Stainless steel may look sleek, but it quickly picks up fingerprints, streaks, and smudges. That polished finish can turn messy fast, especially in a busy kitchen. An unexpected solution? Shaving cream. It works surprisingly well at removing marks and creating a protective barrier.
Start by dampening a microfiber cloth, then add a small amount of shaving cream. Rub it into the steel surface using small circular motions. After a few minutes, take a dry microfiber cloth and wipe it clean. You’ll notice the surface looks brighter and stays clean longer, with fewer smudges reappearing.
2. Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Painted cabinets can trap grease, dust, and food stains over time, especially around handles and high-traffic areas. While harsh cleaners may damage the finish, shaving cream offers a milder alternative. Add a bit to a wet microfiber cloth, and gently scrub any problem spots. It's especially useful for cutting through grease without stripping paint. Focus on areas where fingers usually land—corners, edges, and near hardware. Once done, wipe it down with a clean cloth to avoid any leftover residue. Your cabinets will look refreshed without any risk to the paintwork.
3. Removing Carpet Stains
Carpets take a beating—mud, wine, and even nail polish can leave stains that don’t budge easily. That’s where shaving cream comes in handy. Apply a layer of foam directly onto the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then blot it up using a damp cloth. If needed, repeat the process. It works well on both fresh and set-in stains and is gentle on most fabric types. It’s a quick way to rescue your carpet without having to reach for expensive cleaners or schedule a deep-cleaning session.
4. Toilet Bowl Rings
Those pink or orange stains that show up in your toilet bowl are usually caused by mineral deposits in the water. While they’re not necessarily harmful, they make the toilet look dirty. Instead of bleach, grab your can of shaving cream. Apply it directly to your toilet brush, and scrub around the water line. The cream cuts through the buildup and makes the surface look clean again. It’s a gentler option that’s also less harsh on your plumbing and nose than chemical-based toilet cleaners.
5. Hard Water Stains
Hard water leaves behind cloudy spots and chalky residue on faucets, shower doors, and sinks. You don’t need a custom cleaner to fix it. A small amount of shaving cream can do the trick. Spread a thin layer onto the stained surface, let it sit for a minute or two, and rub it in with a microfiber cloth. Rinse or wipe clean, and you’ll see a noticeable difference. This method is especially helpful for chrome surfaces, where streaks often show up.
6. Bathroom Mirrors
Mirror fog after a shower is annoying, and glass cleaner can sometimes leave streaks behind. Shaving cream can handle both problems. Apply a thin layer to your bathroom mirror and then wipe it away using a dry microfiber cloth. It clears grime, polishes the glass, and leaves behind a slight barrier that helps keep the mirror from fogging up. This trick works well before long showers or as part of a regular cleaning routine. Plus, it’s faster and less messy than sprays that drip down the glass.
7. Suede Furniture Stains
Cleaning suede can be tricky, especially with fabric like microsuede that stains easily. For light to moderate stains, try applying a layer of shaving foam directly onto the affected area. Let it sit for 20 minutes so it can break down the grime. Then take a clean, damp cloth and gently dab at the foam, careful not to oversaturate the fabric.
Repeat this step if needed. Let the spot air dry fully before sitting or placing anything on it. Make sure to use foam shaving cream, not gel, as gels can damage the fabric or leave permanent discoloration.
8. Eliminate Lingering Toilet Odors
Shaving foam isn’t just good at lifting stains—it can help neutralize odors too. To freshen up your toilet, squirt some shaving foam directly into the bowl and give it a quick scrub. For added deodorizing, apply a generous layer to the floor around the base of the toilet. Let it sit for a few hours before mopping it up. This can absorb lingering smells and make the entire bathroom feel cleaner. It’s a great hack for deep cleaning days or in homes with multiple people using the same bathroom regularly.
9. Clean a Grimy Oven
Greasy ovens can take forever to clean, especially when burnt-on food builds up over time. Instead of using harsh chemicals, coat the inside of the oven—including the door, walls, and bottom—with a layer of shaving foam. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes so it has time to break down the grime. Then use a damp cloth to wipe away the foam and residue. You might need a second round for tougher spots, but it’s still far easier than most commercial oven cleaners and much less harsh on your nose.
10. Freshen Up a Mattress
Mattresses can hold onto stains and odors longer than you might think, especially if you spill drinks or have pets or kids. To clean a spot, spray shaving foam directly onto the stained area. Let it sit for 15 minutes to work its way in. Use a damp cloth to scrub and remove the foam, then follow with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to help lift any remaining residue. Let it air dry completely. This method can help freshen the fabric and remove light stains without soaking your mattress.
