assigned reading from your high school English class. This is YOUR reading life. ⁣
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And YOU should choose what books deserve your attention. 📚⁣
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There are too many good ones out there anyway.  Like one of my favorite reads from 2020. 😍⁣
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This week’s newest blog post rounds up everything I read last year (43 books total!) including 5-star psychological thrillers, a delightful royal series, a couple self-help books, and of course, historical fiction.⁣
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Click the link in my bio to read it! ☝⁣
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What were your favorite books in 2020? Our literary styles might be a match made in heaven! ✨

My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
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My planner/journal lineup for 2021. 👆 ⁣
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These small but mighty sidekicks will be my saving grace this year. 📚⁣
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1️⃣ Bullet Journal (Blue) - for everyday planning and goal setting⁣
2️⃣ Regular Journal (Yellow) - to track gratitude (5 things a day!) and to process ALL the feelings⁣
3️⃣ Growth Journal (Sand) - a space for me to brain dump everything I learn from books, podcasts, sermons, etc ⁣
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That last one is new to me as of this year and I can't wait to flip back through all my notes come December! 📆⁣
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What planners/journals are you using for 2021?


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