7 Things You Can Clean With Shaving Cream

Shaving cream might not seem like a cleaning essential, but it’s surprisingly useful in places you wouldn’t expect. Its foamy texture, mild ingredients, and gentle scent make it ideal for tackling grime in delicate or hard-to-reach spots. If you’ve got an old can sitting in the cabinet, you might want to move it out from the bathroom and into your cleaning kit. Here are seven smart ways to put it to work around the house.

Bathroom Mirrors

A thin layer of shaving cream can actually prevent fog from building up on bathroom mirrors. Just rub a small amount across the glass, let it sit for a minute, then wipe clean with a dry cloth. This leaves a light barrier that keeps condensation from sticking. It also gives your mirror a streak-free shine. This trick works especially well if you’re cleaning while shower steam is still in the air.

A person wiping a mirror that they covered in shaving cream.
Photo Credit: Better Living Products

Glass Shower Doors

If your shower doors are covered in soap scum, shaving cream can help break it down. Apply a small amount to the glass, spread it evenly with a soft cloth, and then rinse or wipe clean. The cream loosens residue and cleans the glass of it. It’s less harsh than most commercial products, which makes it a better option if you’re trying to protect finishes or keep fumes out of the bathroom.

A person cleaning a glass shower door with a sponge.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Upholstery Stains

Fabric furniture can be difficult to clean without leaving rings or fading the material, but did you know shaving cream can help with that? Dab a small amount onto a stain, gently rub it in with your fingers or a cloth, and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe it away with a damp sponge or cloth after. It works best on water-based stains like juice or makeup, though it’s also worth testing on a more hidden spot first (just in case it leaves a stain of its own or the fabric reacts differently).

A person cleaning paint off a chair with a high powered vaccuum.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Stainless Steel Fixtures

Faucets and handles often collect fingerprints, water spots, and grime. Shaving cream lifts those marks easily without damaging the metal. Apply it directly to the surface, let it sit for a short time, then polish with a soft cloth. It leaves stainless steel looking clean and shiny without the smudges.

A person wiping shaving cream they had placed on their stainless steel stovefront.
Photo Credit: Joe Lingeman via Apartment Therapy

Carpet Spills

For small spots on the carpet, shaving cream can help lift fresh stains before they set. Apply a bit of foam to the area, gently scrub it in with a soft-bristle brush, and wait for about 10 minutes before blotting it dry. Follow up with a damp cloth to remove any residue. It won’t work for every stain, but it’s a safe first step when you don’t have stain remover on hand.

A person using a sponge to wipe up a stain on a carpet.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Grout Lines

If the grout between your tiles looks dingy, you can use shaving cream to clean it. Spray or spread it directly into the lines, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and then scrub with a toothbrush. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth afterward. The foam helps loosen dirt without the need for bleach or stronger cleaners, which can sometimes damage colored grout.

A tiled bathroom wall, half dirty, half clean.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Toilet Handles and Light Switches

High-touch spots like toilet handles and light switches tend to collect bacteria and fingerprints. These surfaces are often plastic or coated metal, which can be safely cleaned with shaving cream. Apply a small amount to a cloth, wipe down the area, and dry it with a clean rag. It’s a quick cleaning fix, just be sure not to let it seep into gaps or electrical components.

A person wiping a light switch with a tissue.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

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Shaving cream isn’t a full replacement for your regular cleaners, especially any heavy-duty ones, but it can be a helpful option when you need something fast, gentle, and versatile. It’s especially useful for fresh messes or surfaces you touch often. If you’re running low on standard supplies or just want to try a softer method, give shaving cream a try!