How To Use Branch Basics Bathroom Solution: Complete Guide
By Branch Basics |
Branch Basics Bathroom solution is our most concentrated and powerful dilution for removing germs, dissolving soap scum, and keeping your bathroom squeaky clean without toxic fumes.
But did you know you can also use it to treat stains, remove hard water deposits, wash dishes, remove mold and mildew, and more?
In this article, you’ll learn all the ways to use our Branch Basics Bathroom, what’s in our human-safe formula, plus we’ll answer your healthy bathroom cleaning FAQs.
What Is Branch Basics Bathroom solution?
Branch Basics Bathroom is a safe, all-purpose bathroom cleaning spray made using Branch Basics Concentrate.
To make Branch Basics Bathroom solution, combine 1 part Branch Basics Concentrate to 5 parts water to the refillable Branch Basics Bathroom solution bottle (available in plastic or glass), or use your own bottles.
Shake, and you’re ready to clean!
Branch Basics’ Starter Kits contain everything you need to toss the toxins by replacing synthetic chemical cleaners and laundry products with safe alternatives.
Our Premium Starter Kit, for example, contains Branch Basics Concentrate and Oxygen Boost (laundry booster, bleach alternative, and soaking agent) plus 5 reusable glass or plastic bottles to make your own Bathroom, Streak-Free, All-Purpose, Foaming Wash, and Laundry cleaning products.
Just add water + designated amount of Concentrate to the fill line, shake, and you have everything you need to clean your entire home without harmful chemicals.
To learn more about how Branch Basics safe cleaning system works, check out: How To Get Started With Your Branch Basics Kit.
12 Ways To Use Branch Basics Bathroom Solution For Sinks, Toilets, Tubs, & More
Many people hold onto harmful cleaners for fear they cannot properly clean and disinfect bathrooms without them.
We get it. Bathrooms can get gross pretty fast, especially with kiddos or teens around!
However, Branch Basics Bathroom paired with Oxygen Boost is all you need to remove germs, cut through dirt, grime, and soap scum, and leave your bathroom perfectly clean.
Plus, it’s a clean that lasts.
In the next section, we’ll also share our sought-after how-to on disinfecting your bathroom, surfaces, etc., naturally without harmful chemicals.
Now, let’s dive into 12 ways to use Branch Basics Bathroom solution.
1. Toilets
Toilet bowl cleaners contain some of the most toxic and harmful chemicals of all bathroom cleaners. Plus, they are a hazard for pets, babies, and anyone stuck cleaning with them.
Instead, rely on the power of Branch Basics Bathroom + Oxygen Boost to remove germs and stains without the fumes.
To use:
- Spray Branch Basics Bathroom on the seat, sides, and floor around the toilet.
- To clean inside, flush the toilet to wet, spray, and sprinkle Oxygen Boost around the bowl.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes
- Scrub and flush to clean.
Oxygen Boost contains sodium percarbonate, a non-toxic disinfectant. However, sodium percarbonate’s disinfectant properties must be activated by warm or hot water. Therefore, its use in toilets is for whitening, scouring, and brightening.
To disinfect your toilet, follow our natural disinfecting protocol using either peroxide, peroxide + vinegar (used separately and stored in separate bottles), or steam.
Get the complete protocol for toilets, countertops, and more in: How To Naturally Disinfect Surfaces.
2. Showers + Tubs
Free yourself from the harms of using harsh fumes of bleach- or ammonia-based shower and tub cleaners!
All you need is Branch Basics Bathroom Solution plus optional Oxygen Boost to clean your shower, tub, grout, and faucets.
To use:
- Spray all surfaces.
- Let sit for 1-5 minutes.
- Scrub with a brush or rag and rinse.
For pesky soap scum, team up with Oxygen Boost for a bright, squeaky clean.
- Wet area, sprinkle Oxygen Boost on the area or on a sponge
- Spray Branch Basics Bathroom to wet the Oxygen Boost
- Scrub clean.
For glass doors, we recommend Branch Basics Streak-Free.
See: How To Clean Your Shower Naturally, 6 Tips for more bath and shower cleaning tips.
3. Grout
Branch Basics Bathroom + Oxygen Boost makes cleaning grout in tile showers or floors—even neglected grout—a snap.
