5 Surprising Things You Can Clean with Shaving Cream

A little lather can go a long way.

A razor and shaving cream on a surface — Credit:
BWFolsom / Getty Images

There are certain household products that would be just as at home in your cleaning caddy as they are in your kitchen pantry, or, in this case, your bathroom shower. Similar to how baking soda and lemon juice have bonus cleaning uses, shaving cream also happens to double as an effective multi-purpose cleaner—and one deserving of a little more recognition.

“Shaving cream is such a secret cleaning weapon!” says cleaning professional and business coach Kelly Jones, known online as @kellythecleaninggirl. “It’s all about the surfactants—the same ingredients that help it foam up also lift oils and dirt from surfaces,” Jones explains. “Plus, it’s a gentle cleaner and leaves a fresh scent, making it a go-to for cheap and quick touch-ups.”

Below, discover the unexpected places shaving cream can shine in your home, plus how to use it safely and effectively.

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Bathroom Floors and Toilet Bases

For households with young children (or anyone who has ever noticed a mysterious lingering smell near the toilet), this trick may feel life-changing. Jones swears by shaving cream for removing urine odors and stains that can seep into tile grout and caulking. "Just foam it around the base, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean," she says. "It’s like a reset button for your bathroom!"

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Fog-Free Mirrors

This old trick should keep the bathroom mirror from fogging up during steamy showers, Jones notes. Apply a thin layer to the mirror and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. Be sure to remove completely to avoid any filmy residue.

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Chrome Fixtures

bathroom sink faucet runing — Credit: Jheng Yao Lin / EyeEm / Getty Images

One of the quickest ways to refresh your bathroom or kitchen is to give your chrome fixtures a quick shine—and shaving cream is surprisingly effective at this. "Shaving cream is super safe for shining chrome fixtures," Jones says. Dab a small amount of shaving cream onto a microfiber cloth, rub over the fixture, and buff until shiny.

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Small Carpet and Upholstery Stains

A small cup on a fabric rug next to a wooden surface — Credit:
towfiqu ahamed / Getty Images

For fresh surface-level spills, shaving cream works as a mild cleanser and stain lifter. "Shaving cream can lift small carpet stains in the house and car," Jones says. Just make sure to use classic white shaving cream—not gel formulas, which may contain dyes or oils. Apply a small amount to the stain. Let sit for 3–5 minutes, then blot (don't rub!) with a damp cloth until lifted.

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Car Interior Touch-Ups

Because it's gentle and easy to control, shaving cream is great for quick wipe-downs of dashboards, car upholstery, and more. "There's big power hiding in that little can," says Jones.

Where to Avoid Using Shaving Cream

Just like any cleaning method or product, shaving cream has its limits. Jones cautions: “I recommend skipping it on natural stone (like marble or granite) and wood finishes—it can dull or damage them over time. Stick to non-porous surfaces like tile, glass, and chrome for best results.”

If you have any stone countertops, stone tile, or wood cabinetry in your bathroom, always clean those surfaces with products specifically formulated for them.