Shaving cream is a bathroom staple that most of us use for its intended purpose – to provide lubrication for a close, comfortable shave. However, this versatile product has many other household uses that may surprise you! The creamy foam contains ingredients like oils, soap and glycerin that can be effective at cutting through grease, removing stains and polishing surfaces. Keep reading to discover 7 ingenious ways to clean with shaving cream.
Remove Stubborn Bathtub Rings and Soap Scum
Does your bathtub or shower have stubborn rings of residue that are difficult to scrub off? Before reaching for harsh chemical cleaners, try applying shaving cream to the affected areas.
The oils and emollients in shaving cream can help break down soap scum, while the tiny bubbles provide gentle abrasion to lift off grime. Apply a thick layer of shaving cream onto bathtub rings or soap scum buildup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and you’ll be amazed at how easily those stains disappear!
Shaving cream contains moisturizing ingredients that prevent your tub from drying out during the cleaning process. It’s also more environmentally friendly than many commercial bathroom cleaners.
Why It Works
- Glycerin – This humectant draws moisture into the dirt and soap scum, softening it for easier removal.
- Emollients – Oils and waxes allow shaving cream to penetrate and loosen caked-on gunk.
- Detergents – Compounds like stearic acid act as surfactants that dissolve grime.
- Fine bubbles – Provide light abrasion to lift residue off the surface.
Clean Foggy Mirrors, Glass and Chrome
Does your bathroom mirror constantly look foggy? Have your glass shower doors lost their sparkling shine? Shaving cream can come to the rescue! It works like a charm to remove soap scum, water spots and built-up dust from mirrors, glass and chrome surfaces.
Start by spraying a bit of water on the glass surface. Apply a dollop of shaving cream and use a soft cloth to rub it all over in circular motions. The emollients in the cream will dissolve any hazy film while the light abrasives polish away grime. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth for a spotless shine.
You can also use this trick on other glass and chrome items like drinking glasses, car mirrors, metal fixtures, taps and more. Shaving cream contains just enough gentle abrasives to buff away dirt without scratching most surfaces.
Why It Works
- Lubricating oils – Allow the cream to glide over the surface and penetrate any foggy film.
- Mild abrasives – Gently polish away trapped dirt, water deposits and residue.
- Moisturizing agents – Prevent scratches by keeping the surface wet.
Remove Greasy Grime from Kitchen Surfaces
Does your kitchen look perpetually greasy no matter how much you clean? Grimy buildup on appliances, counters, cabinets and backsplashes is no match for the power of shaving cream! It can cut through oily residue better than many harsh degreasers.
Apply a small dollop of shaving cream directly onto any greasy surface in your kitchen. Use a damp sponge or cloth to work it into the area using circular motions. Let it sit briefly before rinsing – the longer it sits, the more it lifts grease. A final wipe down with a clean wet cloth removes any last traces of grime.
For heavily soiled areas, make a paste by mixing equal parts shaving cream and baking soda. The abrasive baking soda boosts the cleaning power of the shaving cream.
Why It Works:
- Detergents – Dissolve caked-on oils and lift away greasy gunk.
- Moisturizers – Prevent surfaces from drying out so grease can be fully removed.
- Mild abrasives – Polish away stubborn grimy buildup.
Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
Over time, stainless steel appliances can accumulate dusty fingerprints, greasy splatters and water spots that dull their finish. Harsh cleaners often leave behind streaks and can damage the protective coating. For a streak-free shine, grab your can of shaving cream!
Spray some water onto the stainless steel surface and spread on a thin layer of shaving cream using a damp cloth or sponge. Wipe in the direction of the grain to lift away grime and buff to a luminous shine. The emollients polish away dirt while leaving a protective moisture barrier.
For extra cleaning power, make a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda into the shaving cream. The gentle abrasion lifts away stuck-on gunk. Just remember to rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Why It Works
- Glycerin – Prevents scratching by lubricating the surface during cleaning.
- Emollients – Dissolve and lift away oily fingerprints and residue.
- Fine bubbles – Provide very light abrasion to remove stuck-on grime.
Clean Leather Furniture and Accessories
Over time, leather can become dry and cracked, losing its supple feel. Harsh cleaners strip away the oils that keep leather conditioned. For a product that both cleans AND conditions, reach for trusty shaving cream!
Apply a small dollop of shaving cream directly onto leather furniture, shoes, purses, jackets or car interiors. Use a soft cloth to gently rub it over the surface in small circles. This lifts away surface dirt trapped in the pores.
Wipe away the shaving cream with a clean damp cloth. While the leather is still slightly damp, rub in a small amount of coconut or olive oil to replenish moisture and keep the leather conditioned. Buff to a satiny finish with a microfiber cloth.
Why It Works
- Emollients – Leather is skin, so moisturizing oils nourish and condition it.
- Lubricants – Allow dirt and grime to be lifted out of pores.
- pH balanced – Won’t strip protective finishes like saddle soap can.
Clean and Polish Wood Furniture
Do you have treasured antique wood furniture that’s looking a little lackluster? Breathe new life into tired old pieces with shaving cream! The emollients lift away dust and grime, while the light abrasives provide a gentle polish.
First, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth to remove loose dirt. Apply a small amount of shaving cream directly onto wood and rub it in using circular motions. Pay attention to any carved crevices where grime loves to hide.
Let the shaving cream sit for 2-3 minutes to penetrate before wiping it away with a clean damp cloth. Buff the wood with a microfiber towel to reveal the beautiful, polished wood underneath.
