Bathrooms look like one cleaning job, but they are made up of several different cleaning problems.
This guide explains how to approach common bathroom tasks using natural handmade cleaning products.
Clean according to the type of dirt you are dealing with
A bathroom typically has three distinct cleaning problems. Each one requires a chemically different solution. Once you understand that, the whole job becomes much more straightforward.
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The dirt: Organic matter such as bodily fluids, body oils, soap residue and general grime. Best dealt with using soap-based or alkaline cleaners.
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Mineral deposits: Hard water marks, limescale and dull build-up left behind when water evaporates and minerals such as calcium and magnesium remain on the surface. Best dealt with using acidic cleaners.
- Germs and mould: Germs are microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that can remain on bathroom surfaces. Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, humid areas and feeds on organic matter such as soap residue, dust and skin cells. Best dealt with using hydrogen peroxide or Oxybleach, after the surface has been cleaned.
The cleaning order matters and there is a chemical reason for it. Soap-based products are alkaline. Citric acid is acidic. If you apply them to the same surface without rinsing in between, they neutralise each other and neither works properly. Clean and rinse first, then apply the acid, then disinfect last.
What you'll need
This guide uses five key recipes. You do not need all of them every time, most routine cleans only need the first one.
| All-Purpose Soap Spray | Removes dirt, body oils and soap residue |
| Multi-Purpose Cleaning Paste | Heavy-duty scrubbing for grout, tiles and stubborn build-up |
| Citric Acid Gel | Dissolves hard water marks, limescale and soap scum |
| Window & Glass Spray | Dissolves hard water marks, limescale and soap scum |
| Disinfecting Spray | Kills bacteria and treats some mould after cleaning |
Cleaning the shower and grout
Showers often have a mix of soap residue, body oils, mineral deposits and mould.
Use these recipes:
How to clean:
- Start with the soap spray to remove body oils, soap residue and everyday grime. Use the cleaning paste for heavier build-up on tiles, grout or corners. Scrub, then rinse well. For most routine cleans, this is all you need.
- If you have hard water marks, soap scum or limescale, apply the citric acid gel after rinsing. Leave for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse well. This works particularly well on shower screens.
- If you choose to disinfect, spray the disinfecting spray onto tap handles and grout lines once the surface is clean and rinsed. Leave to sit for 5-10 minutes. It will mostly dissipate, but you can wipe with a clean cloth afterwards.
⚠️ Do not use citric acid gel on natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone) or unsealed grout. Repeated contact with acid will etch these surfaces over time. If you are unsure what your shower surfaces are, do a small patch test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Dealing with Mould
Mould needs a little care because there are many different types, and not every mould problem should be treated as a simple cleaning job.
⚠️ If you have visible mould growing on walls or ceilings (not just on grout or tile surfaces) this may indicate a moisture or ventilation problem that needs addressing at the source. Surface cleaning alone will not resolve it. Refer to the what you need to know about mould guide before you start, and consider professional assessment for anything beyond surface mould.
Use these recipes:
How to clean:
- Start with the cleaning paste to remove surface grime and organic matter. Mould feeds on this, so removing it first makes the next step more effective. Scrub the affected area, then rinse well. For extra cleaning strength, you can add a small amount of Oxybleach to the paste at the time of use. This adds a bleaching and disinfecting effect. (see recipe for details)
- Once the surface is clean and rinsed, spray with the disinfecting spray. Leave to sit for at least 5-10 minutes before wiping clean.
Cleaning the toilet
Toilets usually need all three cleaning steps: dirt, mineral build-up and hygiene. Exactly like cleaning a shower.
Use these recipes:
How to clean:
- Spray the seat, lid and exterior with the soap spray, then wipe clean. For the bowl, use the soap spray for a routine clean, or the cleaning paste if you need more scrubbing action. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush. This is usually all you need.
- To tackle mineral build-up under the rim or around the waterline, apply the citric acid gel. Leave for a few minutes, then scrub and flush.
- If hygiene is a priority, finish with the disinfecting spray on the clean surface. Spray and leave to sit.
General surfaces and floors
Benches, basins, baths, tiles and floors mostly need dirt, dust, body oils and general grime removed.
Use these recipes:
How to clean:
- Use the soap spray on benches, basins, bath edges, tiles and other washable surfaces. For stubborn marks, use the cleaning paste, then wipe or rinse clean.
- For mirrors and glass surfaces, use the window and glass spray.
- For floors, remove loose dust and hair first, then mop with your floor cleaning solution.
⚠️ Avoid using acidic cleaners (including the citric acid gel) on natural stone floors such as marble, travertine or limestone. These surfaces are acid-sensitive and will etch with repeated use.
Bathrooms vary a lot! Different tiles, different stone, different finishes. When in doubt, patch test first. A little common sense goes a long way.
