The Surprising Cleaning Supplies Experts Say to Never Use in Your Bathroom

Multi-Surface Kitchen Cleaners

When cleaning practices don’t align with basic plumbing principles, it spells trouble for homeowners, says plumbing expert Kelly Russum. All-purpose sprays are great for kitchen surfaces—but are a big no for bathrooms. 

“Many kitchen cleaners include degreasers that can degrade bathroom finishes, and they are especially bad for silicone caulk, toilet seat coatings, and rubber seals,” Russum explains. “Using all-purpose kitchen cleaners in the bathroom regularly will soon result in cracked caulk, small leaks around fixtures, and mold growth and mildew along shower seams.” 

Russum suggests using a bathroom-specific cleaner that’s made for moisture-heavy areas and doesn’t damage sealed surfaces. For a natural DIY alternative, try a mild vinegar solution.

Bleach

Bleach is an effective cleaner, sure, but this powerful chemical can easily damage parts of your bathroom. For example, using bleach on floors can cause grout to loosen on tiled floors, explains Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids.

"Bleach can also corrode your metal fixtures like faucets, shower heads, and more,” he says. "You should also never use bleach to clean in an enclosed area, as the fumes could cause you to pass out and quite a few health issues."

Pool Chemicals

While there are similarities in ingredients, maintenance expert Jeremy Yamaguchi advises against using pool chemicals in the bathroom. “They can cause skin irritation and are simply not meant to be used indoors in that way,” he warns. “They are often more highly concentrated and can potentially cause damage to your bathroom items.”

Toilet Bowl Cleaners (Anywhere But the Toilet)

Avoid using toilet bowl cleaner in your sink, tub, or shower, Willatt advises. The thickness of the liquid combined with its heavily concentrated chemicals "may make you think it would work on other surfaces," says Willatt, "but these cleaners are designed for one place and purpose only."

Dryer Sheets on Shower Doors

According to Russum, a popular social media cleaning trick making the rounds is actually more of a headache than a life hack: Rubbing dryer sheets on shower doors won't clean them as well as traditional methods. “Dryer sheets are designed for fabrics and contain waxes and fragrances to make them softer and smell nice,” he explains. But when used on shower doors, dryer sheets create a layer that looks clean at first, but actually bonds with hard water. “This makes stains even worse in the long run and a real pain to remove,” Russum warns.

“Instead, use a limescale remover or a vinegar-baking soda paste with a soft sponge to remove buildup without damaging the surface.”

Paper Towels

Paper towels are great when it comes to soaking up a spilled drink—not so much when it comes to cleaning your bathroom. “Paper towels leave behind fibers that are difficult to wipe up, so avoid cleaning your toilet, bathroom sink, or even the shower [with them],” Willatt says.

"Use an old rag, beat-up t-shirt, or old misplaced socks," he suggests. "These won’t leave particles behind, and will leave your area cleaner.”

Ammonia-Based Products

Ammonia is a dangerous chemical that Willatt recommends avoiding completely for the sake of both your health and your schedule. “Not only can ammonia damage your surfaces, it often creates a cloudy film,” he says. “So, you’ll end up having to clean the area a second time—and no one wants to clean a bathroom twice.”

Magic Erasers on Bathroom Fixtures

While magic erasers made from melamine foam work wonders with scuff marks on walls, baseboards, and other tough stains, Russum doesn’t recommend using them for bathroom cleaning, especially on bathroom fixtures like chrome fixtures, shower doors, and faucet handles. "Magic erasers can dull the finish and remove the coating, making everything look shabby and inviting corrosion," he explains.

"If you have stubborn stains in the bathroom, it’s better to use a cream-based bathroom cleaner or a mild limescale remover," says Russum, "along with a non-scratch sponge or microfiber cloth."