To use:
- Spray grout liberally with Branch Basics Bathroom.
- Mix Oxygen Boost and water in a small bowl.
- Scrub the mixture on the grout using a brush, adding more spray as needed.
- Let sit for 10 minutes or more before cleaning up.
4. Drains
Drains can get funky fast. Here’s how to use Branch Basics Bathroom to keep them clean.
To use:
- Remove any hair or buildup.
- Spray Branch Basics Bathroom around the drain.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse and repeat as needed.
For tips on healthy internal drain cleaning, see: Natural Drain Cleaners: 5 Safe Options For Your Home.
5. Sinks
Sinks typically require the most frequent cleaning of all bathroom areas. The gentle and human-safe combination of Bathroom + Oxygen Boost can be used safely on any type of sink, including porcelain, concrete, stainless steel, marble, copper, and more.
To use:
- Spray, scrub, and rinse clean.
- Sprinkle Oxygen Boost for a deeper clean, use Bathroom solution to wet.
- Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub clean.
6. Tile
Whether cleaning tile showers, countertops, or floors, Branch Basics has you covered.
- For spot cleaning, spray tile with Branch Basics Bathroom and wipe with a clean cloth or rag.
- For cleaning tile bathtubs or showers, see the previous point.
- To clean tile floor with a mop, mix 2 Tbsp Concentrate per gallon of water in a bucket.
See How To Clean Tile Floor Naturally for more ways to use Branch Basics sprays to clean your tile floor.
7. Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains can leave unsightly marks or stains on faucets, showers, toilets, and sinks. Bathroom solution quickly removes these without harsh fumes.
To use:
- Spray Branch Basics Bathroom and let sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub with a stiff brush.
- For persistent stains, pair with Oxygen Boost and increase dwell time.
- Branch Basics All-Purpose spray will also work on hard water stains.
8. Mold And Mildew
The humidity and lack of ventilation in most bathrooms make them a prime target for mold and mildew. However, contrary to popular belief, bleach is not the solution.
Not only is it incredibly toxic, but the EPA and OSHA no longer recommend it for mold removal due to its inability to kill mold beneath the surface.
Here’s how to eliminate unsightly mold and mildew using Branch Basics Bathroom, Oxygen Boost, and 3% hydrogen peroxide.
To use:
- Spray the surface liberally and sprinkle Oxygen Boost.
- Wet the Oxygen Boost with more Bathroom solution.
- Scrub with a brush and then let sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse or wipe off with a cloth to remove mold.
- Finish by spraying straight hydrogen peroxide on the grout lines (you can add a spray bottle cap directly to your hydrogen peroxide bottle to make this easy), and let dry.
Mold prevention tip: Mold on bathroom grout or caulk occurs from dirt or grime on the surface in moist areas. Therefore, regular cleaning and ventilation are the best ways to prevent mold and mildew in the bathroom.
For more helpful advice, see: How To Remove Mold From Shower Grout Naturally.
9. Shoes
Yes, that's right... shoes! One of the features people love most about Branch Basics healthy cleaning system is the versatility of our cleaning products.
Here’s how to use Branch Basics Bathroom or Concentrate to clean and revive dirty sneakers.
Method 1:
- Liberally spray with Bathroom solution.
- Sprinkle Oxygen Boost and spray to wet.
- Agitate until soapy.
- If the shoes are white, let them sit for a few hours.
- Rinse clean with water and put in the sun to dry.
Method 2:
- Soak shoes in cold water with 1 capful of Concentrate and 1 scoop of Oxygen Boost for a few
- hours.
- Then, wash shoes on a cold, gentle cycle.
- Dry in the sun.
You can also use Branch Basics Bathroom solution or our All-Purpose solution to clean the soles of shoes to prevent the spread of germs, dirt, pesticides, etc. Just spray and wipe clean.
Note: These methods are for athletic, canvas, or hemp shoes, not leather or suede.
Related read: Why We Keep A No-Shoes-Indoors Policy At Home.
10. Cement
Branch Basics isn’t just for indoor use. You can also use Bathroom to clean cement sidewalks, steps, garden decor, benches, and more.
