5 DIY Bathroom Cleaners You Can Make at Home (That Actually Work)
Let’s be honest—cleaning the bathroom is already a chore, so adding toxic chemicals to the mix? No thanks. If you’ve ever had your eyes water from some mystery blue goo or worried about your dog licking the toilet (why do they do that?!), then it’s time to make the switch to something a little more… natural.
These 5 DIY bathroom cleaners are super simple, budget-friendly, and get the job done—without making your bathroom smell like a science lab.
Plus, they’re safer for pets, so your four-legged buddy can sniff around without you having a heart attack. 🐶
1. The Classic All-Purpose Vinegar Spray
This is your go-to cleaner for pretty much everything—sinks, counters, tiles, you name it. It’s natural, non-toxic, and costs next to nothing. Yeah, it smells a bit like salad at first, but that fades fast (or just add essential oils to mask it—boom, spa vibes).
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, or lemon work great)
How to Use:
Mix everything in a spray bottle. Shake before each use. Spray it on surfaces, let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe down with a cloth.
Pet-parent bonus: Vinegar is non-toxic for dogs, so you don’t have to panic if they sniff the freshly cleaned floor like it owes them money.
And when it comes to cleaning grout, you can watch the video below too.
2. Baking Soda Scrub (AKA Shower Slayer)
Baking soda is like that chill friend who helps you move and doesn’t complain. It scrubs without scratching and deodorizes like a champ.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- Water (just enough to make a thick paste)
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil
How to Use:
Mix into a paste and spread it over grimy surfaces—think tubs, sinks, tile grout. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse well.
This one’s especially nice for dog-washing areas where wet fur and soap scum like to party. It cleans without leaving harsh residues behind, so you can bathe your pup without worrying about skin irritation.
3. Natural Toilet Bowl Bombs (Fun to Make, Fun to Use)
Okay, yes, they’re called toilet bombs, but they’re totally safe and smell amazing. Drop one in, let it fizz, brush, and boom—clean toilet.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- ¼ cup citric acid
- 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide or water
- 15–20 drops of essential oil (peppermint or eucalyptus = chef’s kiss)
How to Use:
Mix dry ingredients first. Slowly add the liquid until it clumps like wet sand. Press into silicone molds or ice cube trays. Let them dry overnight. Store in an airtight container.
Toss one in the toilet every few days to keep things fresh and less horrifying. And bonus: it’s a great pet-safe option, especially if your pup has a bad habit of sampling toilet water (ew).
4. Mirror & Glass Spray (No More Streaks, Promise)
Forget the ammonia-filled glass cleaners that make your nose burn. This DIY spray gets your mirrors sparkling without the chemical drama.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (yep, the secret ingredient)
- 5–10 drops lemon or orange essential oil (optional)
How to Use:
Shake well before each use (cornstarch settles, so don’t skip this). Spray on mirrors or glass, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. You’ll be amazed—no streaks, just sparkle.
Also perfect for those dog-nose prints on the lower half of your bathroom mirror. You know the ones.
5. Dog-Safe Floor Cleaner (Because Paw Prints Happen)
If your dog is part-time bathroom assistant/full-time mess-maker, this one’s for you. Safe for paws, sniffers, and sudden zoomies across wet floors.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 gallon warm water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 5 drops lavender or chamomile essential oil (optional, but calming)
How to Use:
Mix everything in a bucket and mop as usual. No rinsing needed. Leaves floors clean without leaving behind slippery residues or harsh scents.
This one’s ideal for tile or vinyl bathroom floors—and yes, it helps get rid of that smell after a soggy dog bath. 😅
Final Thoughts: DIY Doesn’t Have to Mean “Doesn’t Work”
You don’t need to fill your house with chemical cleaners that sound like they belong in a sci-fi lab. These DIY bathroom cleaners are simple, affordable, and seriously effective, and best of all—they’re pet-friendly. So, your bathroom can be clean and safe, even if your dog decides to go full Inspector Sniff.
So next time you’re tempted to buy the neon-blue mystery liquid at the store, try one of these instead. Your wallet (and your dog) will thank you. 😊
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
