How to Clean Your Bathroom Using Only Baking Soda and Vinegar

The bathroom is one of the most used and most challenging areas of the home to keep clean. With constant moisture, soap scum, hard water stains, and bacteria buildup, it’s easy for messes to get out of control quickly.

But you don’t need a cabinet full of chemical cleaners to tackle it—just two basic, affordable ingredients: baking soda and vinegar.

These common household staples can clean, disinfect, deodorize, and break down grime throughout the bathroom—all without releasing toxic fumes or irritating sensitive skin.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to use baking soda and vinegar to clean every part of your bathroom efficiently, safely, and naturally.

Why Choose Baking Soda and Vinegar?

Both ingredients offer powerful cleaning abilities on their own—but when used strategically together, they become a natural powerhouse.

Baking Soda:

• Mild abrasive that lifts grime without scratching surfaces
• Neutralizes odors
• Helps break down soap scum and stains
• Safe for tile, porcelain, glass, and stainless steel

Vinegar (white distilled vinegar):

• Contains acetic acid, which breaks down mineral deposits
• Cuts through grease, mildew, and soap residue
• Natural disinfectant
• Deodorizes and shines many surfaces

Important: While baking soda and vinegar react when combined (creating fizz), it’s not always best to mix them directly. Often, they’re more effective when used in sequence.

Let’s walk through how to apply these ingredients for deep bathroom cleaning.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your supplies for efficiency.

• Baking soda (1–2 cups)
• White vinegar (1–2 cups)
• Spray bottles
• Measuring cups
• Scrub brushes (soft- or medium-bristle)
• Old toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths or sponges
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• Small bowl or jar for pastes

How to Clean Every Bathroom Surface Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Toilet

Step-by-step:

1. Sprinkle 1/2 cup baking soda into the toilet bowl.
2. Pour in 1/2 cup white vinegar.
3. Let the fizzing reaction sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush.
5. Flush to rinse.

For deep stains: Let the solution sit longer, or repeat the process. You can also make a baking soda paste and scrub under the rim with a toothbrush.

Tank tip: Add 1 cup vinegar to the tank monthly and let sit 15 minutes before flushing. It removes mineral buildup and keeps parts clean.

2. Sink and Faucet

To clean the sink basin:

1. Wet the surface and sprinkle with baking soda.
2. Scrub with a sponge or cloth in circular motions.
3. Spray or splash vinegar over the baking soda and watch it fizz.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.

Faucet and handles:

• Spray with vinegar and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
• Use a toothbrush to clean crevices.
• Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for shine.

Tip: Soak a rag in vinegar and wrap it around the faucet for 15 minutes to dissolve stubborn calcium deposits.

3. Bathtub

Soap scum remover:

1. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the tub’s surface.
2. Spray with vinegar to create a fizzy foam.
3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Scrub with a brush or sponge.
5. Rinse well and dry.

Drain refresh:

• Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain.
• Follow with 1 cup vinegar.
• Let bubble for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.

This helps break down buildup and neutralize odors.

4. Shower Tiles and Grout

Grout cleaner:

1. Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water.
2. Apply to grout lines with an old toothbrush.
3. Spray vinegar over the paste and let it foam.
4. Scrub gently and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water.

Tiles:

• Spray with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.
• Let sit a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• For heavy buildup, add a sprinkle of baking soda and scrub.

Tip: Do this weekly to prevent mildew and soap scum from building up.

5. Mirrors and Glass

For streak-free glass:

• Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Spray onto mirrors and wipe with a microfiber cloth or newspaper.

Don’t use baking soda on glass—it can scratch the surface.

6. Shower Doors

Hard water stain remover:

1. Make a paste of baking soda and a small amount of vinegar.
2. Apply to the glass and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Scrub gently with a soft sponge.
4. Rinse thoroughly and polish with a dry cloth.

Tip: Wipe doors dry after each shower to prevent stains from returning.

7. Floor Tiles

Quick clean:

• Sprinkle baking soda over the floor (dry).
• Spray vinegar over the top and allow to fizz.
• Mop or scrub with warm water and dry with a towel.

For tile grout:
Use the same paste method as the shower grout for deep cleaning.

8. Trash Can and Bathroom Bin

• Sprinkle baking soda into the empty can to deodorize.
• Spray vinegar inside the bin and wipe clean.
• Let it air dry before replacing the liner.

Tip: Place a dryer sheet or a spoonful of baking soda in the bottom of the bin to prevent future odors.

9. Vent Covers and Light Fixtures

• Remove vent covers and soak in warm water mixed with 1/4 cup vinegar.
• Scrub gently and dry before reinstalling.
• Wipe glass or plastic fixtures with a vinegar-water mix.

DIY Recipes Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

All-Purpose Cleaner (for hard surfaces):

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10 drops essential oil (optional: tea tree, lavender, lemon)

Drain Freshener:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup vinegar
• Let sit for 15 minutes, then pour boiling water

Toilet Bombs:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup citric acid
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Essential oils (optional)
• Form into small balls, let dry overnight
• Drop one into the toilet for a fizzy, fresh clean

Safety Notes

• Never mix vinegar with bleach or ammonia. This creates toxic fumes.
• Avoid using vinegar on natural stone (marble, granite). The acid can damage the surface.
• Test on small areas first to make sure there’s no damage or discoloration.

Storage Tips

• Keep baking soda in an airtight jar to prevent clumping.
• Store vinegar in its original bottle, tightly sealed, away from sunlight.
• Label any spray bottles with date and contents.

Bonus Tips for Maintaining a Clean Bathroom Naturally

• Use a squeegee on shower walls after each use.
• Keep a small container of baking soda under the sink for daily spot cleanups.
• Leave a dish of baking soda or charcoal near the toilet to absorb odor.
• Clean drains with baking soda and vinegar weekly to prevent clogs.
• Use essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree in your cleaning sprays for antibacterial benefits and fragrance.

Final Thoughts: Clean Smarter, Not Harder

Cleaning your bathroom doesn’t require harsh chemicals, expensive products, or hours of scrubbing. With just baking soda and vinegar, you can keep every surface sparkling, deodorized, and fresh—all while protecting your health, saving money, and reducing your environmental impact.

Start with one area—like the toilet or sink—and experience how effective these natural tools can be. Over time, you’ll build a simple, low-tox routine that keeps your bathroom clean and your conscience clear.