To use:
- Wet the area, spray, and let sit for a few minutes.
- Use a stiff brush to scrub the area and rinse.
- Repeat if necessary.
You can also use Branch Basics All-Purpose spray, but Bathroom is best for tougher jobs.
11. Dishwashing
Did you know Branch Basics Bathroom Solution or All-Purpose can be used for handwashing dishes?
This gentle, human-safe formula is perfect for breaking up and dissolving grease, food, and grime without being harsh on the skin.
All-Purpose works great on plates, silverware, and less-soiled dishes, while Bathroom is ideal for pots and pans or any sticky or cooked-on food messes as it is more potent.
You can spray directly onto the dishes and scrub, spray a few sprays into a sinkful of warm water, agitate to create foam, and hand wash your dishes.
Talk about a multi-purpose cleaner!
Related read: Why Human-Safe Dishwashing Is So Important.
12. Stains
Very few (if any) synthetic or natural bathroom cleaners double as stain removers. However, Branch Basics Bathroom is terrific for treating nearly any type of stain on most types of clothing, carpets, and upholstery, especially the tougher stains.
For general stain removal, we typically recommend All-Purpose. However, when that’s not enough, upgrade to Bathroom or Bathroom + Oxygen Boost.
Get all the details in our Stainmaster Guide.
Branch Basics Bathroom Tips
Making and using Bathroom solution is straightforward. However, these tips will make your cleaning experience even better.
Tip 1: Trust The Formula
It may be tempting to add more or less Concentrate to the dilution.
However, based on countless hours of research and testing, we can assure you that the 1:5 formula is optimal for bathroom cleaning.
If you need less oomph, you can always use Branch All-Purpose.
Tip 2: Use Bathroom While You’re Bathing To Cut Down On Cleaning Time
You’ve probably heard about the hack of cleaning your bathroom while you’re bathing to save time.
We would NOT recommend that if you’re using harsh chemicals, which can create even harsher fumes with steam or, in the case of bleach, will react with organic matter (like what you’re washing off your body) to create toxic fumes.
However, Branch Basics’ human-safe formula is the exception. Feel free to use it while you’re bathing (or bathing your kiddos—yes! It’s 100% baby and kid-safe) to clean your shower, bathtub, faucets, shower grout, etc. Always exercise caution, as the formula will become slippery when wet.
Tip 3: Replace After 1 Year
If your bottle of Bathroom lasts a whole year, we recommend replacing the formula with fresh water and Concentrate.
Branch Basics Bathroom Solution FAQs
Using a new bathroom cleaner, especially a human-safe solution, can raise many questions. Here are some Branch Basics Bathroom FAQs.
Q: What is in Branch Basics Concentrate used in Bathroom?
A: So glad you asked!
Branch Basics Concentrate is an EWG-verified, Made Safe certified, biodegradable product made from a combination of natural ingredients and naturally derived surfactants, including:
- Purified Water: Reverse Osmosis
- Decyl Glucoside: An ultra-gentle naturally-derived surfactant cleanser derived from coconut and/or Non-GMO corn.
- Chamomile Flower Extract: This is an organic flower extract with Allergen (IFRA) Certifications, which certifies that it is nonallergenic and is not a fragrance.
- Coco Glucoside: An ultra-gentle naturally-derived surfactant derived from coconut. We use this with Decyl Glucoside to enhance cleaning and foaming power and stability.
- Sodium Citrate: A plant-derived, biodegradable sodium salt that acts as a water softener.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: A mineral-based water softener, also known as baking soda.
- Sodium Phytate: A natural chelator used as an antioxidant preservative.
Learn more in: How Branch Basics Is A Healthy And Sustainable Cleaning Line.
Q: I usually use a soft scrubbing/mild abrasive cleaner in my bathroom. Will Branch Basics Bathroom Solution really work as well?
A: Absolutely! This powerful formula is designed to cut through soap scum, dirt, and bathroom grime with ease.
Suppose you find you need a little more scrubbing power. In that case, we recommend increasing dwell time and/or combining Bathroom with Oxygen Boost, our safe bleach alternative, scouring agent, mold remover, water softener, stain remover, and laundry booster.
Q: Can I add essential oils to Branch Basics Bathroom?
