We’ve all been there: you’re halfway through your Saturday morning bathroom blitz, only to discover you’ve run out of your trusty cleaning spray. Before you dash to the shops (or give up entirely), there’s a clever, budget-friendly solution hiding in your bathroom cabinet.
Shaving foam, which you can pick up for as low as $2.30 at Woolworths and $3 at Coles, is more than just a grooming essential. Cleaning experts and savvy home organisers are singing its praises as a versatile, gentle, and surprisingly effective cleaner for all sorts of household messes.
According to cleaning guru Lynsey Crombie (aka the ‘Queen of Clean’), shaving foam is essentially a mild soap. Any white shaving foam can be used for cleaning as it’s non-toxic, non-abrasive, and gentle on most surfaces, making it a safe choice for everything from tiles to glass. ‘If you’ve run out of your usual cleaner and happen to have a can lying around, why not use it?’ she says.
Shaving foam’s foamy texture helps it cling to surfaces, giving it time to break down grime, water stains, and even stubborn odours. Plus, it leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and looking spotless.
One of the most popular hacks is using shaving foam to tackle those persistent, unpleasant smells around the toilet. Simply squirt a generous amount onto the tiles, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then mop it up.
Many who’ve tried this swear it’s the only thing that truly gets rid of lingering urine smells. The only downside? You’ll need a fair bit of foam, and it can be a little messy to clean up—but the results are worth it.
Tired of foggy, streaky shower glass? Cleaning expert Anita Birges recommends spraying shaving foam all over your shower doors, scrubbing with a brush, and then wiping clean with a microfibre cloth. Not only does it remove soap scum and water marks, but it also leaves a protective layer that helps prevent future fogging and limescale build-up.
Because shaving foam is gentle, it’s safe to use on most bathroom surfaces. Apply it to tiles, sinks, taps, or even carpets, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth for a fresh, clean finish.
Beyond the bathroom, shaving foam has surprising uses around the house. To revive your favourite white sneakers, apply a bit of shaving foam and scrub gently using a soft brush—an old toothbrush works perfectly. Wipe away any excess with a cloth and let them air dry for a fresh, clean look.
Shaving foam also works wonders in the kitchen. Cleaning expert Kathy Cohoon recommends it for tackling glass surfaces like oven doors. Thanks to its surfactants and foaming agents, shaving foam helps break down stubborn grease and grime. Simply spray it on, let it sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub and wipe clean.
If you’re in a pinch or just want to try a fun, budget-friendly cleaning hack, shaving foam is well worth a go. It’s gentle, effective, and leaves your bathroom smelling fresh—what’s not to love?
Have you used shaving foam for cleaning? Did it work wonders, or was it a fizzy flop? Share your tips, tricks, and cleaning confessions in the comments below.
Also read: Keep your bathroom mirror fog-free with this easy bathroom staple trick