This method can be used on finished and unfinished wood furniture, cabinets, floors and more. Try mixing in a couple drops of lemon oil for an extra wood-conditioning boost.
Why It Works
- Detergents – Penetrate and lift away dirt from the pores.
- Emollients – Condition wood and add protective glossy shine.
- Abrasives – Gently buff away dull top layers.
Clean Walls and Baseboards
Does your home suffer from perpetually grimy baseboards no matter how often you sweep and vacuum? Have kids decorated your walls with crayon artwork? Grab the shaving cream for an easy clean up!
Squirt a small amount directly onto walls or baseboards. Dip a soft cloth or cleaning brush into warm water and work the cream over the surface to dissolve crayon, dirt and grime.
The moisturizing ingredients prevent surfaces from drying out so the cream has time to fully penetrate. No need for harsh scrubbing! Just a bit of gentle wiping lifts away amazing amounts of gunk.
Rinse with a clean wet cloth and marvel at the like-new results. The oils leave walls and trim with a light polish too! For really dingy walls, try mixing in a sprinkle of baking soda for extra cleaning power.
Why It Works
- Detergents – Cut through grease, dissolve crayon marks and lift away dirt.
- Moisturizers – Keep walls from drying out so dirt is easily removed.
- Mild abrasives – Provide gentle scrubbing action to remove stuck-on gunk.
Shine Stainless Steel Sinks
Does your stainless steel sink look perpetually streaky and covered with spots? Forget harassing harsh chemical cleaners and let shaving cream come to the rescue! It cuts through soap scum, disinfects and polishes to a beautiful shine.
Apply a moderate amount of shaving cream directly into a dry sink basin. Use a damp cloth or sponge to distribute and work the cream all over the surface. Let it sit for several minutes before rinsing – this allows time for maximum grime-fighting action.
Give a final wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth. The emollients leave behind a protective shine that prevents new water spots. How’s that for multi-tasking?
For extra disinfecting power, make a paste by mixing a sprinkle of tea tree oil into the shaving cream before applying. Its natural antibacterial properties kill germs in the sink.
Why It Works
- Detergents – Cut through grease, food grime, soap scum and more.
- Abrasives – Gently scrub away stubborn spots and stains.
- Moisturizers – Prevent new water spots by creating a barrier.
Those are just 7 of the many ingenious ways you can harness the cleaning power of simple shaving cream around your home. It outperforms many harsh chemical cleaners because the ingredients are designed to be gentle on skin.
Next time you need to scrub a surface, degrease an appliance or breathe new life into tired leather or wood, reach for a trusty can of shaving cream first. You’ll be amazed at how well it works while saving you money on cleaners!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning With Shaving Cream
Here are answers to some common questions about this off-label use for shaving cream:
Is it safe to use shaving cream for household cleaning?
Yes, shaving cream is generally safe for cleaning purposes. It contains mild detergents and emollients that are designed to be gentle on skin. Avoid getting shaving cream in eyes. Spot test on an inconspicuous area first if cleaning valuable surfaces.
Does the scent matter when choosing a shaving cream to clean with?
The cleaning power will be the same regardless of scent. But you may want to avoid extra-strong fragrances if you have sensitivities or allergies. Fragrance-free varieties are best for general cleaning.
What kind of shaving cream works best as a household cleaner?
Gel-based shaving creams tend to be thicker and have more moisturizing oils that aid cleaning. But any type of quality shaving cream should work well, including foams and lathers. Avoid bargain brands.
How should I apply shaving cream when cleaning?
It depends on the surface, but generally apply a small dollop directly onto the area you want to clean. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently spread and work the cream all over the surface to dissolve grime before wiping away.
Does shaving cream leave a residue after cleaning?
It shouldn’t leave any sticky residue if rinsed thoroughly after use. The emollients provide a protective shine but no heavy buildup. Wipe cleaned surfaces with a dry soft cloth to remove any last traces.
What makes shaving cream an effective household cleaner?
The main cleaning agents are glycerin, detergents and emollients. Glycerin softens and lifts dirt. Detergents dissolve oils and grease. Emollients penetrate grime and leave a protective shine.
Should I rinse surfaces after cleaning with shaving cream?
Yes, it’s important to thoroughly rinse any surface cleaned with shaving cream to remove all residue. Wipe with a dry soft cloth after rinsing for best results. Avoid using shaving cream on unfinished wood or porous surfaces that can’t be rinsed.
Can I use shaving cream on granite or marble?
Yes, shaving cream can safely clean and polish granite, marble, quartz and other stone countertops or surfaces. Rinse thoroughly after applying and wipe dry to prevent any residue buildup in the stone pores. Avoid acidic types of shaving cream.
What is the best way to store leftover shaving cream for cleaning?
Transfer unused shaving cream from the can to a sealed container for easier access. An old cleaned out frosting piping bag works great for squirting out just the amount you need. Store in a cool, dry place and use within a few weeks.
Conclusion
Who would have thought that your bathroom shaving cream could become a multi-purpose cleaner and polisher for so many household surfaces? It just goes to show that the simplest solutions are often the most effective.
Next time you need to scrub soap scum, remove greasy residue, clean leather or polish wood, save money on specialized products and reach for a can of shaving cream first. Just allow it to sit and penetrate before gently wiping away dirt with a damp cloth.
Shaving cream is gentler than harsh chemical cleaners and won’t damage most surfaces. It leaves behind a light conditioned finish. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly after use to avoid any sticky residue.
So put your shaving cream to work around your home! Have any other creative ways you use it for cleaning? Let us know in the comments below!