A: We have not tested all types of essential oils in Bathroom solution, so do not know if they will affect its performance.
However, if you’d like to experiment, try using 3-5 drops of your favorite 100% pure, organic/wildcrafted essential oils.
If you notice changes in performance, go back to using it without essential oils.
Note: Essential oils react with plastic, clouding and degrading it over time which can result in the release of plastic chemicals when sprayed.
Therefore, if you plan on using essential oils, we recommend using our refillable glass starter kits.
Q: Does Branch Basics Bathroom Solution kill germs? Is it a disinfectant or sanitizer?
A: No. Bathroom is not a disinfectant or sanitizer, it is a natural soap designed to remove germs vs. killing them.
As discussed in previous articles, research suggests that removing germs rather than killing them is generally better for everyday cleaning. When we kill germs, we always leave a small percentage behind, which morph into stronger germs.
Plus, the overuse of disinfectants (even natural ones) has been linked to various health issues.
Related read: Why Oversanitizing Is Harmful To Our Health.
Still, sometimes disinfecting and sanitizing is absolutely appropriate.
In this case, start by using All-Purpose to remove germs, followed by a safe disinfectant like hydrogen peroxide or natural steam.
Learn more in: How To Naturally Disinfect Surfaces [Complete Guide].
Q: Is Bathroom Solution safe to use on all types of fabrics, upholstery, and clothing for stain removal?
A: Branch Basics Bathroom solution and All-Purpose are safe to use on most types of fabrics, including:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
- Leather
- Wool
- Upholstery
That said, fabrics can be unpredictable. Therefore, we always recommend testing a small amount of Bathroom solution in an inconspicuous place before spraying a larger area.
See our Stainmaster Guide for more details.
Q: Can I use Bathroom Solution on glass?
A: We generally recommend our Streak-Free solution for glass. However, Bathroom solution can be used for soap scum. Just be sure to rinse clean.
Q: Does Bathroom Solution work on really tough stains?
A: Yes. All-Purpose and Bathroom work well on tough stains including wine, chocolate, blowouts, and others.
As previously noted, we recommend starting with All-Purpose dilution and upgrading to Bathroom if the stain isn’t lifting.
See our Stainmaster Guide for more details.
Q: Is the Bathroom Solution safe to use around babies and children?
A: Absolutely! Branch Basics was specifically formulated to be safe enough for even the most sensitive users.
Our naturally derived surfactants, Coco Glucoside and Decyl Glucoside, for example, were chosen for their extremely gentle nature and are thus often used in baby products.
Our co-founder’s children often use Branch Basics Bathroom to help clean, make bubbles, etc., and our Foaming Wash, which is also made with Branch Basics Concentrate, makes a lovely baby wash and hand soap.
One note of caution: This does not apply to All-Purpose but Oxygen Boost. Like all powders, Oxygen Boost can be an irritant if inhaled. Therefore, we do not recommend allowing children to use Oxygen Boost unsupervised.
Q: Is the Bathroom Solution pet safe?
Yes. All Branch Basics products are free from ingredients that could harm your pets when used for their intended purpose, including Branch Basics Foaming Wash, a pet shampoo!
Pet parents must always exercise common sense. Any living thing could become ill if they ingested soap, including all-natural Branch Basics or Oxygen Boost.
However, when used for cleaning, this is one of the safest cleaning lines for pets.
See: Our Guide To Pet-Safe Cleaning for more details.
Toss the Toxins with Branch Basics
We created Branch Basics to simplify switching from synthetic chemical cleaners to safe cleaning.
One Concentrate + Oxygen Boost is all you need to clean your entire home and do your laundry.
If this sounds intriguing, we’d love to be part of your healthy home journey.
Branch Basics is a leader in the natural cleaning and holistic lifestyle space, offering products, education, community, and courses.
Click here to shop Branch Basics Bathroom and Starter Kits.
Check out our blog for more tips on everything from human0safe cleaning to healthy living.
Or get a step-by-step tutorial on transitioning away from toxic cleaning, food, and personal care products with Branch Basics Toss The Toxins Online Course.
Finally, join our tribe on social @branchbasics for community, tips, recipes, and resources.
Happy Bathroom cleaning!
