Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to clean the grossest parts of your bathroom

Of all the types of mess people will overlook, a gross bathroom isn’t one of them. If you’re embarrassed by the state of your bathroom when guests come over or you’re sick of those trouble spots that you can’t quite get clean, here are some helpful hacks to restore your bathroom to its glory.

Ursula Page / Shutterstock

Moldy shower curtain

One of the biggest eyesores is a moldy shower curtain. A Magic Eraser can be the first step in getting your shower curtain clean. Another thing you can do is soak the shower curtain in a tub full of hot water and a cup or two of white vinegar to help kill mildew and mold stains.

Recommended Videos

Gently scrub the stains down with your scrub brush before giving it a good rinse. You might even be able to wash it on the gentle cycle in your washing machine to help agitate away stains. Make sure to spread the curtain out each time to allow it to dry thoroughly and invest in a mildew-resistant curtain to halt growth in the first place, says Well+Good.

Gross toilets

Sometimes, it’s more than just a ring. If you’ve got a stubborn stain that doesn’t seem to come off no matter how hard you scrub, it might be time to get creative.

Denture tablets can put a considerable dent in stuck-on stains, including mineral deposits and other gross rings. Simply put a tablet or two into your toilet bowl and let it do its magic. Wait 15 to 20 minutes to allow the tablet to effervesce and begin using your toilet brush to brush away any lingering stains. Flush, and your toilet should be as good as new.

Getty Images / x

Dirty tubs

The tub can be a difficult area to clean. One secret to getting things clean is to preheat your tub and tiles to help gently loosen stains. Run hot water into your tub and allow it to sit for a few minutes until your tub is warm to the touch.

Drain the water and apply your cleaner, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Use a cloth or sponge to make sure the cleaner gets into all the spots on the tub. Scrub and gently rinse.

But wait — what about problem areas? Here are a few further tips for tackling those issues:

  • Rust – check out your local hardware store to get recommendations for rust-remover products. Make sure you read the directions and follow them carefully. For minor rust, you can try a lemon and salt. Cover the stain with salt and squeeze the lemon, leaving it to absorb for a few hours and then rinse clean.
  • Grout – Brighten your grout with a toothbrush and lemon juice if it’s looking a little dingy. For more difficult stains, a paste of baking soda and water can also do the trick. Add vinegar to your baking soda for really difficult stains, suggests HGTV.
  • Showerhead – White vinegar can get rid of mold and mildew as well as hard-water scale clogging the water flow. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and tie it around the showerhead, soaking it for a few hours. Wipe off any remaining residue and then run hot water for a few minutes to clean out all the vinegar.

Plumbing-Fixture Scum

A close look at the ring around your faucets and handles might send you running. However, a bit of white vinegar and a grout brush can freshen up those areas quickly. The grout brush can also help remove hard-water stains and scale from the fixtures, as well.

Pumbastyle / Shutterstock

Mildewed Tub Borders

One way to freshen the caulk around the base of your tub is to use bleach-soaked cotton. You can get cotton coil from places like Amazon. Follow the instructions on the bleach for simple cleaning and test a small area of your tile and tub first to ensure that no staining occurs. Leave the cotton against the caulk until the stains are gone. A word of caution — do this only in white bathrooms.

Dingy Walls

Choose a mildew-resistant paint for your bathrooms to help refresh them. Bob Vila says, “Homeowners should opt for paint with anti-microbial additives that resist mold.” If you can’t do that, spray a cleaner on the walls and ceiling and turn on the shower to get full steam going. Shut the door behind you and leave it to work for about 20 minutes.

Return and use a power scrubber with an extendable handle to wipe the walls from top to bottom, gently removing both the condensation and the cleaner in one go. Wipe down the walls with a clean cloth and allow the room to dry.

Getty Images

Smelly towels

Yes, your bathroom towels are some of the grossest parts of your bathroom. There’s a right way to clean them. Spread towels out to allow them to dry completely and change them out at least every three days.

Wash towels on a sanitizing setting or use color-safe bleach on a hot setting to make sure you’re getting them truly clean. Wipe down your towel bars regularly and avoid hanging towels above the toilet.

Getty Images

Bathroom vent

Turn off your circuit breaker and remove the cover from your bathroom vent. Use your vacuum attachment to remove any dust, debris, and lingering gunk. Wipe the blades and the cover with a clean cloth to remove anything that doesn’t come off from the vacuum.

Use a clean, soft brush (like a paintbrush) to knock off dust and dirt and vacuum it up from the floor. Keep your eyes and mouth covered if it’s been a while.

Bonus tip: Keep wipes handy

You should be cleaning your toilet off after each use because germs can spray everywhere. A simple container of disposable wipes allows you to wipe off the seat and handle after each use, cutting down on stains and giving everyone who uses the bathroom the responsibility of cleaning up after themselves.

Getty Images

Keeping the bathroom clean

Your bathroom isn’t a lost cause. With the right tools and the right amount of smart work, you can restore the grossest parts of your bathroom. Once you follow our steps, you won’t have to worry about surprise guests ever again.

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
What is a bunkie board? Find out if it’s right for your bed setup
Change up your bed ensemble with this box spring alternative
Bed sheets on king size bed

You’ve probably seen a bunkie board without knowing the term. As an alternative to the traditional box spring, bunkie boards are another stabilizing support system for your mattress and can change up your night routine. Providing comfort, support, and more maneuverability, the bunkie board is a great choice for renters and those seeking an affordable bed solution. But what is a bunkie board? We'll give you everything you need to know to make the best decision for your bed ensemble.
What is a bunkie board?

A bunkie board is a slimmer alternative to a box spring. It works in much the same way, providing structure to your mattress to aid in a more comfortable sleep.

Read more
Swedish death cleaning: Why and how it can declutter your life
Get your home clutter free with this tried-and-true downsizing method
A woman organizing and moving boxes

Swedish death cleaning might sound ominous, but it’s actually a liberating and practical approach to decluttering your life. This Scandinavian tradition isn't always about preparing for the end but about taking charge of your belongings, so your life and your loved ones’ lives are less burdened by unnecessary stuff.

Whether you're downsizing, purging an over-cluttered home, or you simply want to make your space more minimalist, Swedish death cleaning offers a thoughtful framework for living with less stuff while keeping what truly matters.
What is Swedish death cleaning?

Read more
The truth behind the rotten egg smell in your home
Identify the source and get rid of that unpleasant odor
Person smelling something bad in the kitchen

If you've ever noticed a rotten egg smell in your house, it can be alarming — and for good reason. That distinct sulfur-like odor often indicates something more serious than an unpleasant scent. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a significant safety hazard, understanding the root cause is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable home. Let’s uncover the truth behind the rotten egg smell and what steps you should take to address it.
7 reasons behind that rotten egg smell in your house

The rotten egg smell in your house is more than just a nuisance; it’s a warning sign that something isn’t right. This smell is often caused by the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, which can stem from various sources. Here are the most common culprits behind that unpleasant odor, along with steps to recognize and resolve them.
1. Natural gas leak
A natural gas leak is one of the most dangerous causes of a rotten egg smell in your home. Utility companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to natural gas to give it that sulfur-like odor, making leaks easier to detect. If you suspect a gas leak, the first step is to act quickly.

Read more