
You don't need a cupboard full of special cleaners to fight tough stains. A cleaning expert says three things already in your bathroom cabinet can do the job just as well.
Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie, who runs Lynsey Queen of Clean, shared the tips in an Instagram post. She said some of the best stain fighters could already be hiding in your cupboards, and a few might surprise you.
Here at our site, we like to explain things in plain terms. You should not need to look up a word just to understand how to clean your house. So let's break down what these three items are and how to use them.
What this means for you
You may be spending money on products you don't need. If you already own these three bathroom items, you can skip a trip to the store and save some cash.
Micellar water. This is a gentle skin cleanser many people use to remove makeup. Because it is made to lift dirt and oil, it also works well on greasy marks around your home. Crombie says it can clear makeup stains from carpet and clothing, and it can wipe away sticky fingerprints on chrome surfaces too. Just add some to a microfiber cloth and wipe.
Toothpaste. Regular toothpaste has baking soda in it. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, which means it can scrub away grime without scratching surfaces. You can use plain toothpaste (not gel or whitening kinds) to clean tarnished silverware, remove mineral buildup on an iron's soleplate, and bring back shine on faucets.
Shaving foam. This bathroom staple does two jobs. Wipe it over a mirror and it leaves a thin layer that stops condensation from forming droplets, so your mirror won't fog up. It also works on carpet stains. Spread the foam on the stain, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth.
These tips add to other simple fixes already known for home cleaning, like using baking soda on sweat stains or vinegar to clean a toilet. The idea is the same: you likely already own what you need.

Cutting down on specialty cleaners also means less clutter under your sink. Fewer bottles, less spending, and fewer trips to buy things you already have at home.
Next step: Check your bathroom cabinet tonight for micellar water, toothpaste, or shaving foam, and try one of these fixes on your next stain before buying anything new.
Catch up on our earlier post: DIYer Turns Tiny 4-Foot Pantry Into Smart Storage for Under $600